Windshield Cleaned by Jets of Water While Driving (Nov, 1936)
Windshield Cleaned by Jets of Water While Driving
Controlled by a button on the dashboard, an automatic windshield washer will keep the glass clean while driving. Two small chromium-plated nozzles mounted on the cowl just in front of the windshield wipers are the only external parts, the glass jar used as a reservoir for clear water being mounted under the hood. The fountain is operated by vacuum, two jets thrown against the windshield removing dust, rain spots, mud and insects.
What a crazy idea- NEVER catch on, I’ll tell you!
Seriously, though, I can’t imagine driving a car under today’s speeds and conditions without a windshield washer! (Shouldn’t this be under “Origins” too, Charlie?)
nlpnt » Good point. I added it.
I always liked the old VW-bug low-tech mechanism. Air pressure from the spare tire was used. A cutoff valve prevented the spare from deflating below its usable pressure.
now i’m curious to know how was it before the washer…
I’ve had a few old cars that didn’t have washers, it sucked. A friend of my had a VW micro bus that had a squeeze bulb for the washer.
Wow, I had forgotten all about the bulb type. My family had an old RV that had a bulb mounted on the floor that you had to step on with your left foot to pump water; though the previous owner had bypassed it and installed an electric pump but it was still interesting.