What to Do When the Rearview Mirror Is Blurred by Rainwater?
4 Answers
When the rearview mirror is blurred by rainwater on rainy days, here are some solutions: 1. Install rain guards: Adding rain guards to the rearview mirror is effective when the rain is not too heavy. Rain guards can also prevent water from accumulating on the side windows, keeping both the rearview mirror and side glass clear. 2. Use soap or dishwashing liquid: Cleaning agents contain surfactants, whose hydrophobic groups physically repel water, preventing droplet formation. Simply spray soapy water or dishwashing liquid solution onto the rearview mirror and let it dry. However, this method is short-lived and typically lasts only about two days. 3. Apply wax: Water on waxed surfaces tends to form droplets due to higher internal cohesion than adhesion, but wax is sensitive to temperature changes and improper application may impair visibility. 4. Apply water repellent: Coating the rearview mirror with a water repellent can also maintain clear vision. Many commercial glass water repellents contain silicone oil as their main ingredient, altering the surface tension of water on glass to prevent water from sticking to the mirror.
When encountering the problem of unclear rearview mirrors in rainy weather, I use dish soap from the kitchen to solve it. First, pour half a capful of dish soap onto a damp cloth, carefully wipe the entire mirror surface, and then let it air dry naturally. After this treatment, water droplets will slide off instead of sticking to the mirror. My old car doesn’t have a heating function, so this method is very practical and costs just a few cents. If I’m in a hurry to go out, a quick wipe with a dry cloth before driving also works. It’s even more convenient to keep a bottle of rain repellent spray in the trunk, as the effect can last about a week. Don’t underestimate blurred rearview mirror visibility—it’s especially dangerous when changing lanes.
My car has been modified with rain guards, which work really well for light rain. For just a few dozen yuan, they are installed above the side mirrors, acting like an umbrella for the mirrors. On heavy rainy days, simply turn on the mirror heating function, and the condensation will clear up in about two minutes. If your car doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry—you can buy rain repellent films online and stick them onto the mirror surface. It’s easy to apply and lasts a long time. While driving, slightly opening the window for ventilation can reduce the temperature difference inside and outside the car, preventing fogging. I’ve tried all these methods, and the most practical one is still the rain guards, as they don’t require any effort every time it rains. A mechanic at the modification shop once told me that regularly spraying anti-fogging agents on the mirrors for maintenance is the fundamental solution.
When the rearview mirror gets blurry in rainy weather, I immediately turn on the heating function. For cars without heating, I switch to the front windshield defogging mode of the air conditioning. Never wipe the mirror with your hand while driving—it's too dangerous. It's best to keep a chamois cloth in the car beforehand; a quick wipe at a red light works wonders. Applying soapy water to the rearview mirror is an old trick—just spread it evenly with a tissue afterward. The most hassle-free solution is to apply a waterproof coating to the rearview mirror annually, a service offered by most repair shops. Remember to drive 20 km/h slower than usual in the rain, and maintaining a safe distance is crucial.
