EMU: Windshield-Wiper Technology Evolves

March 28, 2005 7:55 AM, EST

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fter a century, the technology of the humble windshield wiper continues to evolve. But the enemy of progress — friction — never rests.

The wipers on today’s trucks are essentially the same components found on automobiles. And like four-wheelers, truck drivers don’t think much about them until the view turns blurry.

Drivers of all kinds take it for granted that they can easily clean their windshields with the flip of a switch on the steering column. Well, clean in a relative sense. Streaking has been one of the most difficult of chronic problems to resolve.

But new, super-slippery compounds are helping to clear the way, vendors say, and sensors may even take the work out of turning the switch.

For the full story, see the March/April issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the March 28 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.