A car is a wheeled vehicle that has its motor and is used for transport. The invention of the car was a steady process that took many years. The car history shows the evolution of ingenuity, change and creativity. Henry Ford invented the first car in America in 1908. Following this invention, there has been a steady car evolution with different sizes shapes and price. These cars were developed by various people. Currently, there are many automobile companies in the US and the globe that continue to invent new cars. The cars created in the 21st century are powerful machines with many parts that are efficiently crafted. Such inventions aim at increasing efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, reducing environmental pollution and security features (Buderi & Seitz, 2002).
The invention of the car completely changed how people lived. In the beginning, cars were only bought by a few individuals. The reason was that the cars were very expensive, and most persons in the world were poor. Today, this situation has changed in many parts of the world. For example, in many developed countries, each family as at least one car. In developing countries, cars are still owned by a minority but the situation is fast changing. Unlike in the past where cars were used for special occasions, cars today are essential item (Smeed & Wardrop, 2004). They are used to move people from one place to another. A car is viewed as one of the greatest inventions in the world.
There are different classes of cars ranging from sports cars, SUV’s, sedans, trucks and Lorries. This list is not exhaustive. These cars come in various sizes and functionality. There are people who prefer huge powerful vehicles. These people are not satisfied with the capabilities or the original look of a car. They make modifications to the car with the aim of obtaining the qualities that matter to them. This is out of an obsessionwith the need for speed and more power.
The result is potent and robust machines that are sports and racing cars (Bledzki, Faruk, & Sperber, 2006). The manufacturers push the limits of sports and racing cars by continuing to modify and test them. SUV’s are designed as utility cars and aid in movement from one place to another. They are suited for general transportation work for general functions such as carrying light luggage and transportation of passengers. Trucks and Lorries are designed for heavy work such as carrying heavy cargo. They are fitted with features to handle heavy weight without mechanical breakdown.
Cars are used for many reasons, the most fundamental being transportation. They are used to move people from one place to another. As a mode of transport, cars are very efficient and cost effective means of carriage. Their speed makes them convenient to carry people and luggage over reasonable short and long distances. In the 21st century, cars are used for sports such as racing. Racing cars are specially designed for speed and powerful engines to facilitate racing. The racing sport has gained global acknowledgement and participation and to think it started with the invention of the car!
Some types of cars are used as an indication of social status and wealth. Cars such as hybrid models of Mercedes, Toyota’s Lexus and Prius are expensive powerful machines that are used for prestige. Such cars have sophisticated features that distinguish them from the rest of the vehicles. They are only made for the wealthy who don’t mind paying exorbitant prices to acquire a car of their class. The cars are even custom made to suit the needs of the customer. For example, the Middle East has a car festival. During the occasion, the wealthy oil and gold miners display their posh cars as an indication of their wealthy and business prowess. Also, in the US and other developed countries, there are car models that are just made for show off of car’ class. These cars are owned by successful individuals in high status (Backman, Börjesson, & Setterberg, 2007).In fact, such cars cannot be sold to just anyone by the manufacturer. This is because price discrimination is appliedto distinguish the buyers of the car and retain its prestige.
While cars are very useful, they have some disadvantages such as accidents. Road accidents are common the world over. Fatal accidents occur and disrupt people’s lives. Accidents results in death of passengers and other third parties. In some cases, accidents lead to permanent disability due to head and spinal injuries. This derives the victim of an ordinary life as they are unable to engage in economic activities. Cars have also increased environmental pollution. Noise pollution is very common in busy towns and major roads. The noise is a nuisance to people who have sensitive ears and at times may result in ear infections (Andre, 2001).
Exhaust fumes from unroadworthy vehicles emit lead into the atmosphere. This has adverse effects on health and vegetation. Cars have made people lazy and lax. Use of cars prevents people from walking, which is a healthy exercise. People use cars even for short distances that they can walk. This results in health style diseases such as obesity as people don’t do exercises at any time. Another problem is the traffic jam Traffic jams waste time and result in accidents as the drivers get tired and agitated from delays. This situation is very profound and grave in developing countries that have poor road networks.
References
Andre, M. (2001). Experimental study on the actual uses of the cars (EUREV)(No. 890874). SAE Technical Paper.
Backman, M., Börjesson, S., & Setterberg, S. (2007). Working with concepts in the fuzzy front end: exploring the context for innovation for different types of concepts at Volvo Cars. R&d Management, 37(1), 17-28.
Bledzki, A. K., Faruk, O., & Sperber, V. E. (2006). Cars from Bio‐Fibres.Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 291(5), 449-457.
Buderi, R., & Seitz, F. (2002). The invention that changed the world (p. 137). Touchstone.
Smeed, R. J., & Wardrop, J. G. (2004). An exploratory comparison of the advantages of cars and buses for travel in urban areas, Inst. Transport J, 30.
http://automobileandamericanlife.blogspot.com/2011/10/short-and-simple-essay-on-sports-cars.html
http://www.testbig.com/ielts-essays/discuss-advantages-and-disadvantages-having-car
http://lang-8.com/456695/journals/1625143