Project "Melt Snow" - Snow / Ice Buildup on Headlights & Bumper Solution (DIY Writeup)

[bosshog]

Where are you based in Canada ?

I know I am going to run into this problem as well …

 

[bosshog]

I wil most likely need to do that type of installation … what about just headlight sprayers like most cars have ?

 

[Gundo]

I mean, this is super creative and I thank you for sharing.

Question though, isn't the tape too low and too far from headlights to do much given it's temp output?

I use similar heat tape in my gutters and the output temp is quite low, about 50 F / 10 C so I wonder if this is close to being warm enough.

 

[mark555055c]

My solution....

In all seriousness, your solution is super cool. I'm genuinely curious to hear how it works for you over the winter.

 

[Geebz]

I don’t live in the cold so I have no idea of the issues you guys encounter, but why not have a cover for the area.

Firstly a simple cover like what people would put over their windshield when it snows. Some even use cardboard boxes.
Magnets can hold it in place.

Secondly, what about a clear cover where you can use clear polycarbonate that attaches to the frunk with magnets. You can leave them on in winter. Sloped in a way that the snow slides off. But if it freezes to the covers the covers can just be removed.

 

[scottf200]

My solution....
In all seriousness, your solution is super cool. I'm genuinely curious to hear how it works over the winter for you.

This has been talked about and the issue is when people are traveling on snowy roads with limited visibility and limit places to turn off every 10 minutes.

 

[BeachDweller]

I don’t live in the cold so I have no idea of the issues you guys encounter, but why not have a cover for the area.

Firstly a simple cover like what people would put over their windshield when it snows. Some even use cardboard boxes.
Magnets can hold it in place.

Secondly, what about a clear cover where you can use clear polycarbonate that attaches to the frunk with magnets. You can leave them on in winter. Sloped in a way that the snow slides off. But if it freezes to the covers the covers can just be removed.

Now THAT is a good idea!
Since I live within 1000’ of the Gulf, I doubt I’ll need snow clearing either!?

 

[mark555055c]

This has been talked about and the issue is when people are traveling on snowy roads with limited visibility and limit places to turn off every 10 minutes.

Yeah, I understand. I live in Buffalo, so when winter kicks up a bit more soon with some deep freezes, I'll be putting it to the test.

 

[bosshog]

I still think a headlight sprayer on the lights is the solution .

Both my other cars have it and also cleans the dirt and snow . Never had a single problem with snow accumulation in 20 years blinding me on the road .

Having to stop to clean this is a huge safety risk on any road .

So if you ask me if this a design fault .... it most definitely is .

Even my rear wheel drive car never designed for snow has washers for the head lights .

 

[bosshog]

It was law for headlights above 2000 lumens to have washers to prevent light scatter with snow or dirt .

Led lights they got away with the loophole as each Led light is less than 2000 lumens .
A good savings for the manufacturer ...

 

[bosshog]

I stand to be corrected US regulations don't regulate it . The EU and Australia its a requirement .

I guess Tesla is going to have to do it now if they want to sell them in the EU.

Most high end off road vehicles have it though so am surprised on this one

 

[JCERRN]

I don’t live in the cold so I have no idea of the issues you guys encounter, but why not have a cover for the area.

Firstly a simple cover like what people would put over their windshield when it snows. Some even use cardboard boxes.
Magnets can hold it in place.

Secondly, what about a clear cover where you can use clear polycarbonate that attaches to the frunk with magnets. You can leave them on in winter. Sloped in a way that the snow slides off. But if it freezes to the covers the covers can just be removed.

I thought about the cover idea, but idk if theres any rules against having things in front of your lights. It would also have to be optically clear so as to not distort or refract the headlights in undesirable directions (like into other drivers’ eyes…)

 

[CyberZephyr]

Wes Morrill: ?

 

[CyberZephyr]

You'd think the hi tech cybertruck would have heated elements in the recessed led headlights.

ikr!

 

[Cybertruck2024]

Yeah, I understand. I live in Buffalo, so when winter kicks up a bit more soon with some deep freezes, I'll be putting it to the test.

I've been seeing more in the area lately. It's nice not having 10 Sentry events every time I park someplace now.

I haven't driven in the snow enough to encounter an issue. I used to drive my Lightning to Rochester and back in the snow and never once had to stop to clear obstructed lighting. I'm hopeful the Cybertruck is as capable as the truck I no longer have in that regard!