Poll:Hot windshield washer for your car... gimmick or really works?

[A.Tech]

http://www.windshieldwiperheaters.com/

Basically it attaches to the washer reservoir and stores the liquid for 30 seconds and then shoots it out on the windshield at 150 degrees. This I guess would keep the nozzles on the hood from freezing and clogging up the lines. It's mainly for ice and snow when it smears and then you use your wiper blades. it also says it is good for easier bug removal and bird poop and generally just cleans better because it can kill the bacterial dirt.

It does sound really cool and I kinda like it, it really would be great in the winters but I don't think the price justifies it($150)... It is too much for just hot water. Your better off just putting hot water in a cup and splash it all over the windshield when you start your car up for that price. I would also think on what kind of fluid is uses. I would not like it if the washer fluid gets too hot and can stain your car around the rubber parts...

The only thing I am not sure of is... could 150 degrees crack your windshield or damage your wipers over time?

O and I thought I do a poll and make interesting... lol

So... Yay or nay?

[MattB]

Don't some European cars have something like this as standard?

[A.Tech]

I think some do yea... I know higher end BMWs do.

[jltibbs]

sounds like being lazy. i just keep some de icer handy.

[D_roc]

yea my 96 mercedes had heated washer fluid but it was heated nozel my question is will the hoses on the maxima able to handle 150 degrees coz they are not made for heated water you may have to change em too

[audtatious]

I would hate to see what 150 degree water might do to glass that is -10 degrees. Might be OK but someone else would have to test it a while first

[MinisterofDOOM]

Buick offers this one one of their models.

I think it's an excellent idea.

sounds like being lazy. i just keep some de icer handy.

It'd be nice if that were true, but when you're in a place that has harsh winters, you'd go through dozens of cans of that every year and you'd have to use it every time you want to go anywhere. Sometimes I have to stop and re-scrape the window more than once because it frosts back over before I get down the block. When you're in a hurry and it's cold outside, heated washer fluid is exactly what the doctor ordered. Once you raise the temperature of the glass, it won't frost over again, and heated fluid is a lot quicker than waiting for the defroster to heat up.

I don't see the need for 150*F fluid, though. ~75-ish ought to melt water just fine without risking a windshield.

[jltibbs]

wouldn't say, 50 deg work? 150 is just harsh. anyways. i do have somewhat mild winters here in TN.