PART 2
One of the most useful inventions in the world is the car. No one forgets their first car. Most of us have strong emotional connections to it, such as our first road trip as a couple, an epic family holiday, or a memorable outing with friends. While we will never forget these special moments, there are some intriguing historical facts about cars worth remembering.
The Windshield Wiper Was Invented by a Woman Named Mary Anderson
In 1905, Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers to alleviate the inconveniences of driving in rain or snow. Before the invention of windshield wipers, drivers had to repeatedly exit their vehicles and manually wipe their windshields.
Anti-lock Brakes Were Invented Over 50 Years Ago
The first anti-lock brakes were developed in the 1920s and became increasingly popular in the 1990s. Today, most modern cars are equipped with anti-lock braking systems, or ABS.
The First Recorded Road Trip Happened in August 1888 by Bertha Benz
Bertha Benz, the wife of Karl Benz, the inventor of the first practical automobile, traveled from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany with her two sons. The 106-kilometre journey was the first long-distance road trip ever recorded and took about seven hours.
The Term “Tune-Up” Was Coined by Henry Ford While Working on His First Car Prototype
Henry Ford spent a lot of time working on the car and noticed that when the coils worked together properly, they made a buzzing sound. If the coils didn’t produce the buzzing sound, it indicated they needed adjustment, which he later called "tuning."
The World’s First Car Race Took Place in 1895, with a Winning Speed of 24 km/h
Things have changed a lot since 1895, and fortunately, cars can now travel much faster than 24 km/h. If cars could still only go a maximum of 24 km/h, it would take an eternity to get from point A to point B.
Brake Lights Were Only Invented in 1905
Before the invention of brake lights, many drivers relied on hand signals to communicate their intentions to others. This was problematic at night, as it was difficult to see hand signals in the dark. Today, brake lights are a mandatory feature on vehicles, as they are an important safety element.
The Inventor of the Cruise Control, Ralph Teetor, Was Blind
Ralph Teetor was blinded in an accident at the age of five. He set out to create a mechanism that could maintain a constant speed for the vehicle to save fuel. This first cruise control mechanism was named “Speedostat.”
Before the Invention of the Steering Wheel, Drivers Used a Lever to Control the Car
The steering wheel was invented by a man named Alexander Winton in Cleveland, Ohio. Winton began a series of inventions related to cars in 1896 and is best known for the steering wheel.
The First Car Radio Was Introduced by Chevrolet
In 1922, Chevrolet introduced the first car radio. The steering committee wanted to ban it because it could be considered a distraction, but the ban didn’t succeed. By 1963, most vehicles were equipped with radios.
10. The First Three-Point Seat Belt Was Introduced in 1959
The Volvo Amazon 120 and PV 544 were the first models to feature the now-famous three-point seat belt. The development of the seat belt is credited to Nils Bohlin, a Volvo engineer. Since 1968, it has been mandatory to include this three-point seat belt as a safety feature in all vehicles.
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