Does the 7th Generation Elantra Have a Heated Rearview Mirror Function?
3 Answers
The 7th Generation Elantra is equipped with a heated rearview mirror function. The switch for the heated rearview mirror is located on the car's center console, marked with the REAR button. Pressing this button activates the heated rearview mirror function. The heated rearview mirror is particularly useful during rainy or snowy weather. When activated, the heater behind the mirror quickly warms the mirror surface, gradually removing rainwater or fog, eliminating the need for the driver to manually wipe the mirror frequently, thereby reducing driving hazards. How to Use the Heated Rearview Mirror Function: There are generally two ways to activate the heated rearview mirror function. One is combined with the electric rearview mirror adjustment function key—simply rotate the knob to activate it. The other is located on the air conditioning control panel—press the heating button to activate it. There is no need to manually adjust the angle, as there is an adjustment button on the driver's side. Principle of the Heated Rearview Mirror Function: After pressing the button, the electric heater behind the rearview mirror glass rapidly heats up to a fixed temperature within a few minutes, typically between 35-60 degrees. The heat is then emitted from the left and right rearview mirrors. Simultaneously, as the temperature rises and evaporation occurs, water droplets on the mirror surface become smaller, and fog gradually disappears, effectively heating the mirror and removing frost. However, if the rain is particularly heavy, the effect may diminish and become less noticeable. Precautions for Using the Heated Rearview Mirror Function: The principle of the heated rearview mirror involves adding electric heating wires to the mirror. These wires consume a significant amount of electricity. When using the heated rearview mirror function, ensure the car is in an ignited state. Avoid activating the function while the car is stationary to prevent draining the car battery, which could lead to insufficient power for starting the car. Other Methods for Defogging the Rearview Mirror: Open Window Convection: Open a small gap in both side windows to allow air convection between the inside and outside of the car. This reduces the temperature difference, causing the fog to gradually disappear. Adjust the car's air conditioning to the appropriate setting to use the hot air blown out by the air conditioning for defogging.
When I drove the 7th generation Elantra before, I noticed it had a heated mirror function, especially in higher trim levels like the Limited—this feature is super practical. Every time it rained or there was frost in winter, I’d press that heating button—usually located next to the rear window defroster switch—and within less than a minute, the mirrors would clear up, giving me a crystal-clear view. When buying a car, I recommend checking the spec sheet because lower trims might require it as an optional add-on. It’s not expensive but definitely worth the investment. As a car enthusiast, I think such details really add value, and test-driving to try it out firsthand gives extra peace of mind. Hyundai has made big strides in comfort features.
The 7th-generation Elantra indeed features heated side mirrors, which greatly enhance daily driving safety. I prioritized this feature when choosing a car because it quickly defogs and defrosts, eliminating the risk of impaired visibility during rainy conditions. In mid-to-high trim models equipped with this feature, driving becomes much more worry-free—simply press the heating button on the AC panel. It consumes minimal electricity and is highly durable. Remember to confirm the specifications when purchasing, as rainy-day driving safety comes first—this small feature can bring peace of mind to the whole family. Accidents occurred more frequently with older models lacking this option, so having it as standard or optional now is truly considerate.
