Can defogger be installed later?

Defoggers, also known as rear window defrosters or defoggers, are an important safety feature for cars, especially in cold and wet weather conditions. A defogger helps clear fog, frost, and condensation from the rear windshield quickly, giving the driver better visibility. While most cars come equipped with rear defoggers from the factory, it is possible to have them installed aftermarket if your vehicle did not originally include this feature.

What is a defogger and why is it useful?

A defogger is an electrical heating element built into the rear windshield of a vehicle. When turned on, the defogger warms the glass from within, helping melt ice and clear vapor. This gives the driver clearer rear visibility in cold, wet, and humid conditions when the rear window is prone to fogging up. Good rear visibility is crucial for safe driving and avoiding accidents.

Defoggers allow you to see clearly out of your back window by:

• Melting frost, ice, and snow buildup on the glass
• Removing condensation and fog from the interior glass surface
• Speeding evaporation of water droplets on the exterior glass

Having a fog-free rear view helps you reverse safely, change lanes with confidence, and spot potential hazards approaching from behind. Defoggers are standard equipment in most new cars nowadays and an important winter safety accessory.

Can a defogger be added after purchase?

Yes, it is possible to have an aftermarket defogger installed on your car, even if it did not come with one from the factory. However, there are some things to consider:

• Cost – Aftermarket installation may cost $100-$300 for parts and labor.
• Complexity – The rear window must be removed and work done to connect the defogger grid wires to the car’s electrical system.
• Effectiveness – Aftermarket defoggers may not work as evenly or efficiently as factory ones.
• Features – You may lose features like tinted privacy glass or embedded radio antennas.
• Warranty issues – Installation may void the warranty on the rear window or other components.

Overall, installing an aftermarket defogger is definitely possible. However, it can be a somewhat complex project with higher costs compared to having it factory installed. Check with your auto dealer or mechanic to see if adding a defogger later is a viable option for your vehicle.

How do defoggers work?

Defoggers work using special conductive coating and electrical heating elements bonded to the inside of the rear windshield:

• Thin metal wires are embedded in the glass, forming a grid pattern.
• The wires are powered by the car’s electrical system and battery.
• When turned on, an electric current runs through and heats up the grid lines.
• The grid quickly warms the glass from within to melt ice and evaporate fog.
• A temperature sensor helps prevent overheating and regulates the heat output.

The conductive grid lines are nearly invisible from the cabin side of the glass yet effective for clearing condensation, frost, and fog away quickly, powered by your car’s battery and electrical system. The defogger allows for much faster and more uniform heating than blasting the traditional vent defrost air.

Features of Defoggers

Some key features and capabilities of standard rear window defoggers include:

• Full coverage grid lines for consistent, efficient heating over the entire glass surface.
• Fast heating times, typically within 30 seconds to a minute.
• Mesh grid wiring that is durable and damage-resistant.
• Automatic shutoff after 10-15 minutes to prevent overheating.
• Integral control switch in the dashboard for easy activation as needed.
• Tapered grid pattern along the sides to allow for windshield wiper clearance.
• Grid lines that descend lower on the glass to help clear viewing for backup cameras.

When shopping for aftermarket defogger kits, look for ones that offer similar capabilities and performance to OEM factory defoggers.

Aftermarket Defogger Installation

Professional installation is recommended when adding an aftermarket defogger to your vehicle. The general installation process includes:

1. Removing the vehicle’s rear window from its mounting flanges.
2. Cleaning and preparing the window surface.
3. Applying the defogger grid glue dots or conductive silver wiring.
4. Reinstalling the rear window into the body flanges.
5. Connecting the defogger wire terminals to the car’s battery power supply.
6. Testing operation and integrating with the vehicle’s climate control system.

This requires specialized tools, expertise, and care to avoid damaging the rear window, body panels, or electrical components. Most kits include detailed instructions for professional installers. Expect 2-3 hours of labor for installation.

Costs of Aftermarket Defogger Addition

Typical costs for adding an aftermarket rear window defogger include:

• Defogger kit – $50-$150 for parts
• Installation labor – $100-$200 for 2+ hours of work
• Miscellaneous parts – $25 for new flanges, wiring, etc.
• Total cost – Around $175-$350 depending on the vehicle and parts.

Note that some installations may run higher if extra work is needed to integrate into the car’s electronics or modify components. Shop around among auto glass installers to compare labor rates and experience with defogger additions.

Maintenance Tips for Defoggers

To keep your defogger working efficiently, follow these maintenance tips:

• Check defogger operation regularly, ideally before winter.
• Look for gaps, damage, or incomplete clearing on the glass.
• Have any defogger repairs done promptly to avoid further damage.
• Keep the glass clean inside and out for best performance.
• Avoid scraping ice off the glass to prevent cutting grid wires.
• Check electrical connections to ensure no corrosion or loose wires.

Well-functioning defoggers are vital for winter driving safety. Keep the grid lines in good condition and have any problems inspected by a qualified auto glass technician.

Conclusion

Aftermarket installation of a rear window defogger is certainly feasible for vehicles that did not come with this important feature. While aftermarket defoggers may not work quite as seamlessly as factory units, they still provide valuable rear visibility and safety advantages. Just be prepared for moderate costs for parts and professional labor for installation. With proper maintenance and operation, an aftermarket defogger can be a worthwhile investment for driving safety.