Molly Ayala
Rearview mirrors are an essential safety feature of vehicles, but they can be ineffective at night or when there is glare from the headlights of trailing vehicles. This is where electronic rearview mirrors come in. They improve driving safety by eliminating glare, which can affect vision and make it harder to see what's in front of you. These mirrors automatically dim in proportion to the amount of light that reaches them, brightening again when the glare is gone. They also provide a more transparent view than conventional rearview mirrors and can include additional features such as thermometers, compasses, and garage door openers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Improve driving safety by reducing glare from headlights of trailing vehicles |
| Working | An electrical charge is sent to the conductive material on the glass, which activates the gel and causes it to darken in proportion to the amount of light hitting it |
| Advantages | Auto-dimming technology guarantees the right amount of dimming at any given time; eliminates the need to manually adjust the mirror when driving at night; offers a more transparent view than conventional rearview mirror technology |
| Disadvantages | Any electronic object can malfunction at inopportune moments |
| Additional features | Thermometers, compasses, garage door openers, cameras, no blind spots and panoramic styles |
| Styles | Multiple styles to match your exact needs |
| Installation | Some models can be installed by simply clipping them over the existing rearview mirror, while others require a car mechanic |
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What You'll Learn
Auto-dimming technology
Rearview mirrors are one of the most important safety devices in a vehicle, but they need to be adjusted properly to be effective. The rearview mirror should show the full view out of the back window, and the side mirrors should be set to show the view alongside the vehicle on either side. When sitting straight, no part of your vehicle should be visible in the side mirrors.
To improve safety, auto-dimming technology has been introduced to reduce glare from the lights of vehicles behind. When a rearview mirror's control unit detects enough light to cause glare, it sends an electrical charge to the conductive material on the glass. This activates a gel that causes the mirror to darken in proportion to the amount of incoming light. When the glare disappears, the power is cut, and the mirror brightens again.
This auto-dimming technology is particularly useful when driving at night, and can be a huge help for those with light sensitivity or conditions like astigmatism. It is also beneficial when driving in areas with a lot of bright headlights, such as from trucks and SUVs, or when other drivers fail to use their low beams.
While auto-dimming technology is most commonly found on the rearview mirror, some vehicles also include it on the driver's outside mirror, and some even on the passenger side mirror.
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Anti-glare function
The anti-glare function, commonly known as a "day-night" mirror, is a standard feature on virtually all rearview mirrors. This function works through a combination of the mirror's structure and the angle of the glass surface relative to the back mirrored surface.
Firstly, it's important to understand that most mirrors have a thin, shiny layer of metal that reflects light, with a sheet of glass in front for protection and structure. The front glass surface reflects a small amount of incoming light, typically around 4%, while the remaining light passes through the glass.
The interior rearview mirror in cars has a unique design where the front glass surface is not parallel to the back mirrored surface. Instead, it forms a wedge shape, with the thicker edge at the top. This wedge shape is crucial to the anti-glare function.
During the day, the silvered back of the rearview mirror reflects the scene behind you, and some light reflects off the glass front and away. At night, when your pupils are dilated, you become more sensitive to light. By flipping the tab on the mirror, you change the angle of the mirror. This adjusted angle ensures that the bright headlights of vehicles behind you bounce off the silvered surface and away from your eyes. A small amount of light still bounces off the front glass surface, allowing you to see a dimmed image of the headlights.
This anti-glare function automatically adjusts the amount of darkening based on the intensity of the light hitting the mirror. When the glare is no longer present, the mirror brightens again.
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Electronic system
The electronic system of an auto-dimming rearview mirror is a crucial component that enhances driving safety, particularly when faced with the challenge of glare from trailing vehicles. This system is designed to automatically adjust the mirror's brightness, ensuring optimal visibility and reducing discomfort for the driver.
The electronic system of the auto-dimming rearview mirror is a sophisticated arrangement that consists of several key elements working in harmony. Firstly, it employs photo sensors strategically positioned to detect light levels both in front of and behind the vehicle. These photo sensors play a pivotal role in gauging the intensity of light from various sources, such as the headlights of approaching vehicles.
Integral to the system is the mirror element itself, which is engineered with a unique surface composition. This surface features a layer of electrolytes, akin to the LCD display on a mobile phone. The electrolytes are composed of uniform crystals that are highly responsive to electrical stimuli. When a specific voltage is applied to these crystals, they react by arranging themselves at a precise angle, thereby modulating the amount of light that the mirror reflects.
The electronic system's functionality is predicated on the continuous monitoring of light conditions by the photo sensors. When the sensors detect that the light level from behind the vehicle is more intense than that in front, the system springs into action. It triggers the application of an electrical charge to the conductive material integrated into the mirror's glass surface.
This electrical charge activates a special gel within the mirror, causing it to darken in direct proportion to the amount of light it is exposed to. Consequently, when the glare from trailing headlights intensifies, the mirror responds by darkening to reduce the glare's impact. Conversely, when the glare subsides, the system deactivates, allowing the mirror to brighten and provide a clear view once more.
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Photo sensors
Electric rear-view mirrors, also known as auto-dimming mirrors, are designed to enhance driving safety at night by reducing glare from the headlights of vehicles travelling behind. This auto-dimming function is controlled by photo sensors, which detect light from both in front of and behind the vehicle.
The photo sensors work in conjunction with an electronic system that controls the dimming function of the mirror. The mirror element typically features a layer of electrolytes, similar to the LCD display of a mobile phone. When a voltage is applied to the electrolytes, the crystals within them arrange themselves at a specific angle, regulating the amount of light reflected off the mirror surface.
The exact placement of the photo sensors can vary depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer. In some cases, the photo sensors may be integrated into the mirror itself, while in others, they may be positioned on the windshield near the rear-view mirror. Additionally, some vehicles may have multiple sensors, with one sensor facing forward and another positioned to detect light from the rear.
It is important to note that not all electric rear-view mirrors have photo sensors. Some models may use different mechanisms or sensors to control the dimming function, or they may not have an auto-dimming feature at all.
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Installation
To install an electric rear-view mirror, you will need the new rear-view mirror, a pair of mirror holders, a wrench, and two rubber sleeves.
First, loosen the two bolts in the existing mirror holders and remove them. Put the bolts aside and install the new mirror holders in the handlebar. Put the rubber sleeve between the handlebar and the mirror holder, then tighten the four bolts using the wrench, but not too much so that you can adjust the mirror angle later.
Next, rotate the mirror bolts upwards to expose the screw. Rotate the mirror into the mirror holder in a clockwise direction, ensuring the rearview mirror faces the rear directly. Tighten the mirror bolts securely.
You can then rotate the mirror to change the horizontal and vertical alignment of the mirror face and adjust the mirror angle so that you can clearly see the situation behind you.
Finally, check that the mirror holders are fixed tightly to the handlebar and do not wobble. Ensure that you can see the road behind clearly when riding.
Note: If you cannot install the part correctly and follow these steps safely, it is recommended that you find a certified mechanic for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric rearview mirror improves driving safety by removing glare from the headlights of vehicles behind, which can affect vision. The mirror dims automatically, reducing glare and discomfort. This type of mirror also eliminates the need to manually adjust the mirror when driving at night.
An electric rearview mirror consists of a mirror element and an electronic system that detects light from in front and behind by means of photo sensors. If the amount of light from behind is greater than that in front, the mirror is darkened. The surface of the mirror features a layer of electrolytes, similar to the LCD display of a mobile phone. The electrolytes consist of uniform crystals. When a voltage is applied, the crystals arrange themselves at a given angle, determining how much light is reflected.
Many electric rearview mirrors come with additional features such as thermometers, compasses, and garage door openers. Some models are easily installed by simply clipping them over your existing rearview mirror, while others may require the help of a car mechanic.
