Headlight wipers were a feature, primarily on European luxury vehicles in the 1980s and 1990s, that used small blades to clean the headlamp lenses. They were largely discontinued due to impracticality, damage proneness, and the advent of modern automotive technology.

Description: Headlight wipers functioned much like miniature versions of windshield wipers, using a small motor and sharing the windshield washer fluid reservoir to wipe snow, dirt, and debris off the headlights. They were initially designed for practical use in harsh winter climates like Sweden, where accumulated snow and slush could significantly reduce visibility.

Reasons for Discontinuation:

The use of headlight wipers faded for several reasons:

Impracticality and Damage: They were often impractical in regions with mild weather, were prone to breaking off due to their exposed position, and replacement blades were expensive.

Design Changes: The move from flat, vertical, or round glass headlights to modern aerodynamic designs with sloped plastic covers made wipers less effective and more difficult to integrate.

Technological Advancements: High-pressure headlight washer jets began to replace the mechanical wipers in the early 1990s as a more efficient cleaning method that avoided scratching the softer plastic lenses of newer headlights. Modern adaptive lighting systems and brighter, more efficient HID/LED lights also reduced the need for physical cleaning mechanisms.

Cost and Complexity: The added cost and mechanical complexity of the motors, linkages, and wiring were not justified for a feature that provided minimal functional benefit in most driving conditions.