The option for heated rear-view mirrors on cars appeared relatively recently, which was associated with the problems of fogging the windows, the formation of condensation on them and ice in the winter. Heating them almost solved.
Instructions
Step 1
Heating of mirrors and subsequent evaporation of excess moisture occurs using a heating element located between the mirror and its base. As a result, the surface of the mirror heats up to 500 degrees, which is guaranteed to provide a clean surface in almost any weather. All types of heating are switched on using the service button on the car console. Start the engine and press the button.
Step 2
The heater works from the vehicle's on-board network through a switch, which is usually located in the same block with the rear window defogger switch. On cars equipped with such a system, it is turned on and off automatically by the command of the on-board computer when an appropriate situation arises.
Step 3
There are currently three types of mirror heating elements. The easiest option is mirrors with a wire heating element located behind a reflective layer, from which it is separated by glue or adhesive plastic tape. The spiral is also covered with a lining with a small air gap, so that at the moment of heating the metal, expanding, does not destroy the mirror itself. This system is quite simple and quite cheap, but has low efficiency.
Step 4
A mirror with a heater based on printed conductors has a similar design, but instead of a spiral it uses a metallized polymer-based film as a heating element. A ribbon-like conductor in the form of an open labyrinth is formed on it by etching. When connected to a power source, it heats up, transferring heat to the mirror through the surrounding layer. Heaters based on printed conductors have a higher efficiency and heat the mirror surface more evenly. Such equipment can be installed on a car in a workshop or independently.
Step 5
The most advanced type of heater is a mirror with a combined reflective layer. Given the certain complexity of its manufacture, the installation of such a system is carried out only at the manufacturing plant. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that a thin layer of metal in the form of a labyrinthine conductor is deposited on the back side of the reflecting layer by spraying. In some cases, the heating element is glued to the reflective layer.
