Can a car's heating wire still be used if it's slightly broken?

[StNolan]

No. Here is some relevant information about heating wires: 1. Main uses: Industrial heating equipment and household heating appliances in metallurgical machinery, medical, chemical, ceramic, electronic, electrical, and glass industries. 2. Diameter and thickness: The diameter and thickness of a heating wire are parameters related to its maximum operating temperature. The larger the diameter of the heating wire, the easier it is to overcome deformation issues at high temperatures, thereby extending its service life. When operating below the maximum temperature, the diameter of the heating wire should not be less than 3mm, and the thickness of the flat strip should not be less than 2mm. The service life of a heating wire is also largely related to its diameter and thickness. When used in high-temperature environments, a protective oxide film forms on the surface of the heating wire. After a period, this oxide film ages, creating a continuous cycle of formation and destruction. This process represents the continuous consumption of internal elements in the heating wire. Heating wires with larger diameters and thicknesses contain more elements, thus having a longer service life.

[VanKira]

Having driven for over a decade, I've actually encountered situations where heating wires broke at certain points, such as in seat warmers or rear window defrosters. After a small section breaks, the heating becomes uneven—some spots scalding hot while others remain icy cold, and I've even seen smoke. Research shows that heating wires conduct electricity continuously; a single break alters resistance, concentrating current near the breakpoint. This can lead to blown fuses, melted wiring, or even fire hazards. Once, I tried a temporary fix with tape, which only worsened the damage. In the end, I had to replace the part properly—costly but spared major repairs. My advice: don't gamble with safety. If you notice a break, turn it off immediately and visit a professional repair shop. Safe driving matters most—don't let small issues ruin your journey.

[LaGabrielle]

I'm just an ordinary office worker with not much driving experience. A small section of my car's heating wire broke. I thought I could save money by making do with it - when I turned on the heater, it warmed up briefly at first, but cooled down completely after a few minutes with no effect at all. I searched online for DIY solutions like applying conductive adhesive or bypassing the break point, but this caused localized overheating that scorched some interior parts, which scared me into stopping immediately. The principle is actually simple: heating wires are designed for even heat distribution, and break points disrupt this balance, potentially causing current deviation that could damage the controller or battery. Later, I went to a small shop and replaced the heating wire for just over 200 yuan, which was much more worry-free. Fellow drivers, take note: if you find a break, act on it immediately to avoid more expensive problems down the road.

[CatherineDella]

The defroster heating wire on my car's rear window had a small break, which I initially ignored. As a result, when activated, the heating became uneven, with icy patches stubbornly remaining and obstructing visibility. As an enthusiast, I knew these wires are metal resistors—once broken, resistance spikes dramatically, risking current overload and blown fuses. During inspection, the mechanic warned me that continued use wouldn't just be inefficient but could short-circuit and cause fires. I promptly replaced the component, and now heating works smoothly. My advice: address such issues early—don't gamble safety to save pennies.