Automobiles are self-propelled passenger vehicles with four to eight wheels that are powered by either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Automobile engineering is the study of these vehicles. They play a crucial role in modern society as they transport goods and passengers. These vehicles are also a lifeline for many people.
Cost of owning a car
The total cost of owning a car varies widely. The least expensive state is New Hampshire, while the most expensive state is Wyoming. In 2016, the average cost of owning and operating a car was $8,558 per year or $713 per month. This reflects a 1.6 percent drop from 2015, and is largely due to lower gas prices.
One of the first expenses that people typically budget for when buying a new car is car insurance. Whether you decide to purchase your vehicle outright or finance it with an auto loan, you’ll need to pay for collision and liability insurance. There are many factors that can affect your insurance bill.
Safety features
Safety features of automobiles are becoming more commonplace. According to an article in the New York Times, the rapid improvement in automobile safety is due in part to automakers adding automatic braking systems and other safety features to a growing number of models. These systems, which help protect drivers and passengers, are able to detect driver distractions and warn them of potential hazards. Some of these systems apply the brakes briefly and move the steering wheel gently to help prevent collisions.
A good example of an automated service is GM OnStar, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to monitor the vehicle. Other examples include the Hyundai Bluelink, Kia UVO, Lexus Safety Connect, and Mercedes-Benz’s mBrace. Toyota’s Safety Connect features automatic airbag deployment and can summon emergency services to the scene of an accident.
Cost of maintaining a car
The price of maintaining a car varies depending on its age and model. While entry-level models cost less, luxury cars can be incredibly expensive to maintain. The maintenance costs of a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW are around three times as much as those of an entry-level model. The cheapest cars to maintain are those made by Toyota and Asian imports. Regardless of age, however, Toyota remains the least expensive car to maintain.
If you’re wondering what the cost of maintaining a car will be, you should know that even a mid-tier vehicle may need to go to the body shop regularly. The cost of these body visits can significantly lower the value of a vehicle.
Environmental impact of automobiles
The environmental impact of automobiles is a major concern for automotive manufacturers today. Manufacturers are implementing new rules and regulations that force them to create more environmentally friendly cars. However, these new standards come at a cost: higher prices. This is problematic for any automobile company, especially newcomers like Tesla.
According to historian Mark Foster, about one-third of the automobile’s environmental impact happens before it even leaves the factory. He cited a study that found that fabricating one car produces 29 tons of waste and 1,207 cubic yards of air pollution. Automobiles are also associated with a large amount of energy used in extraction of raw materials.