Is it worth it?

I can't decide wether to add it to my order or not!

There is a glare with traffic coming the other direction (i am still getting used to it).

It is extremely quick at clearing the screen, guessing 2-3 times quicker than rear window. Although what I found the other day is that you still have to clear side windows of snow and ice before I can reverse out of driveway.

It is fantastic, I had this on Fords in the 90s and thought so then. The thin wires are thinner than they were then and I notice no effects at all.

Very much worth it.

Edited 14 February, 201412 yr by fireftrm

Gets used regularly in the winter months for both de-icing and de-misting and was a top three item on my desired options list.

 

 

TP

do they delete the ice scraper in the fuel flap if you spec the HFS ? lol

There is a glare with traffic coming the other direction (i am still getting used to it).

It is extremely quick at clearing the screen, guessing 2-3 times quicker than rear window. Although what I found the other day is that you still have to clear side windows of snow and ice before I can reverse out of driveway.

Good info but would you have it again?

I have it on my Focus just now and I wouldn't go without it again. It will definitely be a deal breaker when buying cars in the future (although I did take a risk when specifying it on my TSI).

I love mine, used it more for demisting then de-icing this year though, it was worth the £430 of the winter alone!

I think the glare is overstated. Having ordered this, I absolutely love it. Car iced up? Minute later you're on your way. I noticed it when I picked the car up, but then you're used to it. The wire is more fine than a light bulb filament, and the effect isn't a glare, more a "lens flare" around high intensity light sources. If anything it actually makes street-lights pretty and is nothing to worry about. As for the heated seats - the best / quickest I've had!

I'd recommend you try before you buy. Some, like me, find the elements too much of a distraction whilst others (most people it seems) don't notice them.

 

It's a solution in need of re-invention imho.

If u have a garage - then maybe not.

(Assuming most ppl defrost in the mornings)

Else deffo!

Thy do defrost quicker thn rear since the whole windscreen is covered by closely

packed heating elements.

Distraction NOT a problem -

but will be IF u keep deliberately focussing on them!

(Bit like looking at your bike wheels all the time whilst trying to learn to ride :-)

U only noticed them at night when the street lights are a bit fuzzy.

But over time u get used to them.

Mine has 2 chips repaired by autoglass and they still working fine!

Just make sure u notify your insurer - just in case an issue when u claim on windscreen replacement ...

Think they are a good idea but i didnt want to pay £430 for it, also didnt really want heated seats or washers.

Should really follow in Fords footsteps and make it standard fit on certain spec levels, their cars are getting pricey enough as it is.

In my opinion its worth its wait in gold. Working shifts on nights etc its great not coming out of home or work and not having to scrape, Heated seats whilst waiting for the ice to melt!   

Ive never really noticed the glare or elements when driving.

Yes order the winter pack as a shift worker aswell getting in the car at 5 am start up, push 2 buttons and heated seat and screen your on your way in 2 mins its better than getting up 1/2 hr earlier to scrap windows. The heated seat also heats your backso nice and comfy just mind you don't go back to sleep!

Heat e washers, still waiting to gind out the benifits as me and my octavia live in SE London has not been to cold yet this winter ( better to have a snorkal fitted this wintrr for the air intake )

Regards

Colin

Is it worth it?

I can't decide wether to add it to my order or not!

If you're getting a diesel then yes it's worth it.

 

Glare is significantly less than comparable Ford windscreens (I can really see the elements in a Ford but Skoda seems thinner wire so less noticeable).

 

You still get ice scraper although if the car is ice'd up then you can't open the filler flap to get at it!!!!

It is one of those options which is always best to have, but whether you actually need it or not depends upon where you live and where you park the car. Living in London frost is quite a rare thing for me, and if I know it is going to get really cold I will park the car in the garage anyway (not happened so far this year). I understand that not everyone has the mild weather or garage options, but additionally not everyone needs a heated screen. For some people it is absolutely essential.

 

Whether you need it or not depends upon how often you would otherwise need to scrape thin ice off of the windscreen or how frequently the inside of you windscreen gets misted up. It is only useful if you use it.

(Bit like looking at your bike wheels all the time whilst trying to learn to ride :-)

 

 

Or not at all like that. 

Or not at all like that.

Lol

Wot can I say - I have a distorted way of comparing things! :-)

Lol

Wot can I say - I have a distorted way of comparing things! :-)

 

gt40 is very angry about heated screens, be careful!

gt40 is very angry about heated screens, be careful!

 

You'll find the same discussion on forums all over the place - it appears to be almost universal however that those that don't see the elements and are not distracted by them cannot understand, or even believe, that this can happen to others.  Which is why I said try before you buy.

 

It would be much easier if everyone accepted that this may, or may not be an issue - but it is real. Comments that disregard the issue are the same as people ignoring, say, nut allergies.

 

No anger here though.

I have a garage but it's used for everything except keeping the car in. I know we have had very few frosts this year but that could still change.

Clearly most who have it believe it's worth it.

I was looking for downsides really as I have never had one before.

The only real downside to owning a heated screen is that they cost slightly more to replace if cracked/broken.

 

I used to be able to see the wires when my eyes were younger and sharper (and the wires were slightly distracting), but that's not a problem for me nowadays and maybe the wires are now thinner than they used to be also. Some say that heated screens are more likely to crack during the warm-up phase when it is very cold outside, but I think VAG elements will not turn on unless the temperature is above -6 degrees as a protection mechanism. Of course, this renders a heated screen pretty useless when temps are really low because you still need to wait for the screen to warm up before you can use it.

but I think VAG elements will not turn on unless the temperature is above -6 degrees as a protection mechanism. Of course, this renders a heated screen pretty useless when temps are really low because you still need to wait for the screen to warm up before you can use it.

 

I find that extremely hard to beleive, there's no mention of it in the manual and I know heated really screens work at any temperature.  It's not as if it heats up rapidly, even when melting frost it's still cool to the touch.

 

In my opinion its worth its wait in gold. Working shifts on nights etc its great not coming out of home or work and not having to scrape, Heated seats whilst waiting for the ice to melt!   

Ive never really noticed the glare or elements when driving.

Sorry just realised shouldve been "weight" not wait...my bad.

The only real downside to owning a heated screen is that they cost slightly more to replace if cracked/broken.

I have informed my insurer.

Thy say as long as factory fitted option - then no extra charge :-)