Can the rearview mirror heating function be retrofitted?
2 Answers
The rearview mirror heating function can be retrofitted. In rainy weather, car rearview mirrors often get covered with rainwater, making it difficult for drivers to observe vehicles behind them, which poses a certain level of danger while driving. The rearview mirror heating function can be installed to address this issue. The purpose of rearview mirror heating is to heat the mirror surface, providing a defogging and defrosting effect, ensuring the rearview mirror remains clear and enhancing driving safety. The working principle of rearview mirror heating involves installing heating elements or heating films inside the mirror surfaces of both side rearview mirrors. During rainy or snowy weather, when the rearview mirror heating function is activated, the heating elements quickly warm up to between 35 and 60 degrees Celsius within a few minutes, effectively heating the mirror surface to remove fog and frost.
I've been driving an economy car for years, and the rearview mirror always fogs up in rainy weather, which is really annoying. Last winter, I couldn't stand it anymore, so I bought a heating kit online and installed it myself. The steps involved first removing the original mirror housing, carefully replacing it with a new mirror with heating wires, and then connecting it to the cigarette lighter fuse position with insulated wires, adding a small switch near the dashboard in between. The whole process took nearly three hours, and I accidentally crushed a wire, but luckily there was no short circuit. The effect is great—the fog clears in five or six minutes after turning it on, making driving much safer. The cost was only about 150 yuan, but make sure to choose parts that fit your car model and avoid airbag wiring when routing the wires. DIY is quite fun, and beginners can start with video tutorials, always prioritizing safety. If the car is still under warranty, it's best to consult the 4S shop to avoid modifications affecting the original service. Overall, adding this feature is feasible and practical, especially helpful for older cars.
