What are the horizontal lines on the rear window of a car?
3 Answers
The horizontal lines on the rear window of a car are a defroster, also known as a demister. Here is some related information about car windows: 1. Types: Car windows are generally divided into four types: front and rear windshields, ventilation windows, heat-insulating side windows, and sunroofs. The front and rear windows of a car usually use curved glass that is both aesthetically pleasing and provides good visibility, secured with rubber sealing strips embedded in the window frame or with special adhesives. To facilitate natural ventilation, the side windows of a car can usually be moved up and down or back and forth. 2. Window materials: As early as 80 years ago, glass was already installed on the Ford Model T, where flat glass was used at the front of the cabin to protect the driver from wind and rain. In the decades that followed, the glass industry gradually became involved in the automotive industry, creating various types of safety glass—laminated glass, tempered glass, and zone-tempered glass—greatly improving the performance of automotive glass.
I've been running an auto repair shop for over a decade, and car owners often ask about those horizontal lines on the rear window—they're actually super practical heating elements! Each thin wire is embedded within the glass and, when electrified, heats up like an electric blanket, specifically designed to melt frost or fog. Poor visibility through the rear window can be really dangerous, especially when reversing in winter with an obstructed view, potentially leading to accidents. Operating it is simple: just press the rectangular button with wavy lines on the car's AC panel, and it'll warm up in seconds. Modern cars almost always come with this as standard, and the line design has been upgraded to be thinner and more heat-resistant. For maintenance, avoid using hard scrapers to clean the glass to prevent breakage; if the heating fails, it's most likely a blown fuse or a loose wire connection—either replace the fuse yourself or have it checked at a repair shop. Overall, this feature combines safety design with ease of use, making driving more secure, and even beginners can get the hang of it effortlessly.
As a daily commuter driving a family car, the horizontal lines on my rear window are incredibly convenient for everyday use. On chilly winter mornings when the glass is covered with a thin layer of fog, pressing the defrost button instantly clears it away as if by magic—thanks to the heating lines. These are actually electric heating wires: thin metal filaments embedded in the glass that warm up with electric current to remove frost. After prolonged use, remember to clean the glass: regularly wipe it gently with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup, which can reduce heating efficiency. Some older cars may have aging or broken lines—I once visited a repair shop that attributed this to thermal expansion and contraction, suggesting a check of the fuse box. This feature isn’t just practical; it’s also a safety issue—blurry visibility while reversing is especially dangerous, particularly in rain or snow. I recommend drivers make it a habit to check before setting off.
