Parts of a Car
Want to know the basics of your vehicle and how these parts came to be?
Listed below are a few important pieces that make our cars what they are today:
1. Electric Headlights:
The first electric headlight was introduced in 1898 by the Electric Vehicle Company based in Hartford Connecticut. Numerous problems led to the production of the modern headlight in 1912.
Why this is important: Before headlights were invented, drivers would have to drive without light during the night. Because of this, accidents increased until headlights became mandatory in all vehicles.
3. Radio:
The car radio was invented in 1929.
Why this is important: The radio was introduced as a means of warning when bad weather is about to occur, particular bad road conditions and also to prevent drivers from becoming drowsy while driving.
Why this is important: The radio was introduced as a means of warning when bad weather is about to occur, particular bad road conditions and also to prevent drivers from becoming drowsy while driving.
5. Steering Wheel:
Vehicles were steered with a lever until 1894 when Alfred Vacheron created a steering wheel in a race he took part in.
Why this is important: The steering wheel allows drivers to control the vehicle. A key safety feature would also not be directly in front of the driver; the airbag.
7. Power Windows:
A car company named Daimler created the first electric/powered
window in 1948.
Why this is important: This invention was created to make it easy for drivers to roll down their windows with little force. Power windows are continuing to improve and now can detect when something (such as a person's hand) is in their path.
9. Brake:
A man named Frederick Lanchester made stopping vehicles much easier when he invented the disc brake in 1902.
Why this is important: Without brakes, accidents would become unavoidable and vehicles would become almost impossible to stop. Since the brakes were invented, technology has enhanced and multiple braking systems are available to help drivers at all times.
11. Heated Seat:
In 1951, heated seats were developed by Robert Ballard.
Why this is important: The heated seats became and added luxury in most vehicles due to the targeted heat on a particular body part. For some, heated seats seemed to reduce lower back issues.
2. Windshield Wipers:
In 1903, a woman named Mary Anderson invented the automatic windshield wipers.
Why this is important: Windshield wipers allow us to have complete visibility through our windshield while driving, especially during rainstorms, snowstorms and other bad weather conditions.
4. Odometer:
The first, simple odometer was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1763 as a method of measuring the best route for delivering post.
Why this is important: Drivers are now able to calculate how far their destination is and how far they've driven.
6. Airbag:
The airbag specific for vehicles date back to 1941. The invention is credited to German Engineer Walter Linderer and to the North American John W. Hetrick.
Why this is important: A vehicle is made to crumple and absorb impact during an accident, but your body is not. The purpose of the airbag is to help protect and reduce the damage to your body when in a collision. An airbag's opening speed reaches about 320 km/h and opens 40 milliseconds after impact.
8. Rear (third) Brake Light:
The third brake light has become a requirement on all modern vehicles and was created by Psychologist John Voevodsky in 1974.
Why this is important: The rear/third brake light's purpose is to warn other drivers your vehicle is slowing down and for them to slow down as well. Since its production, the rear/third brake light has reduced 60.6% rear-end collisions.
10. Tire:
The first air-filled tire was created by Veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop in 1888.
Why this is important: The tires are the only contact your vehicle has to the ground, without them, there would be no movement. Tires provide grip for steering, braking, acceleration and absorb shock.
12. Car Battery:
All batteries were only able to hold a single charge until 1859 when a French Physician named Gaston Planté created the first rechargeable battery.
Why this is important: The battery is what brings your vehicle to life. It keeps the electric current steady and powers all electrical components which allows you to keep your vehicle running.
13. Turn Signal:
Oscar J. Simler invented and patented the turn signal in 1929 but wasn't offered to consumers until 1939.
Why this is important: Turn signals allow you to indicate which direction you'd like to travel and warn other drivers when you need to turn or change lanes. By doing so, this allows all drivers to know the whereabouts and intention of vehicles and help prevent possible collisions.