When you think about it, automotive technology has always evolved to make our lives easier. Back in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the first cars emerged as a major breakthrough. While they were awe-inspiring, many things were still cumbersome, including car door handles.

Nowadays, opening a car door is as simple as pulling, touching, or even using a remote control, but back then, it was a completely different story. Let’s take a look at the long journey of the evolution of car door handles over the years.

1950–1960s: Chrome-Plated Metal Handles Like Those on Room Doors

During this decade, car door handles were typically flat, curved metal bars with a chrome finish. The way to open them was similar to a house door handle: press down.

The problem was, this design was impractical, and if exposed to sunlight, the metal could make your fingers feel like they were burning. It was unsafe, uncomfortable, but well… it was early technology.

1970s Era: Push-Button Model with a Keyhole

In the 1970s, the trend toward larger, wider cars influenced door handle designs. Still made of chrome-plated metal, but with variations, and most importantly, now featuring a keyhole.

To open it: press the keyhole then pull the handle outward. Quite revolutionary for its time, as car security improved thanks to the built-in locking system.

Late 1990s to 2000s: Pull-Out Handle, Favorite of All Manufacturers

This is the most familiar door handle model to this day: the pull-out. Almost all car manufacturers adopted it. Its design is simple, functional, safe, and relatively more durable.

The material is mostly plastic, making it lighter. Opening it is easy: just pull it outward. This design is also more user-friendly for female drivers because it is practical and ergonomic.

Modern Era: Automatic Handles and Flush Doors

In the era of smart cars, door handles have also evolved. Now there are automatic handles that can extend with just a touch or even by simply bringing the remote key close.

One of the most popular examples is the flush door handle on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The door handle is hidden in the car body, appearing only when touched, and can be pulled to open the door. Safer, more futuristic, and definitely cool.

Conclusion

The evolution of car door handles, from hot chrome metal to futuristic flush doors, is a clear testament to how automotive technology continues to advance for the comfort and safety of drivers. So, the next time you open your car door, try to imagine the struggles of car users from the past.

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Evolusi Handle Pintu Mobil: Dari Besi Krom Panas ke Flush Door Futuristis

Kalau dipikir-pikir, teknologi otomotif itu selalu berevolusi untuk memudahkan hidup kita. Dulu, di akhir abad ke-19 hingga awal abad ke-20, mobil pertama kali muncul jadi gebrakan besar. Meski bikin takjub, banyak hal masih ribet, termasuk soal handle pintu mobil.

Kalau sekarang buka pintu mobil tinggal tarik, sentuh, bahkan cukup bawa remote, zaman dulu ceritanya beda banget. Yuk, kita intip perjalanan panjang evolusi handle pintu mobil dari masa ke masa.

Era 1950–1960: Gagang Besi Krom Ala Pintu Kamar

Pada dekade ini, handle pintu mobil biasanya berupa batang besi pipih melengkung dengan finishing krom. Cara bukanya pun mirip gagang pintu rumah: ditekan ke bawah.

Masalahnya, desain ini kurang praktis dan kalau kena panas matahari, besinya bisa bikin jari serasa terbakar. Kurang aman, kurang nyaman, tapi ya wajar… namanya juga teknologi awal.

Era 1970-an: Model Tekan dengan Lubang Kunci

Masuk era 70-an, tren desain mobil besar dan lebar ikut memengaruhi model handle pintu. Masih berbahan besi krom, tapi mulai ada variasi, dan yang penting sudah dilengkapi lubang kunci.

Cara bukanya: tekan lubang kunci lalu tarik handle ke luar. Cukup revolusioner di masanya, karena keamanan mobil meningkat berkat sistem kunci bawaan.

Era 1990-an Akhir hingga 2000-an: Pull-Out Handle, Favorit Semua Produsen

Inilah model handle pintu yang paling familiar sampai sekarang: pull-out. Hampir semua produsen mobil mengadopsinya. Bentuknya simpel, fungsional, aman, dan relatif lebih tahan lama.

Materialnya pun kebanyakan plastik, bikin lebih ringan. Cara bukanya gampang: cukup tarik ke arah luar. Desain ini juga lebih ramah buat pengendara wanita karena praktis dan ergonomis.

Era Modern: Handle Otomatis dan Flush Door

Di era mobil pintar, handle pintu ikut naik kelas. Kini ada handle otomatis yang bisa keluar hanya dengan sentuhan atau bahkan cukup dengan mendekatkan remote key.

Salah satu contoh paling populer: flush door handle pada Hyundai IONIQ 5. Handle pintu tersembunyi di bodi mobil, muncul hanya saat disentuh, lalu bisa ditarik untuk membuka pintu. Lebih aman, lebih futuristis, dan pastinya keren.

Kesimpulan

Perjalanan handle pintu mobil, dari besi krom panas sampai flush door yang futuristis, jadi bukti nyata betapa teknologi otomotif terus berkembang demi kenyamanan dan keamanan pengemudi. Jadi, lain kali buka pintu mobil, coba deh bayangkan perjuangan pengguna mobil zaman dulu.