What to Do When Raindrops on Car Windows Obstruct Rearview Mirror Visibility?
2 Answers
Here are several methods to address obscured rearview mirror visibility due to raindrops: 1. Install rain guards (also called weather deflectors) on windows and rearview mirrors. Their primary function is allowing slight window lowering during rain without water ingress, providing rain shielding while improving window visibility. However, this method is only effective in light rain since high driving speeds or heavier rainfall significantly reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, rain guards may increase A-pillar blind spots - even with current high-transparency designs and reasonable dimensions, they still partially obstruct vision. 2. Keep a bar of soap in your car. Applying soap to glass can substantially improve rainy-day visibility, as relying solely on heated mirrors often proves inadequate. The specific procedure is: Clean window glass thoroughly, apply slightly moistened soap evenly across the surface, let it dry completely, then wipe off with clean tissue. Though this creates slight blurriness when looking outward, it doesn't significantly impair overall visibility. 3. Purchase specialized water repellent spray online. Light application creates effective water-beading effects. Caution: excessive spraying may create a thin film on glass. For optimal results, drivers with sufficient budget can apply professional hydrophobic coatings that promote rapid water runoff, maintaining clear driving visibility.
Driving in the rain with water droplets covering the side windows and rearview mirrors can indeed obstruct visibility. As a seasoned daily commuter, my advice is to turn on the defogging function of the air conditioning immediately after starting the car and adjust the vents toward the side windows. If the rearview mirrors have a heating function, remember to activate it—the droplets will dissipate in minutes. Always keep a highly absorbent microfiber cloth in the car to quickly wipe the rearview mirror area at red lights. Additionally, applying a professional rain repellent to the windows works wonders, as it causes water droplets to roll off automatically. When driving in the rain, pay extra attention to maintaining a safe following distance, and always turn your head to check before changing lanes—never rely solely on the rearview mirrors. If fog builds up inside the car, cracking the window slightly for ventilation can also help.
