Where is the rearview mirror heating button on the new Sportage?
4 Answers
The rearview mirror heating button on the new Sportage is located on the front left side of the driver's door panel. There is a rearview mirror icon with three upward wavy arrows—press it to activate. The rearview mirror heating function is particularly useful during rainy or snowy weather. When activated, the heater behind the mirror quickly warms the surface, gradually removing rainwater or fog, eliminating the need for frequent manual wiping and reducing driving hazards. How to use the rearview mirror heating function: There are generally two ways to activate the rearview mirror heating function. One is combined with the power-adjustable rearview mirror control knob—simply rotate the knob to turn it on. The other is located on the air conditioning control panel—press the heating button to activate. No manual angle adjustment is needed, as the driver's side has a dedicated control button. Principle of the rearview mirror heating function: After pressing the button, the electric heater behind the rearview mirror glass rapidly heats up to a fixed temperature (usually between 35-60°C) within minutes, distributing heat across both left and right mirrors. As the temperature rises, water droplets on the mirror surface evaporate, and fog gradually dissipates, effectively clearing frost and condensation. However, in heavy rain, the effect may diminish and become less noticeable. Precautions for using the rearview mirror heating function: The heating function relies on electric heating wires embedded in the mirrors, which consume significant power. Ensure the vehicle is running when using this feature to avoid draining the battery, which could prevent the car from starting. Avoid activating it while the engine is off. Other methods for defogging rearview mirrors include: 1. Opening windows slightly to create air circulation between the inside and outside of the car, reducing temperature differences and allowing fog to dissipate naturally. 2. Adjusting the car's air conditioning to blow warm air, which helps clear fog from the mirrors.
Last time I drove the new Sportage in the rain, it took me a while to locate the rearview mirror heating button. It's integrated with the defogger button in the climate control panel, usually the square button with a rear window icon. Just press it directly, and the mirrors will start heating up to clear condensation. I often use this feature during rainy days or icy mornings—after a short while, the mirrors become clear, making driving much safer without worrying about obscured rear visibility. The design is quite user-friendly and works well with other vehicle functions like the defogging AC. For first-time users, I recommend testing the button while parked rather than searching for it while driving. Also, check the button's responsiveness during routine maintenance to avoid malfunctions that could affect driving safety.
As a new owner of the Kia Sportage, I asked the salesperson about the rearview mirror heating button during the test drive. Turns out it's hidden in the defogger button on the AC panel, with an icon resembling a rear window – just press to activate. After using it for the first time in the rain, the fog disappeared instantly, making driving much steadier. As a novice, I found it super practical. I suggest new car owners glance through the manual beforehand so they can react quickly in emergencies like heavy fog, unlike my initial panic. This feature is hassle-free and boosts overall safety, especially when reversing. Make it a habit to test it regularly to prevent malfunctions, since poor visibility can easily lead to accidents.
On the new Sportage, the rearview mirror heating button is located right next to the defogger button in the climate control area, making it very convenient to operate with just one press. After decades of driving experience, I find this feature particularly useful for preventing accidents during rainy days as the mirrors heat up very quickly. I recommend turning it on during rainy or cold weather, and operating it when the vehicle is parked. During maintenance, remember to clean the button to prevent it from getting stuck.
