Automobiles are motor vehicles used for transporting passengers on land. An automobile usually has four wheels and an internal combustion engine that is fueled most commonly by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. In the United States, cars are an integral part of everyday life, and they play a crucial role in shaping American culture. They are a major contributor to the economy, providing jobs for many people in related industries such as oil and gas exploration, rubber manufacturing, and road construction. They also serve as a mode of transportation that provides many conveniences, such as fast and easy access to locations.
Having a car gives you freedom and independence. It allows you to travel at your own pace, and it allows you to get where you need to go on your own schedule. Cars are also useful in emergencies, allowing you to quickly evacuate your family in case of an accident or disaster.
The automobile revolutionized the way Americans live. It provided a means of getting around that was convenient and affordable for most families, and it stimulated dozens of spin-off industries. For example, demand for vulcanized rubber increased, and highway design became an industry in its own right.
During the first decades of the 20th century, the middle class in the United States was growing, making it possible for more people to afford cars. As a result, the number of cars in America skyrocketed. By the end of World War II, there were more than 26 million registered automobiles in America. Today, there are more than 1.3 billion cars worldwide.