Heated Windshield – Things to Know About It

Heated Windshields: An Overview 

Imagine yourself cruising down the road, and you get disturbed by a foggy windscreen. Quite a dangerous proposition, no doubt.  

Now, imagine how nice it would be to have a mechanism that can help prevent such road hazards.  

Modern technology has made this more possible with heated windshields and heated windshield wipers.  

Here is the overview of what to expect in this article: 

• We will understand how to check whether your car has a heated windshield or not and the mechanism through which it works.  
• We will list the different types of heated windshields along with their benefits.  
• Lastly, we will learn how to care for the heated windshields and maintain them in a pristine condition. 

Does Your Car have a Heated Windshield? 

Before we understand more about heated windshields, check if your car has one. 

For that, look at the glass near the base of the wipers. Do you find thin, tiny, and curved wires or gridlines? Then, your car has a heated windshield. 

Alternatively, you can check for a specific button on your dashboard or console that looks like the rear window defrost button. 

So, now that you have confirmed that your car has a heated windshield, let’s understand how it works.   

How Does a Heated Windshield Function?  

The answer lies in the thin web of tungsten wires that crisscross the windshield glass. The tungsten wires heat the surface of the glass just enough to melt the ice and defrost the snow or fog. 

Are you worried about hurting your fingers in the heated windshield? Worry not! It gets barely heated, as the temperature is just above the freezing point of ice. The temperature is sufficient to prevent the ice and condensation buildups, thus paving the way for increased visibility.   

For more efficient cleaning and to prevent windshield streaks, some manufacturers use electrical heating elements. 

Let us now understand what the benefits of heated windshields are. 

Why Should You Use a Heated Windshield? 

Apart from the obvious reasons listed above, heated windshields eliminate the need for heaters or air conditioners to defrost the windshields, helping you save gas and lower noise levels. 

This also helps you avoid using an ice scraper or splashing hot water to remove the ice and damage the windshields. Moreover, they act on the window interiors, too, giving you a clear view to drive instantly after starting your car. 

You must be wondering why, if it’s so beneficial, all cars don’t have heated windshields. That’s because it is a relatively new addition to the slew of sophisticated accessories of luxury cars and cannot be seen in older and economical ones. 

Also, this attractive feature comes with a considerable cost, which is added to the vehicle’s price. Furthermore, you need to bear in mind that windshield replacements and repairs are quite expensive. 

Types of Heated Windshields: 

1.  In the first type of heated windshield, multiple layers of metallic coating are attached to the inner surface of the outer layer of the glass. Electrical connectors attached to the top and bottom edges of the glass heat it and prevent fogging. 

It is difficult to repair and can damage the electrical system of the car. 

2.  In this type of heated windshield, fine wires are embedded in the PVB between two layers of glass, which supplies the heat to defrost the windshields. 

It can generally be repaired without much damage to the heating mechanism. 

3.  In this third type of heated windshield, gridlines on the inside of the glass heat the area near the bottom of the windshield. 

If the gridlines are affected, the only option is windshield replacement, while it renders itself to repair otherwise. 

Caring for Your Heated Windscreens: 

So, now that you know the safety and convenience of heated windshields, let’s learn how to care for them. 

In general, heated windshields are quite hardy and, with proper maintenance, can last a lifetime. 

One of the best things you can do to care for your heated windshield is to get expert care for it. These experts know the best and will ensure that the heated windshields are fully functional. 

Another preventive measure is to wash the glass of the windshield frequently to remove any dust and grime. 

Wipe down any built-up grime on the wipers to prevent scratches. 

Through the Frost 

We are now pretty clear about the benefits, significance, and workings of heated windshields. This raises a serious question: What should one do if they have a cracked heated windshield? Allowing the cracked windshield to stay will make it worse, and there is no point in having a dysfunctional heated windshield. 

Depending on the location and damage, you have two options: heated windshield repair or replacement. 

Only an expert windshield repair and replacement company can determine which one you should go in for. 

Are you worried about the cost of a new windshield? For affordable windshield replacement in Arizona, Colorado, and South Carolina, look no further than NuVision Auto Glass. They ensure the highest standards of quality and state-of-the-art services at competitive prices. 

FURTHER READING