Will a radar detector 'see' through the windscreen???

[speedynz]

I have read in the owners manual that there is a clear section in the windscreen above the rear view mirror that is not 'metal' and that electronic devices should be placed in this area in order to work.

Is this specific to all GTI windscreens and does it mean that a radar detector can only be placed in this area in order to work?

[RedRobin]

I stand to be corrected but my understanding is that the Mk5 GTI windscreen is not a 'metallic' type and that the small clear section above the rear view mirror is to allow the VW fitted rain sensors to work.

My experience of having my Road Angel scream "Laser Alert!!" at 5.45 am before it was daylight and then getting pulled for 93 on a dry and fast dual carriageway , proves that the screen is not a problem. The problem is that laser detectors tell you too late about those underhand actions against you.

I have to go to Germany to enjoy a fast, focussed but relaxed drive nowadays. But I best not start offering my opinions on what's wrong with the UK driving culture.

[speedynz]

I stand to be corrected but my understanding is that the Mk5 GTI windscreen is not a 'metallic' type and that the small clear section above the rear view mirror is to allow the VW fitted rain sensors to work.

My experience of having my Road Angel scream "Laser Alert!!" at 5.45 am before it was daylight and then getting pulled for 93 on a dry and fast dual carriageway , proves that the screen is not a problem. The problem is that laser detectors tell you too late about those underhand actions against you.

I have to go to Germany to enjoy a fast, focussed but relaxed drive nowadays. But I best not start offering my opinions on what's wrong with the UK driving culture.

Thanks RedRobin, the GTI manual states that "for those vehicles fitted with the 'metallic' screen".

My understanding is that this is an optional heated screen (with winter pack?) that will interfere with incoming 'information'. My car arrives on Monday so I'm not sure if it is fitted or not.

[RedRobin]

....I'm not sure but you may find that some of the GTI Handbook text is written generically to the Mk5 Golf range. It's certainly not always 100% reliable and my mind is suddenly sidetracked into 'lost in translation'....The movie of that name....Scarlet Johannsen

[bennyboy]

dont know if this helps or not ...
i had a mk4 tdi se model with a road angel compact with the laser attachment and im sure that it saved my licence on more than 3 occassions and i now have a mk5 gt sport ( 4 weeks old ) and i havn't come accros any police to test it as yet but im sure i soon will 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

dont know if this helps or not ...
i had a mk4 tdi se model with a road angel compact with the laser attachment and im sure that it saved my licence on more than 3 occassions and i now have a mk5 gt sport ( 4 weeks old ) and i havn't come accros any police to test it as yet but im sure i soon will 

I don't think it was the laser detector which saved you, but probably more down to luck.

As RedRobin rightly states, laser detectors are about as useful as a chocolate fireguard.  The reason why, is that lasers travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second), and the beam is accurate, without any "spillage" of the beam.  It is this beam spillage which helps radar detectors to work.

Perhaps the only way a laser detector might save you - is with the scamera vans.  If the van tags you at say 3/4 of a mile away, it will still be accurate to get a speed fix, but it is way to far for the video/camera to get a decent image of your mush, so the laser alert will give you time to slow down before you have to say "cheese".  That scenario will not work if the plod are using them, though!

[sunnylunn]

buy a laser pro park parking sensor, a great bonus is that it renders hand held speed guns useless, its saved me 4 times now, much more use than a laser detector.