Automobiles are an important aspect of American society and have played a major role in the history of our country. They have changed the way people live, the design of our cities, and the ways we do business. But they also have created many problems. For example, the automobile has contributed to air pollution and traffic congestion and is responsible for an increasing percentage of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Automobile
Modern cars are complex technical systems, with thousands of component parts that interact to make the car work. Some of the subsystems include the engine, fuel system, exhaust system, lubrication system, electrical system, and transmission.
When designing a new car, engineers must consider the various needs of the public and decide which systems are most useful. For example, a car that is used only for local driving, or that has to be very fuel-efficient, will need different engines and suspension systems than a car that is intended for speed.
The arrangement and choice of components in an automobile depend on how the vehicle will be used, as well as on the type of materials needed to build the car. Some types of materials can improve fuel efficiency, while others can increase safety and comfort.
In addition, some systems that improve the performance of the vehicle require a larger and more expensive arrangement than other systems. For example, a car that is a sport-utility vehicle will need a more powerful engine, a more sophisticated suspension system, and a more complex arrangement of the transmission, steering, and brakes.
Some of the systems in an automobile may be relatively simple, while other systems are highly complex and difficult to manufacture. For example, a car with a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine must have a proper mixing system to ensure that the gasoline is correctly compressed and ignited.
A car’s engine must also be able to deliver power quickly and efficiently. Choosing the correct size and design of the engine is critical for a good ride and performance, as well as for fuel economy.
Another consideration is whether to use front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive car is easier to maneuver, and it can be smaller and more fuel-efficient than a rear-wheel-driven car. However, rear-wheel drive will allow a car to turn more easily and have better handling and safety when braking.
Lastly, the cost of the automobile must be considered. Some features that improve the various systems in a vehicle will increase the price of the car and might be unaffordable for many consumers.
The automobile has given Americans a large measure of freedom in the form of mobility, but it has also encouraged sprawl and has spawned problems such as air pollution, congestion, and road rage. It is time for America to look at its automobile industry in a new light and to reconsider how it can best serve its citizens and the environment.