How do I know if my side mirror is heated or not?
Side mirrors are an essential part of your vehicle's safety system, providing visibility and reducing blind spots. Heated side mirrors are a particularly useful feature, especially in colder climates where frost, ice, or fog can obstruct your view. But how can you tell if your side mirror is heated? In this article, we’ll walk you through the key indicators to help you determine if your vehicle is equipped with this feature.
1. Look for the Heated Mirror Symbol
One of the easiest ways to identify a heated side mirror is by checking for the heated mirror symbol. This symbol typically looks like a small rectangle with wavy lines running through it, representing heat. You can find this symbol:
- On the mirror itself, often etched into the glass.
- On the mirror adjustment control inside your car.
- On the dashboard or climate control panel, where the heated mirror function is activated.
2. Check Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is a comprehensive resource for understanding all the features of your car. Look under the section for mirrors or climate control to see if heated side mirrors are listed as a feature. The manual will also explain how to activate them if they are present.
3. Inspect the Mirror Glass
Heated mirrors often have a slightly different appearance compared to standard mirrors. Look closely at the mirror glass for any visible lines or grids, which are part of the heating element. These lines may not always be obvious, so inspect carefully under good lighting conditions.
4. Test the Feature
If you suspect your mirrors are heated but aren’t sure, you can test the feature. On a cold or frosty day, activate the rear defroster or the heated mirror button (if available). Observe the mirrors to see if the frost or fog clears up within a few minutes. This is a clear indication that your mirrors are heated.
5. Consult a Professional
If you’re still uncertain, a professional mechanic can help you determine whether your side mirrors are heated. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in vehicle diagnostics and can quickly identify whether your car is equipped with heated mirrors. Feel free to contact us for assistance!
Why Heated Mirrors Are Important
Heated mirrors are a valuable feature for maintaining visibility and safety in adverse weather conditions. They help prevent frost, ice, and fog from obstructing your view, ensuring a clear line of sight while driving. If your car doesn’t have heated mirrors, consider upgrading to this feature for added convenience and safety.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. Whether you need assistance identifying features or upgrading your vehicle, our experienced team is ready to assist. Contact us today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heated mirrors come on automatically?
They will turn on automatically when it is cold enough.
How do I know if my wing mirrors are electric?
You have an electric mirror if you can adjust your wing mirror glass via a button from within the car that you either twist or push down.
What is the line on the side mirror for?
Normal. It is the seam where the end of the mirror is bent out a bit to give you a better view of your blind spot. Not many people like it. It is easy to ignore after awhile.
Which cars have heated side mirrors?
2025 Cars Under $40,000 With Heated Exterior Mirrors
- Acura: Integra.
- Alfa Romeo: Tonale.
- Audi: A3.
- Buick: Encore GX, Envision, Envista.
- Cadillac: CT4.
- Chevrolet: Blazer, Equinox, Equinox EV, Malibu, Silverado 1500, Trailblazer, Trax.
- Dodge: Hornet.
- Ford: Bronco, Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick, Mustang, Mustang Mach-E.
What is the red light on the side mirror of my car?
BSW systems monitor the blind spots on both sides of your car. When a car is detected, a yellow or red indicator will light up in the side mirror or on the window frame. Some systems also provide a warning sound. BSW helps you to avoid crashes that occur in blind spot areas.
How do I know if my mirrors are heated?
You can either check for a heated mirror sign on the mirror glass, check your dashboard for a button to engage the heated mirrors independently of the defroster. you can just push the mirror glass all the way one way and the other to check the back of the glass to see if it has 2 wires coming out of it.
What is the little red light on my car?
A red warning light generally indicates a serious issue with your car. You should act quickly if your dashboard warning light is red – it could be an overheating engine, low engine oil pressure or a braking system problem.
Do I have heated wing mirrors?
Heated mirrors
If you're unsure of whether your mirror was heated, look for a heating symbol on or close to the electric mirror adjustor. Alternatively, remove the old glass mirror from the unit to discover if there are electric cables attached to the rear of the glass.
How do you turn on heated side mirrors?
And the little. Right that's your mirror right here you turn on your rear window defroster. And you're actually going to turn on that heated mirror as well. So it's very easy to do.
Why is my side mirror light on?
If the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone: An amber warning symbol will light up on the outside mirror on the side where the vehicle is detected. If you activate your turn signal in that direction, this warning symbol will flash as an extra warning to not change lanes.
