Another Stupid Question

[Balthane]

Hello again

I have noticed that My 2007 IS 250 SE has a device called a "Windshield Wiper De-Icer" which is described on page 194 of my owner's manual. The description of what this actually does is not very clear (at least to me.) Will using this clear ice off the entire windshield or just free up the wiper arms if they become inoperative due to freezing solid?

Again apologies for my ignorance and any info will be gratefully received.

Perhaps it is just me but I find modern vehicles very complex and full of items that seem unnecessarily so . I appreciate we live in the gadget age but I have never been fascinated by such things.

[scudney]

As far as am aware it will free up the wiper blades/arms only as Ford own the patent for the heated front screen,hope this helps

[Balthane]

Thank you very much and I expected this to be the case. Many years ago I drove an Escort which had a heated windscreen and I thought it was marvellous. I have often wondered why I have never seen such a useful feature on other cars.

[steveledzep]

If you look beneath the wiper arms, you can see the heater elements, just like on the rear screen.

 

The difficult bit for me is remembering to turn the wipers to off before starting the car in icy conditions....I usually have them set to auto.

[NemesisUK]

Be aware your handbook describes many options that may not be not installed on your car. Do you have a button that corresponds to this option?

[Balthane]

Thank you Nemesis

[wendle]

i believe the Ford patent for the heated front screen expired last year, not sure if this is something Ford could renew or even if they have done, so  it will be interesting to see what the other manufactures now do

[jomo]

 

IS200 melting ice.

Watchthe front screen and mirrors, you'll see the steam from them de-iceing.