Do Heated Mirrors Work?
Posted by Morgan Mervenne
16th Aug 2024
Consider the scenario that you’re running late for an important meeting on a cold and frosty morning. As you rush to your car, you notice the side mirrors are completely fogged up. You use a cloth to wipe them down for a temporary solution to the problem, as the mirrors will again get fogged after a while.
Imagine if your mirrors could clear themselves up within seconds, giving you perfect visibility regardless of the weather. That’s what heated mirrors do for your vehicle. They not only defog themselves but also ensure clear visibility in all weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice.
In this blog, we'll explore how automotive heated mirrors work, the different types available, and what to consider when buying them.
How Do Automotive Heated Mirrors Work?
Heated mirrors are an integral piece of automotive technology designed to enhance safety and convenience, especially in adverse weather conditions. Let’s take a more detailed look at how these heated mirrors can function:
a) Heating Element
The heating element is at the core of the automotive heated mirrors, which is a thin material such as fine wire or a printed circuit embedded behind the mirror glass. When the heating system is activated, usually via a switch inside the vehicle or automatically when the rear defroster is turned on, an electric current passes through this heating element in the mirror.
b) Heat Generation
As the electric current flows through the heating element, it generates heat, which is evenly distributed across the surface of the mirror. The heat will further defog and de-ice the mirror without causing any damage to the mirror glass or surrounding components.
c) Defogging and De-icing
The primary function of the heated mirror is to eliminate fog, ice, and frost that can accumulate on the mirror surface. When the mirror heats up, it raises the temperature of the glass surface, preventing moisture from condensing into fog. This ensures that the mirror remains clear and provides a clear view of the road and surroundings.
d) Continuous Operation
Heated mirrors are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring continuous defogging and de-icing as long as they are activated. This continuous operation is helpful in maintaining visibility during long drives in adverse weather conditions.
Types of Automotive Heated Mirrors
a) Integrated Heated Mirror
Integrated heated mirrors come pre-installed with the heating element inside the mirror. Usually available in the latest car models, these mirrors provide seamless integration with the vehicle's electrical system, making them easy to use and highly effective.
b) Clip-On Overlay Mirror
A clip-on overlay can be a cost-effective solution for several weather conditions. If such a mirror is broken, the heating function still works and provides a clear view. A clip-on-overlay mirror gets directly attached to your existing mirrors and provides heating ability along with other functionalities.
c) Full Mirror Glass Replacement
For vehicle mirrors that are beyond repair, a full mirror glass replacement is necessary. This involves replacing the entire mirror glass with a new one that includes a heating element. It is a more comprehensive fix to the problem that ensures the heating feature works efficiently.
d) OEM Full Housing and Glass Replacement
It involves the replacement of both the mirror housing and the glass in the vehicle. While it ensures the perfect fit and functionality, it can be the most expensive option for car owners, which is a potential drawback of choosing this option.
Tips for Buying Automotive Heated Mirrors
a) Compatibility
When purchasing a heated mirror, compatibility is one of the fundamental factors to consider. Heated mirrors come in various shapes and sizes, and not all mirrors will fit every vehicle. Start by checking your vehicle's make, model, and year to ensure the mirror you choose is designed to fit your specific car.
Many retailers provide compatibility charts or essential tools on their websites to help you find the right match. It's also important to consider any additional features your current mirror has, such as signal lights, blind-spot indicators, or auto-dimming capabilities, and ensure the replacement mirror includes these features.
b) Quality
Quality is another essential factor to check when it comes to purchasing heated mirrors. High-quality heated mirrors not only last longer but also perform better with quick and more efficient defogging. Look for mirrors that meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
OEM vehicle mirrors are designed to the same standards as the original mirrors installed by the car manufacturer, maintaining a perfect fit and similar performance. Additionally, consider the materials used in the mirror to ensure it can withstand daily wear and tear.
c) Installation Effort
The ease of installation varies depending on the type of heated mirror you choose. Some mirrors are designed for a simple, do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, while others might require professional assistance. Integrated heated mirrors often require connecting to the vehicle's electrical system, which can be complex for those without technical skills.
Clip-on overlays are usually the easiest to install, as they fit directly over your existing mirror without the need for electrical work. Full mirror glass replacements and OEM full housing replacements might be more challenging and could require disassembling parts of your vehicle. You should evaluate your comfort level with car repairs before deciding which type of mirror to purchase and consider seeking professional installation (if necessary).
d) Warranty
A comprehensive warranty is an indicator of the manufacturer's confidence in the mirror's quality. When shopping for heated mirrors, look for products that offer a substantial warranty period. A good warranty can protect you against manufacturing defects and ensure that you can get a mirror replacement or repair if something goes wrong.
Always check the terms and conditions of the warranty to understand what is covered, such as defects in materials and timeline. Warranties covering the cost of labor for installation are considered to be highly beneficial.
Mirror Glass Plus: Automotive Mirrors With Clear Visibility and Safety
At Mirror Glass Plus, we understand the importance of clear visibility and safety on the road. Our automotive mirrors meet OEM specifications in quality and offer a variety of replacement options for heated mirrors, including integrated, overlay, and full glass replacements.
With Mirror Glass Plus, you can trust that you're getting high-quality mirrors designed to enhance your driving experience. Whether you're dealing with foggy mornings or icy evenings, our mirrors ensure that you always have a clear view.
Explore our range of replacement options and find the perfect solution to keep your mirrors clear and functional, regardless of the weather conditions.