The first windshield wipers were operated manually by moving a lever inside the car back and forth. Today, most of us take our electric windshield wipers for granted. The wipers faithfully keep the window clear, moving back and forth across the windshield countless times as they sweep the water away. On their highest speed, they move impressively fast, sometimes shaking the car from side to side. What kind of a mechanism can move the wiper arms so effectively and so reliably?

2008 HowStuffWorks
What began as a hand-cranked system is now automatic, and only getting more so: Some windshield wipers can actually sense rain. Learn the mechanincs behind this essential automotive tool.


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