What to Do When the Rear Window Defroster Wire Breaks?
2 Answers
When the rear window defroster wire breaks, it cannot be repaired and requires replacement of the entire glass. Methods for maintaining car glass include: 1. Proper use of glass cleaner; 2. Applying a protective film to the car glass; 3. Insuring the car glass; 4. Thoroughly removing dirt from the car glass; 5. Regularly replacing the rubber seals. Methods for cleaning car glass effectively are: 1. Wet the glass with water, apply toothpaste evenly, gently scrub with a sponge, then rinse clean; 2. Dilute glass cleaner with water, pour into a spray bottle, spray onto the glass, and wipe clean with a soft, lint-free cloth; 3. Spray a small amount of water on the glass and wipe with old newspapers back and forth.
I've encountered this issue before while driving, and a broken rear window defroster wire is really annoying. First, I recommend parking the car and checking whether the wire is actually broken or if there's just poor contact elsewhere. If it's confirmed to be broken, don’t rush to replace the entire glass—some repair shops can fix it with specialized conductive adhesive, which works decently and costs a few hundred bucks. Of course, DIY is also an option; you can buy a defroster wire repair kit online and try applying it, but be careful not to damage the intact wires. For safety, I now always open a window slightly in advance to reduce fogging or keep a defogging spray handy—though it’s a temporary fix and not as effective as the original function. In short, address the issue promptly to avoid driving hazards during rainy days.
