Does the Audi A3 have defogging for the rearview mirrors?

[JayceRose]

The Audi A3 is equipped with heated rearview mirrors. The principle of heating the mirrors is similar to adjusting them; you simply rotate the heating knob to the heating symbol to start the process. When the rearview mirrors become unclear, activating this function can help make the mirror surface clearer. The heating knob for the rearview mirrors is located next to the gear lever. Below is some extended information about rearview mirrors: Correct method to adjust the Audi A3 rearview mirrors: Before adjusting the rearview mirrors, it is essential to adjust the vehicle's seat and steering wheel positions properly. The basic principle for seat adjustment is to ensure comfort, clear visibility, and ease of steering wheel use. Maintaining the correct sitting posture is a prerequisite for adjusting the rearview mirrors; improper posture will render the adjusted mirrors ineffective. How the rearview mirror heating works: The working principle of electrically heated rearview mirrors is very simple and not highly costly. It involves installing an electric heating element (heating film) inside the mirror lenses on both sides. During rainy or snowy weather, when the driver activates the rearview mirror heating function, the heating element quickly warms up to a fixed temperature within a few minutes, typically between 35-60 degrees Celsius. This heats the mirror surface, effectively defogging and defrosting it, providing significant convenience for the driver.

[DeJude]

The Audi A3 does indeed come with heated mirrors, which are designed for defogging and defrosting. Whenever I encounter foggy mirrors on rainy days or during cold winters, I simply press the button with a square and wavy lines in the air conditioning panel—the same button for rear window defogging—and the mirrors heat up as well. Last time during heavy snowfall, the mirrors were covered in ice, but after pressing the button for about ten minutes, the ice melted away, saving me from braving the cold wind to wipe them. However, it’s worth noting that this function requires the engine to be running to provide sufficient power and is automatically activated in low temperatures, so pressing it in summer might not trigger any response. The newer A3 models also feature an automatic sensor that activates the heating when the temperature drops below a set value, making it incredibly convenient.

[AylaRose]

Having repaired numerous Audi A3s, I can confirm that rearview mirror defogging is a standard feature across most trims. There are primarily two activation methods: base models use the rear windshield heating button (the rectangular icon with three wavy lines on the center console), while higher trims may have a dedicated heating button on the door panel. The working principle is straightforward - resistance wires embedded in the mirror glass gradually heat up to eliminate frost and condensation when powered. Common issues include occasional reports of malfunction, which are usually caused by blown fuses or poor switch contact. I recommend regular inspection of wiring connectors, as frequent mirror folding can wear down the circuits.

[StAmelia]

My 2022 Audi A3's rearview mirror defogging feature is super convenient! Just press the rear window defrost button when it rains, and the water droplets evaporate completely in about three minutes. Found a little trick: Don't rush to turn it on after starting the car, wait until the temperature gauge rises for more efficient heating. Once at a car wash, the attendant sprayed water but forgot to wipe the mirrors - just pressed the button while driving and it worked better than using a towel. The manual says it only activates when ambient temperature is below 20°C, so it didn't respond when I tried it in summer.