Automobiles – Pros and Cons
Automobiles are wheeled vehicles designed to transport passengers. They are powered by an internal combustion engine that uses a volatile fuel to produce mechanical energy. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems that incorporate many subsystems. These include chassis, bodywork, power steering and power brakes, electrical equipment, control system and service devices. Engines can be gasoline (carburetor internal combustion), diesel, gas (balloon gas), electric or a combination of these. Transmission is a set of devices that transfer mechanical power from the engine to the driving wheels.
Cars were once rare but today more than five billion various cars are produced each year. The most popular vehicles are passenger cars, trucks and buses.
The first automobiles used steam engines attached to wagons, but they were slow and hard to handle. Gasoline-powered automobiles became popular in the late 19th century. In America, Henry Ford revolutionized industrial manufacturing by using the assembly line to make automobiles quickly and cheaply. Ford’s approach allowed middle class families to afford automobiles. The new technology gave people more freedom to travel and do things.
Besides being faster than walking or riding a bicycle, automobiles can carry more people and their luggage. They can also go places that other wheeled transportation cannot because of bad roads or harsh terrain. They are especially useful for long trips to destinations that require a lot of traveling time.
Pros: Automobiles provide jobs for millions of workers in factories that build them and at gas stations and restaurants that serve them. They give people the freedom to go where they want without having to wait for a bus or worry about getting lost in unfamiliar territory. People who own a car can visit family, friends and business associates in distant cities.
Cons: Cars can cause pollution that harms the environment. They use fossil fuels like gasoline, which releases carbon dioxide into the air. This is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. They also need a lot of space to park, which is not always easy in busy cities.
Whether to own a car is a personal decision. People should weigh the pros and cons carefully, including maintenance and parking costs. If a person does decide to buy an automobile, it is important to have affordable auto, home and renters insurance. FICOH can help protect your car and other assets with affordable coverage. Get a quote online or call us. We have offices throughout the state of North Carolina. We look forward to hearing from you.