Can Rearview Mirror Heating Be Installed Aftermarket?
4 Answers
Rearview mirror heating can be installed aftermarket. It involves installing an electric heating element (heating film) inside the mirror lenses on both sides and addressing the wiring method. It is recommended not to attempt this modification yourself, as it may interfere with the vehicle's original electrical system, causing complications and potential safety hazards. It is best to leave this task to professionals. Below are alternative methods to remove water fog from rearview mirrors: 1. Install rain deflectors: This is a relatively low-cost method. After installing rearview mirror rain deflectors (also known as rain visors or rain covers), they can block rainwater during rain, reducing the need to frequently stop and wipe the mirrors. This method is relatively convenient, though its effectiveness is limited during heavy rain. 2. Apply water-repellent coating: Applying a water-repellent coating to the rearview mirrors can also help maintain clear visibility. Many commercially available glass water-repellent coatings primarily contain silicone oil, which alters the surface tension of water on the glass, preventing water from adhering to the mirror surface. 3. Use soap or dishwashing liquid: Rub a clean, damp cloth vigorously with soap (or dishwashing liquid), then evenly spread the soap residue from the cloth onto the rearview mirror. Wait for three to four minutes until the soap (or dishwashing liquid) on the outer surface of the mirror dries, then wipe it off with a tissue.
When I wanted to add heated mirrors to my old car back then, I had to visit several shops. The mechanics said it depends on the car model's wiring—heated mirror lenses need to be connected to the fuse box via relay control, and poor insulation during wire cutting could easily cause short circuits or even spontaneous combustion. Nowadays, new modules come with thermostats to prevent overheating, but removing door panels to replace the mirror lenses is particularly troublesome. A friend at the repair shop showed me some of their retrofit cases—some higher-end models come with pre-installed connectors for plug-and-play, while base models require running wires from the cabin fuse box. After installation, I noticed it takes about seven to eight minutes to defrost at around -5°C, but during heavy rain, the mirrors stay completely free of water droplets.
Last time, I spent 650 yuan to upgrade my wife's car, including installing anti-glare blue mirrors with heating function. The modification shop removed the original mirrors and replaced them with ones equipped with heating wires, and the controller was attached to the inner side of the door panel. After installation, it's important to test the heating time; normally, the surface should reach 40-50 degrees Celsius in three minutes. If it gets too hot, it means the thermostat wasn't installed properly. When driving in the rain, just press the switch, and the fog will clear up in three minutes. However, the quality of aftermarket parts isn't as stable as the original ones, and the edges of the mirrors tend to come unglued after about two years of use.
Absolutely feasible, but it depends on the specific vehicle model solution. I recommend directly replacing the mirror glass with heating elements, connecting it to the cigarette lighter circuit for the most reliable setup. During installation, pay special attention to the waterproofing of the connectors, and protect the wiring at the door panel penetration points with corrugated tubing to avoid rattling. Northern users have tested it with noticeable defrosting effects at -10°C, and southerners won't have to worry about foggy mirrors during humid seasons. Note: the modification power should not exceed 15W, and it's safer to add a fuse.
