What is Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror?
2 Answers
Auto-dimming rearview mirror refers to the feature where when headlights from a following vehicle shine onto the mirror, the mirror can absorb intense light and reduce its reflection, preventing the reflected glare from reaching the driver's eyes. The principle involves two photodiodes - one installed on the front of the mirror and one on the back, which respectively receive light from the front and rear of the vehicle. When headlights from a following vehicle hit the interior rearview mirror, the system compares signals from both photodiodes to determine if the rear light intensity exceeds that from the front. When the light difference surpasses a preset threshold, electricity is applied to the glass mirror, changing it from transparent to dark green. This causes the mirror to absorb a significant portion of the intense light coming from behind, effectively reducing reflectivity and eliminating glare.
The car I'm driving now comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and I think it's pretty awesome. It has a light sensor installed at the back that detects strong light from vehicles behind and instantly darkens the mirror surface to reduce glare, making night driving much more comfortable. The working principle is that the mirror layer darkens when electrified, protecting the eyes from fatigue. Compared to the old manual anti-glare designs, there's no need to flip a switch yourself, making driving more worry-free. I've also noticed it significantly reduces the risk of rear-end collisions, especially on highways where light conditions change rapidly. I recommend car owners regularly check if the sensor is clean and avoid using chemical cleaners on the mirror surface to prevent damage.