Which button is for the Mercedes-Benz rearview mirror heating?
2 Answers
The Mercedes-Benz rearview mirror heating and rear window heating share the same REAR button, which simultaneously heats the rearview mirrors. The icon features three curved upward arrows paired with a rectangle. Rearview mirror heating 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 drivers to manually wipe the mirrors frequently, thereby reducing driving hazards. Methods to use the rearview mirror heating function: There are generally two ways to activate the rearview mirror heating function. One is combined with the electric rearview mirror adjustment button—simply rotate the knob to turn it on. The other is located on the air conditioning control panel, where pressing the heating button activates the function. No manual angle adjustment is needed, as the driver's side has a dedicated adjustment 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 within a few minutes, typically between 35-60 degrees Celsius. The heat dissipates from both left and right rearview mirrors. Simultaneously, as the temperature rises and evaporation occurs, water droplets on the mirror surface become smaller, and fog gradually disappears, effectively defrosting the mirror. If the rain is particularly heavy, the effect may diminish and become less noticeable. Precautions when using the rearview mirror heating function: The principle of rearview mirror heating involves adding electric heating wires to the mirrors, which consume a significant amount of power. When using this function, ensure the car is in an ignited state. Avoid activating the rearview mirror heating while the car is stationary to prevent draining the battery and potentially leaving insufficient power to start the car. Other methods to defog rearview mirrors include: Opening windows for convection: Slightly opening both side windows creates airflow between the inside and outside of the car, reducing the temperature difference and gradually eliminating fog. Adjusting the car's air conditioning to the appropriate setting allows the use of warm air blown by the AC to defog the mirrors.
Having driven Mercedes for years, the rearview mirror heating function typically isn't a standalone button but shares the same control with the rear window defogger. Look for a button on the center console with an icon resembling a small window or labeled 'REAR', press it gently to automatically activate heating for both mirrors and rear window. This feature is incredibly useful during rain or fog—I often engage it before morning rush hour, watching the world clear up within seconds, though it usually auto-shuts after 15 minutes to conserve power. Placement may vary slightly across models like C-Class or E-Class, so cross-check your owner's manual. Remember to regularly clean mirror surfaces from dust to maintain optimal heating efficiency, and don't hesitate to activate it early in damp cold weather—proactive use safeguards driving safety.