Advantages of Owning Automobiles
Automobiles are motor vehicles that run primarily on roads, have four wheels and mainly transport people rather than cargo. The automobile is an important form of transportation for most countries in the world, and most families own at least one. Cars allow owners to travel to work or school, visit family and friends, go on vacation or take close trips, and provide freedom of movement that is not possible with public transportation. It is therefore very important to find the right vehicle for your needs, and get quality insurance that will protect you in case of an accident or theft.
The most obvious advantage of owning a car is convenience. It saves you time by allowing you to travel from one place to another without having to depend on the availability of public transportation. It also means that you can save a lot of money, especially if you travel regularly for business or pleasure.
A second reason is safety. When traveling with children, having a private car gives you the confidence that you can reach their destination safely. This is especially important when taking your kids to the airport, or other long distance destinations. The last benefit is comfort. Having your own car allows you to relax in the back seat, enjoy a pleasant music system or radio, and stay as comfortable as you want during long journeys.
In the United States, manufacturers must meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which are based on the number of cars sold and the average mileage per car. To satisfy these requirements, the design of the engine and its emission control systems have been significantly improved over the years. Emissions have been reduced through use of a variety of control systems, including oxidation catalysts and heated oxygen sensors that initiate closed-loop operation more quickly and maintain the system during extended idling periods. Fuel economy has been improved through cylinder-to-cylinder distribution of air and fuel, choke operation, combustion chamber design, engine calibration, computer controlled spark timing and more.
Alternative fuels, such as methanol made from natural gas now and coal later, may offer further improvements in both fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. However, methanol would have to replace 10 percent of the present gasoline market for it to be economically viable.
Some studies suggest that Gen Y-ers (those born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s) are putting the brakes on automobile ownership, opting for walking, riding public transportation or using car-sharing services instead. But for most individuals, owning a car is a matter of choice and lifestyle. There are many advantages to owning a car, and each individual has his or her own personal reasons for making the decision to own a vehicle.