Few inventions in modern history have had a greater impact on human society and the environment than the automobile. In the United States, where automobiles were first developed, they created new jobs in manufacturing and provided access to services such as gasoline, oil, rubber, and plastics. They also led to the development of better roads and to new industries such as automobile parts and services, including auto repair shops. Today, automobiles are the dominant form of transportation in most countries.
Hundreds of individual parts make up a modern automobile, and much like the human body, they are designed to work together. The most important systems are the engine, fuel system, electrical system, cooling and lubrication system, and chassis. The engine, which is the “heart” of the automobile, consists of pistons, cylinders, and tubes to deliver the fuel to each cylinder. These parts move rapidly, and without a proper lubrication system, they would quickly wear out or become damaged. The lubrication system carries oil from the crankcase, through a series of passages and holes in the engine, to all the moving parts. The oil reduces friction between the metal parts and carries away heat from the engine. The lubrication system drains back into the crankcase, where it is refilled by a pump driven by the engine.
The fuel system supplies the energy for the engine to run and to power other vehicle systems. Automobiles are powered by either gasoline, diesel or electric power. Gasoline-powered cars have a majority share of the United States market. However, because gasoline cannot be stored for long periods of time, it must be constantly replenished. Diesel vehicles are more fuel efficient than gasoline-powered vehicles, but they require more maintenance to keep them running correctly. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, but they are expensive to purchase and have limited range.
Cooling and lubrication systems are used to protect the moving parts of the engine from damage caused by overheating. The lubrication system uses a special fluid to reduce the friction between the moving parts of the engine, thereby reducing the temperature. A pump, driven by the engine, pushes oil through a series of passages and holes to all the moving parts in the engine. The oil carries away the heat from the engine, and the heated oil drains back into the crankcase, where the pump refuels it.
Whether you want a buttery smooth entry-level luxury sedan or a 600-horsepower firebreathing wagon, there’s a car out there for you. But the best vehicles do more than just satisfy your needs. They do that little bit extra that elevates them to the next level. Whether it’s a trusted classic that’s been mastering the art for decades or an upstart that catches one of those cars’ product planners napping, the best new automobiles offer something unique and special to anyone who drives them.