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The First Car
In 1807, François Isaac de Rivaz designed the first car powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by hydrogen. In 1886 the first petrol or gasoline powered automobile the Benz Patent-Motorwagen was invented by Karl Benz. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_automobile -
The Brake
Although the first car was created in 1885, it was not until 1901 that the brake was invented. The brake allows a car to slow down and stop. The brake was invented by Frederick William Lanchester. Before 1901, none of the cars that were being driven and tested had brakes. No wonder Benz was crashing his car into walls all the time! http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-293_t-712_c-2665/VIC/3/How-cars-have-changed-over-time/Transport-in-the-past/Out-and-about/Science/ -
First Car With Radio
In 1929, the car radio was created. The car radio did not come with the car, it had to be bought separately. This luxury invention was created by Paul Galvin. The car radio allowed people to listen to their favourite programmes while cruising along the road. http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-293_t-712_c-2665/VIC/3/How-cars-have-changed-over-time/Transport-in-the-past/Out-and-about/Science/ -
Eletric Indicators
Indicators became a standard feature of the car in 1939. Indicators are electric lights that help drivers to alert other people which way they are going. Could you imagine the chaos that would take place on the roads if indicators had not been invented? People use indicators when they are changing lanes or making a turn. http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-293_t-712_c-2665/VIC/3/How-cars-have-changed-over-time/Transport-in-the-past/Out-and-about/Science/ -
Air Condition
Air-conditioning was introduced to cars in 1940. This invention made cars a lot more comfortable, especially on really hot days. At first, the air-conditioning was a little bit awkward. To turn the air-conditioner off, the driver had to stop the car, get out and disconnect a tube located under the bonnet. http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-293_t-712_c-2665/VIC/3/How-cars-have-changed-over-time/Transport-in-the-past/Out-and-about/Science/ -
The Seat Belt
In 1956, the seat belt was installed into the car. Australia was the first country to make seat belts compulsory in all vehicles. The seat belt did not become compulsory in the United States until 1968. http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-293_t-712_c-2665/VIC/3/How-cars-have-changed-over-time/Transport-in-the-past/Out-and-about/Science/ -
The GPS
The history of GPS. In 1957 the former USSR launched the first man-made satellite: Sputnik 1. Scientists quickly realised first that by using the Doppler Effect one could work out a satellite's orbit. Then that by turning it round, you can use satellites to work out the position of a receiver on earth. http://www.tomtom.com/howdoesitwork/page.php?ID=6&CID=2&Language=1 -
The Air Bag
Another important safety inclusion to the car was the airbag. The airbag was first installed in 1971 by the Ford Motor Company. Airbags were designed to stop people from being injured on some part of the vehicle's interior. The airbag works by rapidly inflating at the point of collision. Airbags help prevent the risk of serious injury. http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-4_u-293_t-712_c-2665/VIC/3/How-cars-have-changed-over-time/Transport-in-the-past/Out-and-about/Science/
