Why is it that only Ford have heated windscreens?
11 February 2008, 08:26 AM
#1
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Why is it that only Ford have heated windscreens?
Always wondered this as would be nice to have on these frosty mornings. Do they have something patented or is it cost related that stops others using this (would seem strange considering Fords main markets).
Simon
Simon
11 February 2008, 09:10 AM
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I believe Ford own the "rights" to the technology and cost is prohibitive for other companies to buy. If true, it's poor business sense as they could make money by charging an appropriate amount, it's not exactly a USP so doubt any sales will be lost.
Also depends on how good the heaters are on your car. My current S2000 and Audi A6 I used to have has excellent heater and clears the screen quickly even in cold.
Also depends on how good the heaters are on your car. My current S2000 and Audi A6 I used to have has excellent heater and clears the screen quickly even in cold.
11 February 2008, 09:13 AM
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ford made it 1st, then they patented the idea so it costs money for other companies to use that idea.. same as sony playstation 3 with theor controller from the ps2, sony paid a large sum for use of that controller design.
and the heated windscreen on that was the best feature of the car 
11 February 2008, 03:02 PM
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I've always wondered that.
I come out on a frosty morning and see all the neighbours with their flash motors scraping their windscreens, i jump into my 10yo workhorse mondeo and i am off within 2 minutes, brilliant
I come out on a frosty morning and see all the neighbours with their flash motors scraping their windscreens, i jump into my 10yo workhorse mondeo and i am off within 2 minutes, brilliant
11 February 2008, 03:58 PM
#7
you can buy heated windscreens for most cars now from places like demon tweeks , from a couple of hundred quid as loads use them in there rally cars , so cant see why other manufacturers dont fit them , bit daft really as they are good
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11 February 2008, 04:09 PM
#8
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Or live where it doesn't frost.
I live in West Wales and we get one maybe two days when we have to scrape.
Mind you I grew up in Oxford which was pretty much scrapers at dawn from December to March
I live in West Wales and we get one maybe two days when we have to scrape.
Mind you I grew up in Oxford which was pretty much scrapers at dawn from December to March
11 February 2008, 05:11 PM
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I loved that car, shame it leaked like a sieve and i had to sell it.
11 February 2008, 09:42 PM
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lol I put spax on mine too when the original suspension failed. Have to admit it handled like it was on rails once the spax was put on. Most expensive car i've owned though in terms of things needing fixing on it every month.
12 February 2008, 01:40 PM
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Dave
12 February 2008, 02:01 PM
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Ford don't own the patent or rights - these things have been fitted to aircraft for many years
Not sure why others don't fit them or at least give the option
Not sure why others don't fit them or at least give the option
12 February 2008, 04:46 PM
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12 February 2008, 09:25 PM
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) don't out boiling water on - just warm. You also make sure you use the wipers to clear the water off the screen so it doesn't freeze again if it's that cold.Dave
PS: you fill the plastic bottle (2 lt milk container kept handy) whilst finishing your breakfast so no extra time spent there ...
12 February 2008, 10:21 PM
#21
I have never cracked a screen bunging hot water, well warm anyway.
However the Quick Clear windscreen is great if you are at work or somewhere without access to hot water and it gets frosty.
However the Quick Clear windscreen is great if you are at work or somewhere without access to hot water and it gets frosty.
12 February 2008, 11:25 PM
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Hmm. Been doing it for 20 years on all sorts of cars from cheap and cheerful to luxury barges. You *obviously* (doughnut!!! ) don't out boiling water on - just warm. You also make sure you use the wipers to clear the water off the screen so it doesn't freeze again if it's that cold.
Dave
PS: you fill the plastic bottle (2 lt milk container kept handy) whilst finishing your breakfast so no extra time spent there ...
) don't out boiling water on - just warm. You also make sure you use the wipers to clear the water off the screen so it doesn't freeze again if it's that cold.Dave
PS: you fill the plastic bottle (2 lt milk container kept handy) whilst finishing your breakfast so no extra time spent there ...
the hot water you put on has a nasty habit of refreezing on you too
13 February 2008, 11:40 AM
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13 February 2008, 11:54 AM
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13 February 2008, 08:30 PM
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Every one knows a garage is for storing **** and kids toys....
I need mine to keep my baby warm and cosy....
DunxC
P.S. Then it freezes up while I close the garage door.
I need mine to keep my baby warm and cosy....
DunxC
P.S. Then it freezes up while I close the garage door.
13 February 2008, 09:03 PM
#30
used Mondeo for a while as company transport and I find them (Quickclear) a pain the harris. Especially at this time of the year with the low sun. The wires cause a haze to appear and the view is crap. Very dangerous.
My JDM Leggy as Wiper heaters built into the screen...........does this count?
My JDM Leggy as Wiper heaters built into the screen...........does this count?