Should Cold or Hot Air Be Used for Rearview Mirror Heating?
4 Answers
Rearview mirror heating does not require turning on cold or hot air. The mirror lens is equipped with an electric heating element (electric heating film). During rainy or snowy weather, when the driver activates the rearview mirror heating switch, the electric heating element will rapidly heat up to a fixed temperature within a few minutes, typically between 35-60 degrees Celsius, thereby heating the mirror surface to achieve defogging and defrosting effects. Structure and Principle of Rearview Mirrors: Rearview mirrors involve a field of view issue, which refers to the range that the mirror surface can reflect. The industry has proposed three elements of field of view: the distance between the driver's eyes and the rearview mirror; the size of the rearview mirror; and the curvature radius of the rearview mirror. These three elements are interrelated. When the distance and size of the rearview mirror are the same, the smaller the curvature radius of the mirror surface, the larger the field of view reflected by the mirror. When the curvature radius of the mirror surface is the same, the larger the size of the mirror surface, the larger the field of view reflected by the mirror. Reflectivity Index of Rearview Mirrors: Rearview mirrors also have a reflectivity index. The higher the reflectivity, the clearer the image reflected by the mirror surface. The level of reflectivity is related to the reflective film material on the inner surface of the mirror.
I remember it was a rainy day, and the rearview mirror was covered with water droplets while driving. I pressed that small square button inside the car, and the mirror gradually cleared up. It wasn't using cold or hot air to blow away the fog but relied on built-in wires that heated up when electrified, similar to the principle of an electric blanket. This feature is particularly useful in winter or when the humidity is high. It's essential to check if the switch is functioning properly before driving to avoid compromising visibility and safety. If the heating doesn't work, it's most likely due to a blown fuse or a button contact issue. Just head to the repair shop to get it fixed—don't risk driving under such conditions.
Turning on the rearview mirror heating is super easy—just press the button. It doesn't rely on the air conditioning system's hot or cold air; instead, it generates heat directly in the mirror using electricity. I often use it in the morning when there's dew—it's convenient and worry-free. Depending on the car model, the button might be located on a small control panel or near the steering wheel. When driving in the rain, it helps prevent blurred vision, improving driving safety. If it doesn't work, try resetting the control module or checking the power connection, but avoid tampering with it yourself to prevent circuit damage.
The rearview mirror heating function utilizes electric heating wires for warmth, without the need for hot or cold air. You simply need to locate and operate the heating switch inside the car. The mirror contains internal components that conduct electricity to generate heat for defrosting. It's most effective to use on cloudy days or when there's frost to prevent the rearview mirror from malfunctioning and affecting turning judgment. If there's no response, check if the fuse has blown. Under normal usage, it doesn't consume much electricity and operates well even on battery power.
