Hand-crank windows, also known as manual or roll-down windows, are an automotive feature operated by a handle (crank) that a person physically rotates to raise or lower the glass pane. This system uses a simple mechanical regulator mechanism, which has largely been discontinued in modern vehicles due to technological advancements, cost-efficiency in manufacturing, and consumer demand for convenience. Description of Hand-Cranked Windows

The system consists of:

A handle/crank: Located on the interior door panel, used by occupants to provide manual input.

A regulator mechanism: Inside the door cavity, gears convert the rotational motion of the crank into vertical movement for the window glass.

Simplicity and reliability: Manual windows are known for their mechanical simplicity and lower failure rates compared to complex power window systems, though they require more physical effort to operate, especially from the opposite side of the vehicle.

Discontinuation in Automotive Manufacturing. Manual windows have become a rarity, particularly in the U.S. market, for several reasons:

Standardization and manufacturing efficiency: It has become more cost-effective for manufacturers to produce a single, standardized power window system across all trim levels, reducing assembly line complexity.

Consumer demand: Market preferences shifted decisively towards the convenience and ease of power windows, which became a standard feature on most models by the late 2000s.

Safety and features: Power windows allow for master controls on the driver's side to operate all windows, which is difficult with a manual system. Modern features like "express-down/up" (one-touch operation) are also only possible with a power system.

The Last of Their Kind (U.S. Market). In the United States, manual windows were gradually phased out. The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models were among the last vehicles to offer them as an option on base trims for many years.