What to Do When Car Rearview Mirrors Are Blurred by Rainwater?

[DerekRose]

Solutions for unclear rearview mirrors due to rainwater on rainy days are as follows: 1. Install rain guards, which are suitable for light rain: Rain guards can block water on the windows, keeping the rearview mirrors and side windows clear overall. 2. Use soap or dishwashing liquid: Simply spray soapy water or dishwashing liquid water on the rearview mirrors and let them dry. Cleaning agents contain surfactants, whose hydrophobic groups will push water outward due to physical properties, preventing the formation of water droplets. However, the effect is short-lived, lasting only about two days. 3. Apply water repellent to prevent water from sticking to the rearview mirror surface: Applying water repellent to rearview mirrors helps maintain clear visibility. The main component of glass water repellent is silicone oil, which changes the surface tension of water on the glass to prevent water from sticking to the rearview mirror surface.

[Drew]

I've encountered this issue quite a few times in my 20+ years of driving. Raindrops blurring the rearview mirrors on rainy days can indeed be a headache. Regular thorough cleaning of the mirrors during car washes helps maintain clarity. I always keep rain repellent spray handy for rainy days—it works well by making water roll off faster. Remember to turn on the rear defogger with the AC while driving; the warm air helps dehumidify and evaporate droplets. Also, drive slower and avoid rushing, as higher speeds with strong winds might worsen visibility. Long-term maintenance is crucial. For instance, I regularly check the mirror's electric heating system if the car has this feature—it's a game-changer with one-touch heating. Safety first—never change lanes blindly when visibility is poor; find a safe spot to pull over and address the issue. Additionally, applying rain repellent products before weather changes is wise—prevention is better than cure.

[VanJace]

I'm a new driver who's been on the road for just six months. Driving in the rain with foggy side mirrors was nerve-wracking when changing lanes. I tried wiping them with a towel a few times, but doing so while driving was too dangerous and ineffective. A friend recommended I buy a rain repellent spray, and after trying it, the water really doesn't stick—it's amazing. Also, cleaning the mirrors when parked is crucial; don't slack off to avoid dust buildup. During heavy rain, I've learned to turn on the air conditioning in defog mode—both cold and warm air can help dry the mirrors. When driving in the rain, stay relaxed, slow down, and maintain enough distance to prevent rear-end collisions. I've seen people online DIY with candles or wax for rain protection, but I think professional products are more reliable. Spending a little money for safety is worth it. Get into the habit of keeping some small tools in the car for emergencies.

[BryceLynn]

As a parent who frequently drives children around, my biggest concern on rainy days is reduced visibility in the rearview mirror affecting safety. The solution is simple: spray some rain repellent before driving for noticeable effect. If blurriness occurs while driving, maintain a steady speed without going too fast to avoid bumps and skidding. Turning on the AC or adjusting airflow can help dehumidify and evaporate water droplets. If the situation is severe, pull over to wipe the mirror instead of pushing through. During maintenance, clean the rearview mirror to prevent dirt buildup for added convenience. From a safety perspective, it's advisable to avoid highways or complex routes in rainy conditions to minimize lane-changing risks.