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I was just searching the forum and read a post saying that some car's have heated windshields and some don't. Does the heated offer a big advantage? Do the 07-09 MY offer this and if so how do you tell? Thanks!
If it's heated, you'll have a dedicated button for next to the rear window heater button. If not, I think you just have a large rear window heater button, like the defroster button on the right.
I have an interior heater that I run for 2 hours before starting the car, so I practically never have any ice on the windscreen anyway. However, when ambient temperature is freezing, I turn it on before I use wash the windscreen. Likewise, in some very specific weather (like supercooled rain), it's useful.
The downside is higher cost on replacement and the thin wire grid within the glass, which some apparently find annoying/distracting.
Thank you! That's why I was asking, I just bought my 08 XK from out of state and haven't even received my state plates yet and have gotten a tiny crack/chip (only mm's long). If it does start to grow and replacement is necessary I want to know which I have.
Thank you! That's why I was asking, I just bought my 08 XK from out of state and haven't even received my state plates yet and have gotten a tiny crack/chip (only mm's long). If it does start to grow and replacement is necessary I want to know which I have.
As has been stated, if your car is fitted with the heated windscreen you will have the button beside the rotary AC control. I don't know how many US cars were fitted with this windscreen as an option but virtually all the Canadian Jaguars do come with this as a standard part of the "winter" package. The wires are so fine that they are only noticeable in very specific instances (most often at night with overly-bright lights shining on the screen).
The heating elements rapidly clear fogging on the inside and are also effective for ice or frost on the outside.
Glass shops merely take your VIN to obtain all the information necessary for replacement - this gives them a list of every feature on your specific car so you will not, for example, get a unheated glass if your car was originally fitted with a heated screen. There is no guesswork involved. But if you do get a replacement make sure that you ask for original Jaguar glass. There are sometimes fitting issues with aftermarket glass.
My 2007 XK did not have a heated windscreen - my 2014 XK does have one as part of the standard Signature and Dynamic R specifications.
Although it can be switched on manually, it comes on automatically when the engine is started at 5 deg C / 41 deg F or below. There is also a timer in the circuit which switches it off after twenty minutes.
If it's a heated windshield, you'll see the heating elements in the glass. Just like the rear windshield, but they very thin and super close together. It's a must have feature for me. Even the one time the windshield is frosted it's worth it. Our Range Rover and XE came with this option. I would option this on any car if available (locale dependent). Some find the lines annoying, but I don't.
Originally Posted by sov211
Glass shops merely take your VIN to obtain all the information necessary for replacement - this gives them a list of every feature on your specific car so you will not, for example, get a unheated glass if your car was originally fitted with a heated screen. There is no guesswork involved. But if you do get a replacement make sure that you ask for original Jaguar glass. There are sometimes fitting issues with aftermarket glass.
The glass installer should tell you "hey, I brought the wrong glass, your car has a heated version..."
Last edited by mosesbotbol; Mar 4, 2019 at 05:08 PM.
I read a thread that talked about the OEM windshield being exceptionally "soft" or defective. If this is the case would you still opt for an OEM or is this one instance where aftermarket might be better?? I did read Gregory's comment about fit issues with after market and I would think a bad fit is a bigger problem than a softer glass.
I read a thread that talked about the OEM windshield being exceptionally "soft" or defective. If this is the case would you still opt for an OEM or is this one instance where aftermarket might be better?? I did read Gregory's comment about fit issues with after market and I would think a bad fit is a bigger problem than a softer glass.
Good question. From my experience (replaced the windshield in my XK, as well as my XKR). My XK glass is OEM, while my XKR glass is aftermarket. To date, I believe my XKR windshield is showing far more sandblasting effect on it than the Jaguar version. To be fair, I drive the XKR more, but I've had the XK 3 years longer.
Good question. From my experience (replaced the windshield in my XK, as well as my XKR). My XK glass is OEM, while my XKR glass is aftermarket. To date, I believe my XKR windshield is showing far more sandblasting effect on it than the Jaguar version. To be fair, I drive the XKR more, but I've had the XK 3 years longer.
I read a thread that talked about the OEM windshield being exceptionally "soft" or defective. If this is the case would you still opt for an OEM or is this one instance where aftermarket might be better?? I did read Gregory's comment about fit issues with after market and I would think a bad fit is a bigger problem than a softer glass.
In my experience over many years with many Jaguars, there is no such thing as "soft" Jaguar glass (despite the glass having come from different OEM suppliers over time: Triple XXX, Securit,...). Abrasive dirt and wiper action, flying stones and debris will take their toll on any glass. I did just have my F-Type front screen replaced because of tone chips. The new glass is original OEM (heated, auto wipers, etc), identical to the first glass and with perfect fit...now, to stay away from trucks ahead...
Ehhh... no.... I've not got any desire to create a spiderweb crack in my glass!
Still a nice inexpensive tool for A/B comparisons if someone had the need. I've used the Rockwell testers in aviation maintenance, but never needed it outside that.
I can see wires in my windshield but I do not have a separate button for electric heating.
That is interesting unless it was replaced with a heated version . I don't know if I can get a picture but I can see all of the wires depending in the light while I drive down the road. I have learned to focus them out but will see them periodically. I've got the button on the lower right of the AC controls. There's got to be over a hundred wires spaced less then an 1/8" apart running top to bottom. As I never use the feature I don't think I would have ordered it but then again it must come with the heated steering wheel feature too. I don't use that either.
Heated Windshield?
