Most drivers get into their car and, upon noticing a foggy rear window, hit the defroster button, waiting for the horizontal lines in the glass to work their magic. It seems very low-tech, yet the ...

For most drivers, the rear defroster button is an afterthought. You jab it on cold mornings, watch the frost melt into streaky rivulets, and then forget about it until the next weather event.

Automotive history provides a fascinating look at the evolution of design and technology. Nowadays, during rainy or cold conditions, there is a handy little button on your dashboard that defogs the ...