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Why Vehicles Have Glove Compartments

Roberta Willson • September 9, 2021
Have you ever wondered why vehicles have a glove compartment? If you already know, how come they still have them in almost every vehicle to this day? Let’s start with the invention of the glove compartment and the evolution of it over the decades. 

The Introduction to the Glove Compartment


So who invented the glove compartment and why? The credit is given to Packard in 1900 when the first automobiles were really just called “horseless carriages”. The Packard Motor Car Company wanted to show people that automobiles were not “horseless carriages” but something entirely different. The solution: replace the dashboard with a horse-drawn carriage that served the purpose of keeping you clean from any mud, water, etc. that was kicked up while driving with a waterproof storage box. I don’t even think they knew what they invented as it was being adopted by various other car manufacturers. From there, car companies installed the control panel where the dashboard was and everyone continued to install drawers like the glove compartment in their vehicles.

Why the Name?


So why does it have that name? Just as you thought, because gloves were often stored in this box. When automobiles were first invented, they had no roof and did not have power steering. As a result, gloves were needed to battle the weather elements and lack of power steering in order to control the vehicle. Over the next couple of decades, driving gloves were not necessary due to the updates to vehicles - roofs, heat in vehicles and eventually power steering. Even though the need for driving gloves was no longer necessary, the glove compartment has stood the test of time. 


Why Do We Still Have Them?


It is simple: convenience. Back then and still today, people love convenience. A small box where you can store items that is easily accessible to the driver is ideal and therefore the glove compartment has actually become a vehicle staple. 


Although a glove compartment will likely not be storing a lot of gloves these days, they are getting more and more luxurious depending on the make and model; some with refrigeration or USB ports and so much more! 


We love car history just as much as you - check out our blog or follow us on Facebook for more fun facts! 

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