Why Are There Stripes on the Rear Windshield of a Car?
2 Answers
The horizontal stripes on the rear windshield of a car are called heating lines. Their primary function is to address fogging or frost formation on the rear windshield during rainy or snowy weather, which occurs due to the significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle. By turning on a switch located on the dashboard, the heating lines can warm the glass, effectively resolving fogging and frost issues. Below are some advantages of windshields: 1. Aesthetics and Transparency: As vehicle speeds increase, the wind carries sand, dust, and other debris, which can impair visibility and reduce comfort. After the invention of glass, it was quickly adopted for vehicles due to its attractive appearance and excellent transparency. 2. Enhanced Safety: Tempered and laminated glass has replaced ordinary glass, offering higher strength. Even when broken, it does not shatter into small pieces but remains largely intact, significantly reducing potential harm. Nowadays, many high-quality windshields also feature UV-protective coatings to safeguard the eyes of passengers.
The stripes on the rear windshield of a car are actually heating wires designed for defogging and defrosting. As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter fogging issues on the rear window during winter. When I press the defrost button inside the car, these striped resistance wires begin to heat up, melting frost or condensation within minutes, allowing you to clearly see the road behind. This is particularly useful in rainy or snowy weather, helping to avoid accidents caused by blind spots, such as suddenly losing sight of vehicles behind while driving at high speeds. I've also noticed that the stripes are evenly distributed, ensuring they don't obstruct the view significantly, which is a very thoughtful design. However, after prolonged use, it's advisable to check the heating function annually to prevent malfunctions.
