I am in Canada with an XLE with the defroster. What it is is heating elements in the forward windshield similar to the ones on the rear of the vech for defrosting, only where the wiper blades are. I assume if you want to "upgrade" to it, you would be replacing the entire forward windshield.
Good thought, however it is not really necessary. It is a minor annoyance to free the wipers of ice, and the heated windshield takes longer to do the job than simply doing it by hand. FWIW, I replace the wipers every year. My favorites are Bosch wiper blades.Pico, because I saw that is an option for the RAV4 that's why I am thinking of getting. I live in Minnesota too and this will be my first winter with the rav4.
I guess they figured the product was difficult to maintain. From their web site, "We regret that this item is no longer available." :frownThere is another DIY system that you might be interested in. It involves cutting the rubber windshield washer hose, and splicing in a small box/tank which contains a heater. When the windshield washer is activated, the water inside is heated to 150F in less than 30 seconds. Here is one version of this product.
Sound like you live in Minnesota too.Good thought, however it is not really necessary. It is a minor annoyance to free the wipers of ice, and the heated windshield takes longer to do the job than simply doing it by hand. FWIW, I replace the wipers every year. My favorites are Bosch wiper blades.
Best of luck in our beautiful state of MinneSnowta.![]()
Wow, I had not noticed that. I wonder if it is because the item is so popular that they are out of stock, or is it because the problems I experienced 10 years ago have never been resolved.? Never mind, I think I know the answer.I guess they figured the product was difficult to maintain. From their web site, "We regret that this item is no longer available." :frown