How to Turn On the Rearview Mirror Heating in Audi?

[DePeter]

Audi rearview mirror heating can be turned on by activating the rear window heating device, which will automatically enable the rearview mirror heating. The vehicle will activate the rearview mirror heating function when it detects an external temperature below 20 degrees Celsius. The principle is that when the external temperature sensor detects a temperature below 20 degrees, the heating function is activated. It should be noted that although the external temperature displayed on the dashboard also comes from the external ambient temperature sensor, it takes into account the vehicle speed. Taking the Audi A6 as an example, it is a luxury car produced by Audi, available in both sedan and station wagon versions. In terms of body dimensions, the Audi A6 measures 5012mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1485mm in height.

[Phoebe]

As a seasoned Audi driver with over a decade of experience, I find the rearview mirror heating function particularly practical. On rainy days or during winter when the mirrors fog up or freeze, simply turn the mirror adjustment knob to the heating position (usually indicated by a fan-shaped icon or thermometer symbol), and the built-in heating elements will activate automatically. In most Audi models, this knob is located on the driver's door panel, while some sportier versions integrate it into the climate control panel. The mirrors typically clear up within 3-5 minutes after activation, and the system automatically turns off based on temperature, eliminating the need for manual shutdown. Remember, this function is disabled when the outside temperature exceeds 20°C, as using it in summer could potentially damage the mirror glass. By the way, it continues to operate for half an hour after locking the car, requiring no additional attention.

[VonMalachi]

The other day, I accompanied a friend to pick up an Audi A4L and specifically tested this feature. If your car is equipped with automatic air conditioning, when you press the front defroster button (the one with a fan shape and waves), the rearview mirror heating will automatically activate. This linked design is quite convenient. Manual operation is also simple: there's a round knob in the driver's side window control area—just turn it to the position with the heating symbol, and the indicator light will show it's working. In a real test on a morning at -5°C, it took less than ten minutes to completely melt the frost. Note: when washing the car, avoid scraping the icy mirror surface forcefully to prevent damaging the coating—simply turning on the heating is a more worry-free solution.

[StStephen]

New Audi Q5L owner here to share some insights. The operation area is located above the driver's side door handle, where you'll find a circular knob marked with L/R. Simply turn it clockwise to the heating position, and a slight electric sound indicates activation. Personally tested, it works remarkably well on rainy days—water droplets start evaporating quickly from the edges of the mirror, much safer than wiping by hand. Once, I noticed this function wasn't working, only to discover that water had seeped into the wiring harness connector during car washing; it worked fine after drying out. Recommend turning on the heating after car washes to remove moisture, which can extend the mirror's lifespan.

[Lloyd]

Last time when helping someone inspect an Audi A6, I noticed a detail: the rearview mirror heating and rear window defogging are synchronized. Pressing the rectangular button with a heat symbol on the center console (rear window heating button) activates the defogging function for both side mirrors simultaneously. To control them separately, you need to turn the door panel knob to approximately the 5 o'clock position. During winter use, don't rush—the heating element takes time to warm up. Avoid using an ice scraper on the glass when it's too cold, as it may crack. Additionally, continuing to use this function after turning off the engine may drain the battery, so it's recommended to start the engine before activating it.