Have you ever seen an auto-dimming rearview mirror in action? Have you ever wondered how it works? Our auto tech enthusiasts here at Raymond Kia in Antioch, IL researched this very question. Here's what we found.
What Is an Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror?
An auto-dimming rearview mirror turns opaque automatically when specially embedded photo sensors detect light. The actual mirror consists of glass panes with electrically conductive material. Sandwiched between the panels is an electrochromic gel, a gel that turns opaque when it meets with electricity.
How an Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror Works
An auto-dimming mirror contains a special controller. When the mirror's light sensors detect light, the controller emits an electrical current. This current passes through each glass pane's electrically conductive material. The gel that's in contact with the glass' surface then turns opaque.
Opacity levels typically return to normal after the source of the bright light subsides. Some mirrors have two sets of sensors: one for bright light from high beams and one for bright ambient light.