No, cars haven't always had windscreen wipers. Early automobiles lacked many safety features, including wipers, leaving drivers to rely on goggles for protection from rain and debris.
The First Windscreen Wipers
The first windscreen wiper was patented in 1903 by Mary Anderson. Her manually operated design allowed drivers to clear the windshield using a lever. In 1917, Charlotte Bridgwood improved on this by introducing an automatic system powered by rollers. Despite their innovations, these early wipers were slow to gain popularity.
Widespread Adoption
By the 1920s, as cars became more common, manufacturers started including wipers as standard equipment. Early systems were vacuum-powered, but in the 1960s, electric wipers became the norm, offering more reliable and efficient performance.
Modern Wipers
Today’s windscreen wipers are advanced, featuring variable speeds, intermittent settings, and rain-sensing technology. These improvements ensure clear visibility and safety in all weather conditions.
Windscreen wipers have come a long way from their manual beginnings, evolving into essential safety features that every car relies on today.
