Automobiles have revolutionized human mobility and contributed to economic and social development, but they have also caused problems such as environmental pollution, traffic accidents, and energy depletion. In order to reduce these negative impacts, it will be important to develop eco-friendly technologies such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and hydrogen vehicles, as well as safety technologies.

Human need to move

Humans have a basic need to move. The things that are essential for survival are limited in number and quantity, and are unevenly distributed in space. This resource limitation is one of the key reasons why humans are constantly moving to new places. Humans have been adapting to their environment and migrating to survive for hundreds of thousands of years, and this migration has played a crucial role in our evolution and development. Our ability to adapt to our environment and embrace change has been strengthened by migration, and this has been an important factor in increasing our chances of survival.
But migration for survival isn’t just about finding resources. It’s also a means of opening up new opportunities, overcoming geographical limitations, and engaging with different cultures. Migration has allowed humans to interact with other civilizations and create a better life for themselves. In fact, many of the most important civilizational advancements throughout history have been based on movement. The Age of Sail is a prime example of how exploring new worlds and expanding trade networks contributed to human progress.
Initially, walking fulfilled the need for mobility, but it was limited in distance and very inefficient. To overcome this limitation, humans have developed a variety of tools and technologies to travel longer distances and find more resources. In the early days, animals such as horses, donkeys, and camels were popular, but over time, humans realized that these methods had their limitations and began to maximize the efficiency of movement through machines. In this process, the invention of the wheel and the harnessing of power revolutionized human mobility.
One of the most innovative and important means of transportation in modern society is the automobile. Far from being just a mechanical invention, the automobile has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals in modern society, as well as on the economy, society, and culture as a whole. Today, we see cars everywhere we go, and they have gone beyond helping people get around to becoming an essential foundation for logistics and industry as a whole.
The automotive industry also provides jobs for many people and is an important contributor to the economic growth of countries. In particular, cars are considered one of the leading indicators of a country’s level of industrialization. The mass production system introduced by Henry Ford at the beginning of the 20th century helped to democratize the car, making it a necessity of life around the world.
It is now very difficult to imagine a modern society without cars. The ability of individuals to move freely and go wherever they want has become ingrained in our daily lives. More than just a means of transportation, cars have become a symbol of freedom and convenience for people. However, surprisingly few people can explain exactly what makes a car such an integral part of our lives. Few people have a deep understanding of the structure, history, and impact of the automobile, and it’s essential to consider the positive and negative effects it has had on modern society.

What is a car?

The general definition of an automobile is “a means of transportation that carries passengers or cargo on the ground by transmitting power from its own engine to its wheels. An important element of this definition is that it includes its own power generating device, called a prime mover or engine. It is an essential characteristic of an automobile that it does not use railroad tracks or overhead wires, but travels solely on its own power unit. While this definition is a technical and functional description, an automobile is much more than that.
The essence of the automobile has evolved to become not just a tool for transporting people and cargo, but a machine that symbolizes freedom of movement and independence. In the past, animals were used to move people and cargo, mainly domesticated animals such as horses, camels, and donkeys. The speed and range of travel was limited by the animal’s physical strength or geographical limitations. With the Industrial Revolution, however, humans began to develop machines to create more powerful and sustainable power sources, and the automobile was born.
The automobile also has features that make it fundamentally different from other forms of transportation. Trains on railroads and trams on tracks can only travel on designated tracks or routes. Cars have no such restrictions and have the flexibility to go anywhere as long as there are roads. This is why the advent of the automobile revolutionized the way we move around. Cars can move within a city, or between cities, as needed, and this has maximized personal mobility autonomy.
On the other hand, a car is a technological marvel, with many different mechanical and electrical devices working in harmony. A car’s powertrain, braking system, steering, safety systems, and other components all work together to keep the car running smoothly. Today’s cars are more than just a means of transportation; they are evolving into computerized, complex systems. Modern cars can be self-driving through a variety of sensors and controls, and electric and hybrid vehicles have a completely different technological foundation than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A broader definition of a car is the most efficient personalized machine humans have ever used for transportation. The automobile gives humans the freedom to get where they want to go, and it has greatly expanded our ability to move around. The automobile has allowed humans to overcome spatial limitations and open up a wider world.
In the modern world, cars are more than just a means of transportation. They can also become symbols of social status and personal taste. A luxury sports car is a symbol of wealth, a large SUV symbolizes a family-oriented lifestyle, and so on, depending on how it looks and performs.
Finally, cars are more than just a means of transportation; they are an important pillar of the economy and industry. The automotive industry is an enormous part of the global economy and is essential to the economic growth of many countries. In particular, the automobile manufacturing industry has a huge economic impact, as it creates a large number of jobs and is closely linked to the parts industry, the oil industry, the financial industry, etc.

Automotive history

An important part of explaining the automobile is its history. It’s more than just the evolution of a means of transportation, it’s a symbolic development that combines technological innovation and industrialization. The history of the automobile is closely linked to the development of its core component, the engine, and the evolution of the car means the evolution of engine technology. In addition, the history of the automobile, like many other scientific inventions, was born out of wartime situations and military necessity. The need for faster and more powerful means of transportation increased during wartime, and this spurred technological advancements.
First, in the mid-17th century, the steam engine became practical, laying the groundwork for early automobile development. In 1769, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, a French army officer, built a steam-powered car to transport cannons, which became the first automobile in history. These early cars were very different from today’s cars, but they were revolutionary for their time. Although these steam-powered vehicles were very slow and heavy, they were important because they showed the possibility of mechanical movement.
Then, in the second half of the 19th century, automobile powertrains began to develop rapidly. In 1876, Nikolaus August Otto developed a gas engine that operated on a four-stroke cycle. This gas engine was an important turning point in the history of the automobile. It was more efficient than the previous steam engine, and it was smaller and lighter, making it possible to develop practical cars. This technological advancement had a major impact on subsequent automobile development.
In 1883, German engineers Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach developed the first four-stroke, high-speed gasoline engine. Gasoline engines have become the primary power source for today’s cars, and the technology they developed formed the basis for the modern internal combustion engine. In 1885, Daimler developed a two-wheeled gasoline car and Carl Friedrich Benz a three-wheeled gasoline car. Then, in 1886, Daimler completed the first four-wheeled gasoline car. These cars were faster and more practical than any other form of transportation that had ever existed, and they laid the groundwork for the popularization of the automobile.
In 1893, the German Rudolf Diesel patented the diesel engine, and in 1897, the MAN company developed the first working diesel engine. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines offered higher fuel efficiency and more power, making them ideal for commercial vehicles and heavy-duty transportation. The invention of the diesel engine helped to further expand the uses of the automobile and had a major impact on the development of freight transportation and heavy-duty vehicles.
In the same year, German Ferdinand Porsche developed the first electric car. Although the car was never commercialized, it was an important invention that provided the basis for today’s electric vehicle technology. Electric cars have been attempted since the late 19th century, but the limitations of battery technology at the time led to gasoline-powered cars becoming the norm. However, electric cars have regained prominence in the 21st century as environmental concerns and energy efficiency have come to the forefront.
Also in 1899, the French Renault brothers developed the first working internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine was an important invention that formed the basis of modern automotive technology, and in 1924, the German company Benz succeeded in developing the first diesel car. This made the internal combustion engine a more powerful and practical means of transportation.
In the early 20th century, Henry Ford’s introduction of mass production was another revolutionary event in the automotive industry. Ford dramatically increased the speed of automobile production through the use of conveyor belts, making the automobile a necessity for the masses rather than the exclusive domain of the wealthy. This led to the rapid adoption of the automobile in the U.S. and around the world, which in turn helped to democratize the industry and promote urbanization.
Today’s cars are mostly gasoline and diesel-powered, but electric and hybrid cars are also becoming more popular. With companies like Tesla leading the way in electric vehicle technology, the automotive industry is undergoing another transformation. Electric vehicles are eco-friendly and fuel-efficient, and have the potential to help solve the problems of climate change and energy resource depletion. The automotive industry has seen numerous technological innovations and advancements in the 21st century, and the cars of the future are expected to be even more advanced, combining autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, and green technology.

Car structure

The next thing we’ll look at is the structure of a car. Understanding the structure of a car is very important because its performance and functionality are all determined by its structural characteristics. In mechanical principles, one of the most common sayings is that “the function of a machine is determined by its structure”. Cars are no exception, and the way they are designed determines their driving performance, safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
A car can be divided into two main parts: the body and the chassis. The body is the main part of the vehicle’s exterior and has a major impact on its aesthetics, as well as its safety and aerodynamics. The body is divided into the engine compartment, passenger compartment, and trunk. The engine compartment is where all the main parts related to the engine are located, while the passenger compartment is where the safety and comfort of the occupants is ensured. The trunk is the cargo area, which plays an important role in increasing the practicality of the vehicle.
There are two main types of car bodies depending on how they”re made. There are two main types: frame and unibody. The first is the frame, which is the skeleton of the vehicle, and the second is the body. This is especially common in commercial and heavy-duty vehicles that need to be robust. The advantage of a framed vehicle is that it offers a high level of safety because the frame itself can withstand impacts, and it’s easy to make minor repairs if the vehicle is damaged. However, the disadvantages are that they are heavier and have a negative impact on fuel efficiency. Unibody construction, on the other hand, combines the body and frame into a single unit. Most modern passenger cars use unibody construction, which has the advantage of reducing the weight of the vehicle and distributing the impact of an accident over the entire body. The lighter weight of the body also contributes to better fuel economy, as well as better driving performance.
In addition to the body, another important part of a car is the chassis. The chassis is the skeleton of the car, which houses the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, wheels and tires, and brakes. The chassis itself is the part of the car that houses all the major devices needed to drive the car, so how efficiently it is designed and constructed will greatly determine how well the car drives.
The most important component of the chassis is the engine. The engine is the heart of the car, and it’s what generates the vehicle’s power. Most modern cars use a four-stroke internal combustion engine. A four-stroke internal combustion engine produces power in four steps: intake, compression, detonation, and exhaust. When fuel is burned in this engine, the hot combustion gases generate mechanical energy, which allows the vehicle to move. In the past, external combustion engines were used, but the invention of the internal combustion engine allowed for greater efficiency and performance, and today, internal combustion engines are used in almost all vehicles.
Internal combustion engines can be divided into gasoline and diesel engines based on the fuel used. Gasoline engines are mainly used in passenger cars due to their light weight and high power, while diesel engines offer high fuel efficiency and strong torque, which is why they are often used in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to these two types, electric and hybrid vehicles that use electric motors are rapidly gaining popularity, so the power sources of automobiles are becoming increasingly diversified.
The powertrain is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels so that the car can actually move. This system consists of a clutch, transmission, axles, and more. The clutch disconnects and reconnects the engine’s power as needed, which is especially important when changing gears. The transmission converts the engine’s power into speed and torque for the driving situation and sends it to the wheels. Types of transmissions include manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, and more recently, the more efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). The axle is the device that connects the power from the transmission to the wheels and helps the vehicle move. All of these devices work in harmony to give a car the ability to drive.
Steering is an important device that helps a car change direction while traveling. Steering systems are divided into three main types: steering mechanism, gear mechanism, and linkage mechanism. The steering mechanism is responsible for transmitting the force from the driver’s steering wheel to the gear mechanism, which in turn transmits the force to the linkage mechanism to change the direction of the wheels. This steering system is directly related to the driving safety of the vehicle and plays an important role in ensuring stable handling, especially at high speeds.
Next, the suspension system is responsible for cushioning the impact of the body and various devices from the road surface. In particular, the suspension system has a major impact on the ride quality and stability of a vehicle. A well-designed suspension allows the vehicle to drive steadily over uneven surfaces and minimize discomfort for the passengers.
Wheels and tires are the main components that make up the wheels of a car. They rotate with the movement of the axle and make the actual movement of the car possible. The size of the wheels and the type of tires have an important impact on driving performance, and high-performance sports cars and off-road vehicles use tires with different characteristics to optimize their performance for different road conditions.
Finally, the brakes are responsible for slowing down or stopping the car completely. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder is transmitted to each wheel to slow down or stop the vehicle. Brakes are divided into drum brakes and disc brakes. Drum brakes reduce speed by generating frictional force inside a drum that rotates with the wheels, but the heat of friction can cause the drum to expand, resulting in poor performance. Disc brakes overcome this shortcoming by pressing a disk against a pad to reduce speed. Disc brakes are better at dissipating heat, so they don’t degrade as much over repeated use. However, drum brakes are more effective when parking, which is why many cars have a mix of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear.

Car classifications

There are many different classifications of cars, which determine what they can be used for and how they can be used. These classifications are also an important guide for consumers when choosing a vehicle. The first way cars are categorized is by engine. The engine is the core component that generates the power of a car, so the type of engine greatly determines the performance and driving characteristics of the vehicle.
The most basic classifications are gasoline cars, diesel cars, LPG cars, electric cars, hydrogen cars, and hybrid cars. Gasoline cars are the most common type of vehicle and use gasoline as fuel. Gasoline engines are the most widely used in passenger cars because of their high power and smooth ride. Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, use diesel as fuel, and are especially popular in commercial vehicles such as trucks and large SUVs because of their fuel efficiency and torque. LPG vehicles are more environmentally friendly than gasoline or diesel because they produce fewer emissions, but they have the disadvantage of low fuel economy and limited charging stations.
In recent years, electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles have gained a lot of attention. An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that runs on battery power and is environmentally friendly because it produces zero emissions. In addition, electric motors are more efficient than internal combustion engines, allowing vehicles to maximize fuel efficiency. However, electric vehicles are not yet fully deployed and have a long charging time.
Hydrogen vehicles are vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity and run on that electricity. Hydrogen is very environmentally friendly as it only emits water during combustion, and its short refueling time and long range can compensate for the shortcomings of electric vehicles. However, the lack of hydrogen refueling stations and the development of hydrogen storage and transportation technologies remain major challenges.
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This approach combines the two power sources to increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), in particular, can charge their batteries with an external power source, allowing them to maximize fuel efficiency by driving exclusively in electric mode for short distances and using the internal combustion engine for longer trips.
Cars are also categorized by size and displacement. Displacement is an important indicator of a vehicle’s engine size and performance, and cars are categorized into light, compact, subcompact, mid-size, midsize, and full-size vehicles. Light cars are designed primarily for city driving, with small engines and good fuel economy, but limited driving performance and space. Compact and subcompact cars offer a good size for families and are popular with many consumers because they offer a good balance of performance and economy. Midsize and full-size cars offer more powerful engines, spacious interiors, and the ability to travel at highway speeds. These size and displacement classifications help you choose the right vehicle for your needs and environment.
Classification by shape is determined by the shape and structure of the body, which indicates the vehicle’s intended use and style. Sedans are the most common type of vehicle with a four-door structure and are popular for family use because they offer passenger comfort and ample trunk space. Wagons are similar to sedans, but with an extended cargo area, and are often used as travel vehicles because of their cargo capacity and passenger space.
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are vehicles designed for sporting activities or off-road driving, offering high ground clearance and spacious interiors, and have become a favorite among many consumers. SUVs are characterized by their ability to handle both city driving and rough roads. Hatchbacks are also popular with practicality-minded consumers, as they have a trunk that connects to the passenger compartment.
Convertible is a vehicle with a retractable roof, which is often found in sports cars and luxury cars. It is characterized by the ability to open the roof while driving to enjoy a sense of freedom and openness. A coupe is a vehicle with two doors, usually with a sports car-like appearance and a focus on sporty driving performance. Pickup Trucks are practical vehicles that are intended for cargo transportation but can also carry passengers, making them suitable for work or leisure activities. Finally, vans are often used for commercial purposes, as they can accommodate a large number of passengers or carry large amounts of cargo.
Cars can also be categorized according to their purpose. Passenger cars are the most common form of transportation for individuals and families, while freight cars are used to transport large quantities of goods for logistics and transportation purposes. There are also specialty vehicles, which are vehicles designed for a specific purpose, such as fire trucks, ambulances, trailers, and military vehicles. They are used in various emergency situations or for specialized tasks.

Positive and negative impacts of cars

The impact that cars have had on our lives has been both positive and negative. On the positive side, the invention of the automobile has fundamentally changed the way we live. It has revolutionized the movement of people and things through space, which has led to major advances in industry and society around the world. In particular, the automobile has enabled us to overcome physical distances, facilitating economic and social exchange and strengthening connectivity between cities and regions. This has enabled trade and commerce to flourish, and people to work, live, and seek new opportunities over a wider geographic area.
The automobile became a key driver of industrialization, and with the introduction of mass production systems, it contributed enormously to job creation and economic growth. The automotive industry has become a vast industrial chain, linked not only to automobile manufacturing, but also to various other sectors such as parts supply, service industry, transportation, and oil industry. The development of these allied industries has created many jobs and played an important role in the development of local economies.
The automobile also maximized freedom of movement. Leisure and travel have become commonplace, and the quality of life for families has improved significantly as individuals can easily move wherever they want. No longer just a means of transportation, the automobile has become a symbol of freedom and independence, allowing people to pursue more possibilities and experiences.
However, behind all these positive impacts, there are also negative ones. One of the most serious is environmental pollution. The carbon emissions and harmful gases that cars produce have a huge impact on the global environment. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) from internal combustion engines contribute to global warming, and air pollution poses a serious threat to human health. Particularly in large cities, poor air quality due to particulate matter and exhaust fumes is a growing problem, leading to an increase in health issues such as respiratory diseases.
Traffic accidents are another serious negative impact of automobiles. Every year, millions of people are killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents. Traffic accidents occur frequently, especially on highways and intersections, and are caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, road conditions, and vehicle defects. Traffic accidents don’t just take lives, they also cause economic losses and social costs, placing a heavy burden on countries and communities. To address these issues, automotive safety technology is constantly evolving, and the introduction of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles is seen as an important step towards accident prevention.
Energy is also one of the negative impacts of automobiles. The majority of cars run on fossil fuels, which contributes to resource depletion and energy dependence. Oil is a finite resource, and as its depletion approaches, the automotive industry is working to find new alternatives. The introduction of electric and hydrogen vehicles is seen as a way to address these energy challenges, but it will take time for these vehicles to be fully commercialized due to issues such as charging infrastructure and battery technology.
The future of the automobile is closely tied to how these issues are addressed. Environmental pollution and energy depletion are already very important issues in the automotive industry, and automakers are investing heavily in developing green technologies. The introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles and the development of autonomous driving technologies will be at the center of the future of the automotive industry. These technologies are aimed at reducing emissions, reducing traffic accidents, and ultimately providing sustainable transportation.
While the positive impact of the automobile is undeniably significant, it is essential to address environmental and safety concerns. In the future, the automotive industry will continue to evolve to develop greener, safer ways to get around, which will further improve our quality of life. Autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and hydrogen-fueled vehicles will be the mainstay of future transportation, which means that the positive impact of cars on human society can only grow.

The bottom line

Cars fulfill the human need for mobility and have become an integral part of modern society. More than just a means of transportation, they have contributed to economic and social development and have become a symbol of technological innovation. However, the problems caused by automobiles, such as environmental pollution, traffic accidents, and energy depletion, remain a major challenge for the future. Especially in the era of climate change and energy crisis, we need to put more effort into developing technologies to make cars greener and safer.
In the future, the automotive industry will address these issues through advancements in autonomous driving technology, electric and hydrogen vehicles, and more. The evolution of the automobile, which is driven by our need for mobility and technological innovation, will transform into a new form of transportation that improves our quality of life, while also taking into account the environment and safety. The car of the future will be more than just a means of transportation; it will be the key to a sustainable future for humanity.