Windshield wipers were designed to keep the front window of your car clear so that you may easily see your surroundings while driving. When they were first invented they were much different than what they have become and they have definitely come a long way from what they started as. The need for windshield wipers is apparent now, but they were once just an idea and were not included in the purchase of a vehicle. The quality of wipers has evolved so much that they are now available with a function that melts any build up from severe weather. When looking for these high-tech wipers, look no further than Crystal Clear Blades.
The Beginning of Windshield Wipers
When first invented in 1903, windshield wipers were not automatic. They did not come with the vehicle you purchased and they were not blades. At first, windshield wipers consisted of two brushes that moved up and down the windshield. They would keep the window clean so that you could see in front of you while driving. The lack of automation meant that they had to be hand operated. This seems like a lot and it is. The driver would have to steer the vehicle, work the clutch and stick shift, and manually clean the windows. Talk about distracted driving! Shortly after, the brushes were changes to the rubber blades, but were still operated manually. Before 1920 arrived, the manual feature of wipers was history. Electric wipers were invented to free up some of the responsibility that was placed on the driver. The wipers were actually just one large wiper blade that covered the whole windshield. In the early 1920’s these wipers started to get popular and several years later, they came standard with new manufactured cars.
The Newest Features
While wipers have come such a long way, people can easily look back and wonder how a vehicle was ever driven without them. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will be best for your vehicle. Would you benefit more from the blades that are built to last a long time; with the blades that are built just to do the job intended; or with the blades that are said to be better because the contour the windshield itself. Then there is the new hot commodity when it comes to windshield wipers. Wipers are now offered with a heating mechanism. This melts any snow and ice that may build while you are driving during the winter season.
While you are not likely to find any wipers that are made of brushes, you can find several different styles of blades, making the choice a hard one. If you live in an area that is known for large amounts of snow and ice, you may opt to purchase the heated wiper blades. If you do not live in an area where snow and ice come in abundance, buying regular blades may be good enough. The type of wipers you will need depends greatly on the area you live in and how often they will be used.
