no heated Windshield on a $90k SUV?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

homesick

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2018
Posts
1,148
Reaction score
2,787
I thought there was washer fluid of/with alcohol, to prevent freezing. No?

joe
 

mikez71

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2023
Posts
1,435
Reaction score
1,700
gm attempted to make heated washer fluid but it didn't go so well..... you can still retro fit maybe
I did with a similar unit. There is a Hyundai/KIA unit on ebay. It was cheaper awhile back..
Company website..

Essentially the same unit, but voltage sensing to turn itself on. Hoping there is some additional circuitry to prevent a meltdown, but I doubt it.
(Have you heard of Hyundai's/KIA's burning to the ground? IDK)

However, it's not all that hot.. Probably exacerbated by all the hose it has to travel through before exiting the squirters.
And when it's cold, it can still re-freeze a little (summer blend!). It helps melt the ice, but won't melt it all at once.

I'm thinking about hood mounted squirters. For one, the engine heat can help defrost the hose. Secondly, the hose would be considerably shorter. Thirdly, I could get heated squirters. Just need to be brave enough to drill holes in my hood.. not sure

I thought there was washer fluid of/with alcohol, to prevent freezing. No?

joe
Not sure what's in the winter blend, but it's not available in california apparently.. I'm going to have to order some from ebay..

I have to agree with the OP, the windshield defroster vent is weak in that it doesn't extend to the edges (2012 here)
Same with the floor ventilation.. Doesn't really warm my feet..
However, when I remote start, the mirror and rear window defroster does work. And given some extra time the windshield eventually clears up.

I mean, it's called a Tahoe.. I'd like to be able to drive in Tahoe..

Couple years back I drove a Ford Expedtion rental from Sacramento to Chicago in the winter. Mostly -11 degrees through colorado, wyoming, nebraska, iowa. Squirters were always frozen..(And they were hood mounted) poured hot coffee on them to defrost them temporarily, then they freeze up again. Never had to deal with it until that drive, but those conditions made me realize how inadequate summer blend is. unsafe (driving in whiteout conditions, don't do it. I won't do it again, had to go see my ailing father in law at the time)

I know, winter blend.. (which I never see) I wasn't aware at the time, but I'd rather have heated nozzles and fluid so I can use anything all the time..
 
Last edited:

jerry455

TYF Newbie
Joined
May 19, 2024
Posts
21
Reaction score
15
GM heated solvent was a good idea but the company that made them didn;t execute it well. They had a tendency to have a thermal runaway when the 60 amp heater would overheat and start on fire. GM recalled every vehicle that had that option on them. People really liked them but they were still recalled. The heated fluid removed bug guts really well also.
 

mikez71

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2023
Posts
1,435
Reaction score
1,700
They had a tendency to have a thermal runaway when the 60 amp heater would overheat and start on fire.

One member here had a vehicle burn from it. Was told that the fluid was low. I made sure to replace my faulty level sensor. Was planning to wire it to a relay with switch, so I only turn it on when needed... Hoping they made some changes to safeguard against a meltdown..
 
Top