Automobiles are one of the most important inventions in our modern world. Without them, many luxuries of life cannot be enjoyed. They are used for passenger and goods transport. There are a variety of automobiles that are available in the market based on their purpose. Automobile Engineering is the branch of engineering which deals with the manufacturing and technology of vehicles. There are different types of automobiles based on their engine, which is the source of power to them. This engine can be divided into two parts – internal combustion and external combustion. The internal combustion engine is the most common type of automobile, as it provides more power than the external combustion engines.
The term “automobile” is derived from the two ancient Greek and Latin words, “autos” meaning ‘self’ and “mobilis” meaning “movable”. An automobile is a wheeled, self-propelled machine that produces its own power to run mainly on roads. This power is supplied by an internal combustion engine which propels the wheels with a clutch/fluid coupling and gearbox. Other systems of an automobile include steering, braking, and suspension systems. In addition, the vehicle body provides safety and comfort to the passengers. Each of these systems are designed to work in conjunction with each other. The design of an automobile depends largely on its intended use. For example, an automobile designed for off-road use may require simple, rugged systems that are able to withstand severe overloads and operating conditions. Similarly, a car designed for high-speed road systems will need advanced systems that optimize its performance and handling at elevated speeds.
