I specced heated windscreen washers, how do I tell if I have them because the water coming out does not seen very heated. Used them when in minus conditions and would expect to see some steam .

The easiest way is to pop the bonnet open and look for the wiring loom going to them (by the hinges) 

I certainly wouldn't expect steam or anything that exciting!

 

It's only to make sure the washer jets themselves don't freeze rather than to warm up the water as it passes through.

I certainly wouldn't expect steam or anything that exciting!

 

It's only to make sure the washer jets themselves don't freeze rather than to warm up the water as it passes through.

^^^ - exactly - hot water poured over a frozen windscreen can crack it, so the heater is only to prevent the nozzles from freezing.

Edited 23 February, 201610 yr by fj604

Wtf heated washers??? I though i had a ton of nonsense gizmos on my car but who dreams this nonsense up? Modern cars will be completely unserviceable after 5 years. Ridic.

Had them on my S2 they do the job.

Wtf heated washers??? I though i had a ton of nonsense gizmos on my car but who dreams this nonsense up? Modern cars will be completely unserviceable after 5 years. Ridic.

Quite handy really as a beats waiting 20 minutes before I can use them as they are frozen solid! Especially as most washer jets are mounted on a part of the bonnet that gets no engine heat to thaw them these days.

Wtf heated washers??? I though i had a ton of nonsense gizmos on my car but who dreams this nonsense up? Modern cars will be completely unserviceable after 5 years. Ridic.

In comparison to bits such as EGR coolers, turbochargers, Haldex couplings - the thought of a heated washer jet failing doesn't really play on my mind too much...

They're not exactly a new idea.

This is my first modern car with all the bells and whistles so im just taken back by the number of gizmos and toys on it

Another problem with washers is the issue of them freezing up as you are driving along in very cold weather. Hopefully I wont be experiencing such problems in the future.