REREV

Car advice put simply.

  • Articles
  • Cars
    • Celebrity car collections
    • Car years to avoid
    • OBD2 codes
  • Engines
    • Firing orders
  • Tires
    • Tire and store reviews
  • Glossary
  • Statistics

Rear defroster definition and meaning

snow is on the roof of a car.
A beautiful woman in a red jacket sitting in a car.
Lilit Farmazian September 7, 2022 |

Rear defrosters are a common feature in many modern cars. They help to clear the rear window of frost, ice, or condensation, making it easier and safer to see out the back of the car. In some cases, rear defrosters may also be used to help melt snow or ice that has accumulated on the rear window or on other parts of the car.

Rear defrosters work by heating up the glass of the rear window. This can be done using electrical resistance wires embedded in the glass, or through special heating elements that are mounted behind the glass. The heat from the defroster helps to melt any frost or ice that is on the surface of the glass, and can also help to evaporate any condensation that has built up.

Most rear defrosters will have a switch or button that can be used to turn them on and off. In some cases, the rear defroster may be automatically activated when the front windshield wipers are turned on. This helps to ensure that the driver has a clear view out the back of the car, even in poor weather conditions.

Previous post: Rear seat entertainment system
Next post: How long does it take to tint a car?
  • Lilit Farmazian
    Lilit Farmazian

    Lilit is a seasoned content editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for crafting compelling narratives in the automotive realm. With a career spanning several years, she has dedicated herself to refining and perfecting the written word.

    Recent Posts
    Hybrid definition and meaning
    Brake torquing definition and meaning
    Cord angle definition and meaning
REREV logo

Website

  • About
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Contact
  • Terms
  • Privacy

Car Insights

  • Years to avoid
  • Collections
  • Statistics
  • Glossary

© 2025 REREV. All rights reserved.