Automobiles are one of the most common forms of transport, with over 73 million cars produced worldwide in 2017. They can be seen driving down the highway, and many people own them.
Cars can carry more people and their luggage than walking or riding a bicycle, depending on where you live and what type of public transportation is available in your area. They are also faster and more convenient than buses, trains, trams or subways, especially in cities where traffic jams can be bad.
They can go places where other types of transport cannot, such as on mountains or in harsh terrain. These types of vehicles are called SUVs (sport utility vehicles).
A car’s suspension system lets it absorb the bumps and dips in the road surface, so it can keep going straight without skidding or bouncing off the side. There are different types of suspension in automobiles, but most cars have independent front and rear suspension.
Cars have brakes that work by friction to stop them quickly in an emergency or when they’re parked. Electric automobiles have regenerative brakes, which slow the automobile by transforming the energy it uses to move into electricity.
A car’s body is usually made from metal, though fiberglass and plastic are used as well. It protects the passengers inside from accidents, offers storage space, and houses the important parts of the engine and other systems. It also has a firewall to prevent fires in the event of an accident.