Notices
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Winter So Messy!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 18, 2013 | 07:16 PM
  #16  
SW17LS's Avatar
SW17LS
Lexus Fanatic
Active Streak: 60 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,736
Likes: 4,075
From: Maryland
Default

Originally Posted by jam33
I needed my deicer the other night, but didn't know how to turn it on. It turns on through the climate controls on the Nav screen.

My question is why are the heating elements below the wipers when they're in snow mode?

While driving in the snow the other night my wipers were frozen and not clearing the windshield very well.
otherwise the heating elements would be running across the bottom of the visible area of the windshield. I think the idea is when the car is equipped with the deicer you don't need to put the wipers in snow mode.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 05:34 AM
  #17  
zicogold's Avatar
zicogold
Pole Position
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 1
From: ontario
Default

Have you tried using the heating element in this area of the windshield?
I have and it does over time reduce some ice build-up, but in heavy snow conditions the rate at which the flakes fall is just too great. The one suggestion is to operate the front defogger manually, either exclusively or selecting the front defogger and foot setting.

The problem I have is that snow collects and builds up in the wiper well, melts, re-freezes and builds up and impairs the wiper action. It is best to stop and manually clear the ice in the wells. One of the few manual interventions this car requires while driving it. :-)
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 06:25 AM
  #18  
bigblack06's Avatar
bigblack06
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,103
Likes: 368
From: Beantown
Default

Originally Posted by dagwag77
There is a windshield wiper deicer which is in addition to the defroster blower - its part of the cold weather package:

Originally Posted by SW13GS
Comes in the cold weather package, itl has heating elements that run through the bottom area of the windshield where the wipers sit.

I've attached the page from the manual
Lol didn't even know I had that, Gonna look at it today though.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 08:04 AM
  #19  
Flying3's Avatar
Flying3
Intermediate
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 456
Likes: 198
From: MA
Default

I had the wiper deicer on during this mess. It could not keep up with the falling snow so it was useless. So far, it's the only aspect of the car I find unimpressive so I'll take it.

I do love how quickly the steering wheel heats up and the auto seat warmers is nice. It manages the temperature nicely on auto. Set and forget.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 09:01 AM
  #20  
bigblack06's Avatar
bigblack06
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,103
Likes: 368
From: Beantown
Default

Originally Posted by Flying3
I had the wiper deicer on during this mess. It could not keep up with the falling snow so it was useless. So far, it's the only aspect of the car I find unimpressive so I'll take it.

I do love how quickly the steering wheel heats up and the auto seat warmers is nice. It manages the temperature nicely on auto. Set and forget.
Yeah noticed that with steering wheel, It puts the seat warmers are full heat then goes back to original setting first time I noticed that.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 09:46 AM
  #21  
zicogold's Avatar
zicogold
Pole Position
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 1
From: ontario
Default

Does anyone use the Snow transmission setting in the snow. I was told that it started the car in 2nd. I have used it, need all the help I can get in heavy downfalls, and do not notice it but I do not spin any wheels at intersections.

I wonder if the Snow setting sets the car in second for slow, icy, long incline, as well?
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 09:52 AM
  #22  
axiom00's Avatar
axiom00
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: ON
Default

Originally Posted by zicogold
Does anyone use the Snow transmission setting in the snow. I was told that it started the car in 2nd. I have used it, need all the help I can get in heavy downfalls, and do not notice it but I do not spin any wheels at intersections.

I wonder if the Snow setting sets the car in second for slow, icy, long incline, as well?
I put it in Snow Mode when there's 2-3 inches of snow. Snow Mode will split torque 50/50 to the front and rear. I find that it helps keep the rear from stepping out when you're on the throttle hard.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 10:03 AM
  #23  
zicogold's Avatar
zicogold
Pole Position
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 1
From: ontario
Default

Thanks Axiom, that makes perfect sense.

2-3 inches of snow
Could not help but get a chuckle from that. The Toronto area nearly screeches to a halt with that amount of snow. Toronto is the most un-Canadian city, because it takes 2 or 3 feet to bring other cities to a halt.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 10:43 AM
  #24  
sydtoosic's Avatar
sydtoosic
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 16
From: GA
Default

Originally Posted by bigblack06
Yeah I see your in GA nice and sunny your car must love it there.
yes, but the down side is the damn bugs that commit suicide and splatter all over my front windows and bumper and mirrors.:thumbed: almost forgot the road kill that has to be dodged every 1/4 mile... deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, possum.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 10:50 AM
  #25  
sydtoosic's Avatar
sydtoosic
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 16
From: GA
Default

Originally Posted by Flying3
I had the wiper deicer on during this mess. It could not keep up with the falling snow so it was useless. So far, it's the only aspect of the car I find unimpressive so I'll take it.

I do love how quickly the steering wheel heats up and the auto seat warmers is nice. It manages the temperature nicely on auto. Set and forget.
the wiper deicer is only meant for the bottom third of the windshield, it keeps your wipers from icing up. normally you'd use it when you get in the car and ice has built up around or on you WW, turn it on to melt the ice. i don't see any use for it while driving.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 01:14 PM
  #26  
zicogold's Avatar
zicogold
Pole Position
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 1
From: ontario
Default

you'd use it when you get in the car and ice has built up around or on you WW
The WW deicer may work when a there is a light amount of ice or snow adhering to the wipers. When there is a storm and you need it, it is not effective enough.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 02:44 PM
  #27  
GM11's Avatar
GM11
Driver
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 12
From: ON
Default

Originally Posted by zicogold
Does anyone use the Snow transmission setting in the snow. I was told that it started the car in 2nd. I have used it, need all the help I can get in heavy downfalls, and do not notice it but I do not spin any wheels at intersections.

I wonder if the Snow setting sets the car in second for slow, icy, long incline, as well?
I do use it in snow and have to admit sometimes even on a cold icy morning as well around mid town. I like the feel of the extra power going to the front wheels, and the car feels more planted that way to me even though it's not that manly driving around in granny mode.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 05:13 PM
  #28  
zicogold's Avatar
zicogold
Pole Position
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 1
From: ontario
Default

I do use it in snow and have to admit sometimes even on a cold icy morning
Yep, I rely on that button more often than I care to admit. It is a handy little override.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 07:36 PM
  #29  
dseag2's Avatar
dseag2
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,664
Likes: 18
From: TX
Default

We had an ice storm here in Dallas 2 weeks ago, and I drove my RWD GS350 through some of it. I put it in SNOW mode and drove really slowly but I made it. I did have trouble getting up our sloped driveway which was totally iced over. Not a great car for snow. I'm sure the AWD is better.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2013 | 03:54 AM
  #30  
bigblack06's Avatar
bigblack06
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,103
Likes: 368
From: Beantown
Default

Originally Posted by zicogold
Does anyone use the Snow transmission setting in the snow. I was told that it started the car in 2nd. I have used it, need all the help I can get in heavy downfalls, and do not notice it but I do not spin any wheels at intersections.

I wonder if the Snow setting sets the car in second for slow, icy, long incline, as well?
Yep I used it for the past storm we had, as others have said it helps make the car feel planted. Feels better driving with it.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:12 PM.