Through mathematical model derivation, heating wire and polyvinyl butyral were equivalent to a certain thickness and uniform resistance layer, which simplified the simulation modeling of heating wire. Comparing the simulation results of the heating wire modeling and equivalent modeling, the temperature deviation of the modeling was small, and the maximum temperature deviation was 0.1 ℃, which proved that the equivalent modeling was feasible. The deviation of the maximum temperature between steady-state and transient was 0.9 ℃, while the steady-state could greatly reduce the calculation time. Finally, comparing product testing data and simulation solution, the temperature deviation of the two models and the product was less than 2.5 ℃, which proved that the two models had high simulation accuracy. Because of the advantages of less work, convenient adjustment and high efficiency, equivalent modeling was recommended as a simulation method for automotive front windshield of heating wire.