It's always interesting to look back at some of the comforts we enjoy on a daily basis and see how they evolved over the years. For example, it’s easy to take auto air conditioning for granted, but it wasn't always standard in every vehicle on the market. For further insight into how the technology got to where it is today, here are a few frequently asked questions to shed light on the evolution of air conditioning in automobiles.

Auto Air Conditioning Evolution FAQ

What Was the First Method of In-Car Cooling?

When the first production automobile patent was issued in 1886, built-in auto air conditioning was a far-flung concept. Even the introduction of the Knapp Limo-Sedan Fan in 1921 only brought with it a small electric fan that created a breeze, which was nothing compared to the air-cooling technology to come.

How Did Early Styles of AC Differ?

Beyond the Knapp Limo-Sedan Fan, there were many attempts at in-car cooling, some more successful than others. In 1919, the Kool Kooshion seat cover introduced small springs that lifted drivers ever-so-slightly above the car seat, creating room for air circulation underneath. The Car Cooler took air conditioning a step further in 1930. This window-mounted evaporative air cooler was an add-on product that maintained popularity from the '30s through the '60s. On the downside, it looked like a vacuum jutting out from the side of the car.

Who Made Air Conditioning an Option?

Though the cooling system was found in the trunk and users had to manually adjust the drive belt to turn it off and on, air conditioning first became a car manufacturer option thanks to Packard in 1939. With World War II on the horizon along with a then-hefty cost of roughly $275, this option didn't last too long.

When Did Air Conditioning Become Standard?

After Pontiac and Nash moved auto air conditioning to the front of the car in 1954—followed by Cadillac's introduction of adjustable temperature with the Comfort Control system in 1964—AC finally became standard equipment in 1968. The move from optional to standard first arrived along with the AMC Ambassador, and it just took an additional year for air conditioning to be in more than half of all American automobiles.

It's hard to imagine life on the road without auto air conditioning today. Thankfully, this only becomes a concern when you run into technical issues, and that's when the auto repair experts at Cookeville Tire & Auto come to the rescue. This one-stop auto shop has been helping residents throughout Tennessee with reliable maintenance and repair services for over 25 years, and they treat all their clients like friends. Check out their website for more information, and call them at (931) 526-9022 to schedule an appointment today.