What to Do When the Rearview Mirror Gets Wet After Rain?

[LaSilas]

In rainy weather, water droplets adhere to the exterior rearview mirrors and side windows, making it difficult for drivers to see the vehicles behind them, thereby significantly increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Electrically heated rearview mirrors use high temperatures to evaporate the water droplets on the mirror surface, clearing the view through the rearview mirror, but their performance in actual use is not ideal. Here is additional information: Electrically Heated Rearview Mirrors: For a driver to see the situation in the rearview mirror during rain, their line of sight must pass through the side window glass, the rainwater on the side window, and the rainwater on the rearview mirror. With multiple layers obstructing the view, it is nearly impossible to clearly see objects in the rearview mirror. In such situations, to remove rainwater from the side window glass, one can use the method of raising and lowering the window to scrape off the rainwater with the sealing rubber strip. However, opening the window will result in the door panel and the driver getting wet from the rain.

[Camilla]

Driving with water accumulation on the rearview mirrors on rainy days is particularly frustrating, especially on highways where it severely obstructs visibility and poses significant dangers. Every time I encounter this issue, my first approach is to manually clean it: using a dry cloth or tissue to quickly wipe the mirror, but the effect is short-lived as rainwater soon blurs it again. Later, I discovered that simple water-repellent treatments are quite practical. For example, applying soapy water to the rearview mirror surface and letting it dry forms a hydrophobic layer, causing rainwater to flow off rather than accumulate in droplets. Dish soap solution also works and is cost-effective, readily available in the kitchen at home. For those with a budget, purchasing a specialized automotive water-repellent spray is recommended—it offers long-lasting effects, with one application lasting about a week. Additionally, many modern cars come equipped with heated rearview mirror functions; pressing a button automatically evaporates water droplets. Older vehicles can be retrofitted with heating pads or water-repellent films at a relatively low cost. If visibility is compromised while driving, slow down and turn on hazard lights until you can safely address the issue—never take risks, as safety is the ultimate priority. Regularly checking for loose rearview mirror brackets during maintenance can also help prevent water accumulation issues.

[StCooper]

As a seasoned long-distance driver, blurry rearview mirrors after rain are a common issue. Through experience, I've discovered several reliable solutions. The quickest method is using the car's wiper to swipe the mirror, but many vehicles lack this feature, requiring manual intervention. Applying a layer of car wax or solid shoe polish can temporarily repel water—once evenly spread, rainwater slides off much faster. For a longer-lasting solution, rain repellent spray is ideal; just purchase a bottle online, spray it on, and remember to polish with a cloth. In a pinch, slightly opening the window and using the wiper to clean the mirror works, but be cautious of water spray. Preventatively, covering the rearview mirror with a waterproof car cover or plastic bag when parked minimizes initial water buildup. The key is prioritizing safety in rainy conditions—blurry mirrors often lead to lane-change accidents, so maintaining steady speed and relying on headlight assistance is crucial. Avoid rushing during heavy downpours. During vehicle maintenance, check for aging or wear on the mirror surface; replacing it with a new one and applying rain treatment can address the root issue.

[VanLincoln]

After rain, water accumulation on the side mirrors affects visibility, and I prefer to address it immediately to avoid trouble. A quick solution is to wipe them dry and then apply some rain repellent spray or soapy water to form a protective film that allows water droplets to roll off. If you don't have spray, mixing dish soap with water and spraying it on before wiping evenly will do the trick. Some cars come with automatic heated side mirrors—just turn on the switch to quickly evaporate the water droplets. For older cars, you can install heating accessories for a DIY upgrade. Covering the mirrors when parking can reduce rainwater buildup. During regular car washes, clean the mirror surfaces to ensure they stay clean and prevent water accumulation. For safety, drive slower in the rain and pay extra attention to your surroundings.