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A Brief History of the Windshield Wiper

posted on 2/4/2019 3:43:02 PM
People hadn’t been driving cars for very long before they realized that visibility in the rain was going to be a problem, and hanging one’s head out the window to see wasn’t really a solution. There had to be something to clear a car’s windshield of rainwater.
 

Windshield Wiper Origins

Windshield Wipers Montgomery, AL

The very first designs for the windshield wiper were credited to a Polish concert pianist named Jozef Hofmann, as well as Mills Munitions of Birmingham, England. In fact, at least three inventors claimed patents for windshield wiper-type systems right about the same time. In the end, American inventor Mary Anderson received credit for the first operational windshield wiper, back in 1903. Anderson’s “window cleaning device” used a rubber squeegee blade on an arm, operated via a hand-cranked lever from inside the vehicle. Aside from the manual hand-cranked drive, the windshield wiper of 1903 was remarkably similar to what we’re used to today.
 
By 1917, John Oeishi formed the Tri-Continental Corporation, later to become Trico, one of the largest manufacturers of windshield wipers in the world. The windshield wiper had reached mass production phase!
 
 
Windshield Wiper blades Montgomery, AL

Moving into the Modern Age

By the early 1920s, the hand-cranked wiper had been replaced by a system that uses engine vacuum to drive the mechanism. Vacuum wipers were great, except that their speed would vary according to engine load and speed. By the early '60s, vacuum wipers were replaced by an electric drive, and in the mid-'60s, the intermittent wiper was invented (and was initially rejected by Ford).
 
  • TRIVIA: The linkage of springs and a segmented arm that enables a windshield wiper to distribute its pressure equally across the windshield is known as a “whippletree.”

 

 

Visit Don Duncan's All American Auto & Tire for Quality Windshield Wipers

The materials and design of windshield wipers and arms have been enhanced and perfected over the years, but one thing hasn’t changed…even the best wipers are only good for about a year before they’re too worn to be effective anymore. We’ve got a whole selection of windshield wipers for practically any vehicle you can name. If your wipers are leaving streaks on the windshield in rainy weather, don't just put up with it - it's unsafe! Make an appointment with us at Don Duncan's All American Auto & Tire and let us take care of it for you! 
 
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Millbrook, AL 36054
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Auto Repair and Tire Services in Montgomery and Millbrook, AL

At Don Duncan’s All American Auto & Tire in Montgomery and Millbrook, AL, we proudly offer a wide range of auto repair and tire services. With unparalleled services from ASE-Certified experts, we provide quality work at an affordable price. Engine diagnostics, oil changes, wheel alignments, brake servicing, and A/C repairs are among a few of the services that we offer. Schedule an appointment online at either of our locations and experience the quality services and low prices for yourself. With quality brands like, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Michelin, you can use our tire finder to find your tires today! We're also the local choice for custom wheels from brands like American Racing, Eagle Alloys, Giovanna and more. Drive confidently with Don Duncan’s All American Auto & Tire in Montgomery and Millbrook, AL.