Why is heated bathroom mirrors a waste?

We will take care of a good view from the car in winter, we will understand the design and installation of heated mirrors ourselves. To do this, consider a universal heater, which is installed additionally on cars without this option.

The heating element, without consuming much electricity, is able to operate effectively down to very low temperatures (some manufacturers claim down to minus 50 °C). The heated spiral located on the film contributes to the melting of ice and evaporation of moisture from the side mirrors.

Varieties

There are several options for organizing heated exterior rear-view mirrors, which are conventionally divided into electrically dependent and independent of the on-board power supply at 12 V or 24 V.

The implementation of heating depends on the specific material you will use.

The following varieties are distinguished:

Film heaters. Very easy to use, easy to install and at the same time quite effective. An option for the lazy, if you will;
Heating from light bulbs. Initially, all motorists who did not have standard heating, but wanted to get it, used light bulbs. Today the technology is outdated, but still relevant;
Conductor elements. It uses a special board that has heating elements. There is nothing difficult to install, and the range is extensive;
Wire. A special wire is used as heating. It can also be implemented if you follow some rules.

To provide some clarity, I propose to now consider each option separately.

Based on the information received, you can decide what suits you and which idea is better to abandon.

You can organize homemade heating on any mirror. It all depends on your wishes, skills and financial capabilities.

Judging by publications on Drive2, homemade heating systems are most often found:

for VAZ 2110;
Daewoo Nexia;
Daewoo Lanos;
VAZ classic;
Lada Kalina;
Renault Logan;
on Gazelle trucks;
VAZ 2109;
Renault Sandero;
Chevrolet Aveo, etc.

If you want something similar for yourself, I suggest you get acquainted with short excursions into the issues of creating heating using one method or another.

Using light bulbs

This is the oldest method among all existing ones. But there is absolutely nothing surprising about the fact that incandescent lamps are used for heating.

In fact, such light bulbs are heating devices. They spend about 90% of electricity on heat, and only 10% goes to light emissions. To create a heating system, it is best to take a pair of low-power 10-watt light bulbs, or 1 double-filament light bulb, which will allow each spiral to be connected separately. Usually their size fits perfectly into the mirror body. It is only important to place the lamp so that it does not touch the internal surfaces of the mirror and the body itself.

The process of installing the heater itself is quite labor-intensive. But many cope on their own.

If you are interested in the details of the process, it can be divided into several stages. Think carefully before using lamps. However, the method is outdated and there are a number of alternative solutions.

But I will still describe the process step by step. It looks something like this:

the mirror housing is removed; the body is disassembled; the front wall is treated with heat-resistant material; a layer of foil is applied on top of the insulation to reflect heat; the light bulb is fixed with wires using a socket or clamps; everything is carefully isolated; connect to power; display button; assemble everything in reverse order; check functionality; start heating.

Usually there is a separate button to activate heating. When using 2 10-watt lamps, the mirror can warm up and get rid of ice in about 2-5 minutes.

But such lamps require a lot of energy and cannot be left on for a long time.

Printed circuit boards

This option is simpler and more effective than lamp heaters. They are not difficult to find on the market or order through Aliexpress.

In fact, here we are talking about 2 layers of polymer material, between which there are conductors made of nichrome or other material. Such products can be model-based, designed for mirrors of specific cars, or universal. If necessary, they are trimmed and adapted to any mirror.

The installation itself looks like this:

Films

See also:
In my opinion, for independent implementation, films will be the simplest and most correct solution. Just keep in mind that there are 2 types of films for heating mirrors.

Film resistor materials. Considered reliable, easy to install and effective. Installation is not much different from fixing boards. The film is attached to the back of the mirror using glue or double-sided tape. The kit already includes outlet wires that connect to the car’s wiring and the button is displayed on the panel in a convenient place;
Simple films. No electrical connection is required here. This is an option for the lazy, since everything is done in a couple of minutes without much effort and dismantling the mirror. Such films, called anti-rain, are installed in several steps. First, the mirror is cleaned, the marks are checked, the label is separated, a film is glued to the center, air bubbles are removed and the top protective layer is removed.

With the second version of the film, we are not talking about heating, but about creating a special water-repellent layer. At the same time, the film works well, many who managed to buy it remain satisfied. Plus no work with connections, insulation, foiling, etc.

Have you used any heaters? How do you generally solve the problem of icing and fogging of the side rear view mirrors? Share your secrets and observations in the comments.

Thank you for your attention! Be sure to subscribe, leave reviews, and ask relevant questions if you have them!

Preparing for work

To design heated mirrors with your own hands, you need to select suitable materials and tools.

What is needed for work:

heating elements for each mirror;
hot water, hair dryer for heating the surface;
scissors or a knife for cutting the heater according to the shape and dimensions of the mirror itself;
drill with an attachment for making holes;
to connect the system you will need wiring, bolt terminals, electrical tape;
a button that allows you to start the device;
fuse, relay.

Important:

When choosing a heater, you should choose the most reliable film models. Here, double-sided adhesive tape is used, where a conductive layer is provided. The advantage of this option is uniform heating and quick cleaning of the surface.

Is it possible to install heated mirrors yourself?

When thinking about how to make heated mirrors with your own hands, you should start by dismantling the existing mirror.

Each driver can remove it himself:

The adjustment moves downwards, which allows you to pry off the structure with plastic protection. If you need to remove the system assembly, unscrew the fastening screws located under the casing.
Next, you need to disconnect the mirror element itself. Under the influence of high temperatures, the adhesive base will become softer, making it possible to pry off the protection without damaging the device.
If the glass is covered with paper tape, remove it. This procedure is not carried out on all machines, but extreme care is required, as it is easy to damage the coating.
Using a universal heating element, you need to give it the required shape. And, applying it to the plastic part, determine the location of the holes for subsequent connection. Sometimes the plastic has to be cut and additional holes made to route the wires.
Then the heating element itself is glued to the degreased surface. To do this, the protection is removed and the film is applied to the mirror. Having removed the top protective layer, we apply the plastic part. It is important here to prevent the formation of air bubbles.
Having glued the heater to one side element, we proceed to the other, after which we insert the structure into the body and proceed to connecting wires and contacts.

It is noteworthy that self-adhesive heating of rear-view mirrors on film is not the only option. It is allowed to use one or two weaker car bulbs that can quickly heat the structure.

Subtleties of connecting the device

Connection is an important stage that determines the effectiveness of the entire heating system. When thinking about how to connect heated mirrors, it is worth exploring two options. It can be connected to the glass heating or a button or a separate circuit is used. The latter option is better, as it reduces the load on the on-board network, since simultaneous heating of glass and mirrors is not always required.

If you have not installed a heated mirror system before, you will need to make a hole for the wires during assembly. The wiring is laid under the car door trim and then under the panel.

Let's get started:

It is better to remove the door trim and sills in advance.
The wiring must be laid down along the door so that it does not interfere with the operation of the glass. The wires can be secured with electrical tape to other wiring.
Next, we pull the wires through the corrugation. They enter the interior through a hole located below the hinges.
For subsequent connection, the screws are unscrewed and the console is disassembled.
The wiring from the mirrors is laid under the carpet.
The bolt terminal is screwed to the negative wire and installed on a metal frame. The processes are similar for the left and right mirrors. During operation, some wires may be extended.
Plus throws on the button. Subsequent connection of wires is carried out according to the standard scheme. Different connection schemes can be used. There are options where the plus is taken from the ignition relay or from the cigarette lighter.

If you plan to connect the heated mirrors to the heated rear window system, less manipulation is required. In this case, the positive wires are connected, and the negative wire is output to the housing. Then a separate button is not required, the systems are turned on simultaneously.

What you need

To make a heater you only need:

Nichrome wire;
Double-sided and regular tape;
Wires;
Sealant;
Soldering iron;
Multimeter;

A wire with a cross section of 0.4-05 mm and a length of 1-1.3 m is suitable for the heater. For normal functioning of the heating system, the resistance of the piece of wire must be 12 Ohms. This is exactly what a multimeter is for. That is, we took a section of 1.5 meters and measured the resistance. If it exceeds the specified value, cut off 10 cm and measure again. Thus, we select the desired segment.

Benefits of heating

The main side mirrors contain a single element in a protective housing that is customizable to the driver. Some car manufacturers provide additional features to make them easier to use. One such feature is adding a heat source to the side reflectors. This is an ideal option for those drivers who live in cold regions and for those who do not have a garage to accommodate their vehicle during snowy weather. The heated element increases the temperature, melting snow, moisture, and condensation. This means that the driver does not have to waste time cleaning components and improving visibility.

On vehicles that have heated side mirrors as standard equipment, most have a separate heated button for the driver's side. If there is no such control panel, the driver turns the part every time he turns the car mirror heater.

Advantages

Some manufacturers offer heated mirrors as standard on their cars, thus attracting customers. But on older or economical modern models there is no such function.

Installing heated mirrors makes it easier to drive cars in winter. You will no longer need to waste time cleaning them manually. Some cars have a button for heated mirrors. Otherwise it will start. The heating element melts the snow, evaporates condensation moisture and makes driving much safer.

Do-it-yourself heated mirrors: an alternative option for lazy people

Hello, dear friends! I think many of you drivers are familiar with the problem of fogging and freezing of side mirrors. Therefore, today it would be logical to talk about heating mirrors with your own hands.

This is not just an additional option, but sometimes an extreme necessity. It allows you to constantly be aware of what is happening behind you due to a clear picture without distortion from moisture, condensation and stuck snow.

At the same time, heating for a mirror can be implemented in different ways. Before you take the first step in this rule, I suggest exploring several possible options. I’ll briefly tell you what they look like, what they are and how to connect them without turning to specialists for help, who will obviously demand an impressive amount of money to complete the work.

Wire heating

Another option is also simple and easy to make. It uses copper wire instead of light bulbs. And the materials you will need are a plate of thermal insulation material, an insulator for the wire, and foil.

An important condition for the heating to work is the correct selection of the wire cross-section and its length. When connected to the battery, the wire should not heat up above 40-50 degrees Celsius.

In such a heater, a plate is installed inside the body, onto which foil is glued. The wire is placed in an insulator, wiring is soldered to its ends, then it is secured in a zigzag pattern to the plate and the mirror is assembled. The connection is carried out identically to a lamp heater.

These are the simplest, but at the same time very reliable designs of side mirror heaters, which can be made practically from improvised means, and at the same time they will perform their function quite well.

If you know how to make regular heated mirrors with your own hands, you can make driving a car much easier. Every driver knows how quickly they cover with snow and water in the cold season. At the same time, anyone can make heated mirrors with their own hands. You will learn how to do this in our article.

Principle of operation

At its core, heated side mirrors consist of any electric heater (low temperature), electrical wiring, and a control button (panel). The electrical circuit for heating the mirrors is connected to the vehicle's on-board 12-volt network. When the contacts of the power button are closed, the heating of the mirrors (heating element) is connected, the current heats the surface of the mirror, it heats up, and the resulting ice begins to melt, and the mirror also stops fogging up.

Structurally, the universal heated mirrors look like an electric heating element, a cable, and a control system. The system is connected to the standard electrical circuit of the machine, the power of which is twelve volts. By closing the push-button contacts to turn on, the heating system is activated, the incoming current heats the mirror surfaces, the icing begins to thaw, and the mirror fogs up.

Design of the mirror heating system

Before you begin installation, you need to understand the system design. You can install ready-made heated mirrors on your car. Then it is enough to connect new elements. Or you can do the tuning yourself. The second method is more labor-intensive and takes more time, but is the most attractive in price.

Heating scheme:

button - usually located on the control panel or on the door on the driver's side, providing starting;
electrical wiring - required for transmitting current, power;
heating element - represented by film models, heaters based on wire or printed conductors.
fuse – required for efficient power supply;

The system is connected to the on-board network via a separate button or connected to the heated rear window. When assembled correctly, the structure ensures rapid heating of the mirrors and removal of moisture from their surface when required.

Malfunctions of standard heating

The presence of a heated rear view mirror cannot always be detected at first glance. The fact is that there is often no separate button to turn it on, and many car owners wonder how the heated exterior mirrors are turned on. The function is activated automatically when the rear window heating is turned on. To check if the mirror heater is present:

Start the engine;
Turn on the rear window heating;
Spray the mirrors with water or blow on them;
Touch it with your hand.

When the heating is running, the water drops dry within 1-2 minutes; when you breathe, the mirror does not fog up, and it is warm to the touch. In the cold season, you can verify the presence of heating by simply observing how long it takes for the mirror to thaw after being parked overnight. If a heating element is located underneath, the defrosting process takes only a few minutes.

Possible malfunction	How to repair heating
Heating element burnt out	Disassemble the mirror and replace the part
The integrity of the wiring is broken	Check the wiring with a multitester, clean, connect and insulate the wires at the damage site
The power button combined with the rear window heating is faulty	Check if the rear window heating works. If not, replace the button
Heating relay is faulty	“Ring” and replace the faulty relay
Fuse burned out	Replace fuse, check wiring for short circuit

It’s not difficult to make heated mirrors with your own hands today. Heating components are sold in stores, so all the work comes down to assembling a simple structure and connecting it to the car's electrical network. An assembled and well-functioning device will significantly increase driving comfort in winter and make life easier for owners of any type of car.

Control

Now a word about heating control. The simplest and most common way is to connect the heaters to the heated rear window switch. This is very convenient and does not require the inclusion of many additional elements in the circuit. The only thing you may need is a relay and a fuse.

On expensive cars, the heated mirrors can be controlled automatically using sensors. In some cars, the side mirrors also include temperature sensors in their design; in others, they are controlled by a rain sensor.

About safety rules

We have already figured out a little about how to use the first method to heat mirrors with your own hands. “Kalina” or “seven” - you must not forget about safety rules.

Firstly, the connection must be made only through a special fuse, and secondly, the cracks and holes in the side mirror housing must be completely sealed. This is necessary in order to prevent moisture from entering and the possibility of a short circuit.

In addition, always remember not to leave the wires exposed, as this may cause a short circuit in the housing, etc. It is advisable to place the switch in a place convenient for you so that you do not need to be distracted from the road. In principle, following these simple rules is not so difficult.

Tube heater

Self-production of lamp-heated mirrors

We will look at heating made from improvised materials. One of the simplest types of heating is the use of ordinary 12-volt incandescent lamps. When such a lamp burns, enough heat will be released to warm the mirror. At the same time, to create a heater you will not need so many materials:

two automobile incandescent lamps;
cartridges for them;
wires;
foil;
insulation (varnished fabric, paronite, textolite);

To install the heating, you need to remove the mirror along with the housing from the car, and then disassemble it so that you can install the bulbs inside. Insulation is needed in order to reduce heat loss from the housing. It needs to be glued from the inside to the body. Then foil is glued to the insulation, which will act as a reflector, providing heat flow towards the mirror.

Next, the light bulb socket is installed inside the housing and secured. This can be done in different ways, but it is important that the installed light bulb does not touch the mirror and reflector, so the light bulb also needs to be selected in the optimal size.

If there is not enough space in the case, you can simply solder wires to the lamp and insulate the base. The lamp itself can be secured in the housing using a heat-resistant clamp and glue. Then the mirror is assembled and installed on the car.

The wiring from the light bulb can be pulled through the mirror mounting post into the interior. One of the wires is connected to ground, and the second is stretched to the button for turning on the heated rear window and connected to it.

This type of heating is good because it can be tweaked and improved. For example, install a two-pin lamp, making dual-mode heating, display a separate key, etc.

Video: Heating mirrors with your own hands, from start to result Passat 3

Types of heating

Wire-based heating

It is necessary to purchase tungsten filaments. They must be laid between two layers of insulating material. This creates a spiral. It is necessary to make two conclusions (for plus and minus). When choosing this heating option, you need to have a good understanding of mechanics. The spiral must be insulated; there should be no gaps between the two layers of insulating material.

On printed conductors

This is an easy option for installing heated mirrors since every car market has heated units. They consist of two layers of polymer material, between which conductors are located. Such parts are made for a specific model. They can be found according to the desired size; for this you need to know the parameters of the car.

To install the heating, you will need to disassemble the mirror housing. This is necessary in order to get to the other side. The inner part must be degreased and the board glued to it.

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The heaters have two terminals on the sides (wires are connected to them), they must be soldered and insulated. The wires are connected to the wiring, and the heating regulator is displayed on the panel.

Important! Efficiency will be higher if the internal cavity of the housing is covered with foil or heat-insulating material.

Independent heating equipment

Factory universal heating element

But that’s all – standard heaters that cars are equipped with from the factory, and not all models have them. And this option is really very necessary, because visibility depends on it. But it is quite possible to make heaters for side mirrors yourself.

Of course, you can buy all the necessary equipment and install it on your car, saving yourself the need to invent something. There are ready-made kits on sale that can be installed in standard mirrors, or you can purchase tuning mirrors that are already equipped with heating, but these are additional costs.

How to check for a function?

You should not begin work on installing such a system unless you are sure that you no longer have heated mirrors. You can check it very simply. If you have a heating button in your car, or the mirrors get warmer a couple of minutes after turning on the car, then you have it.

You can also check if the wires go to the mirror housing and if there is a heating element in them. Heated side mirrors can be easily connected to a similar system for the rear mirror. This way you can control everything with one button. The main thing is not to mix up the wires.

Instructions for installing ready-made components

Installing commercial heated mirrors is a relatively simple operation. To carry it out, it is necessary to remove the part from the car and disassemble it. Glued products are heated with a hair dryer or by soaking in boiling water, after which the reflective overlay is easily removed.

Products fastened with bolts are disassembled using the appropriate tool. Do-it-yourself installation of heated rear-view mirrors purchased in a store is permissible only on clean and dry surfaces.

The boards are glued to the inside of the case with glue, the films are fixed directly to the reverse side. In both cases, wires are soldered to the contacts of the thermoelement, which go to the power source.

Read more: Detailed guide to replacing the heater valve on a VAZ 2115 car

A few important details

To disassemble the mirrors, you will need screwdrivers of different sizes, as well as hex keys. You will need to find a place in the car to set the heating to turn on and off.

To disassemble the side window, first loosen the mounting screws. Use a hair dryer to soften the mirror elements. If this tool is not available, the driver can use hot water. The mirror must be completely placed in water, after which the analysis will be much easier.

Important! When dismantling, you must use plastic elements so as not to damage the structure or scratch the glass.

To get the maximum effect from the heating operation, the elements must be prepared so that the contacts do not touch the coating. Contact between heat and coating results in burnout. All work can be done independently. However, it is better to contact a specialist, he will help with installation and perform the correct installation, so that unforeseen situations do not arise during the operation of the mirror heaters.

Installation and assembly must be performed sequentially. Each stage is performed one after another (certain actions cannot be skipped). Thus, heated mirrors will bring the driver the necessary comfort. In wet weather and frost, the mirrors will always be clean and dry.

Installation of finished components

The installation is clear even to a car driver who has recently driven the car.

Procedure:

Find a device to close and open the circuit (relay). Open the hood of the vehicle, find the black box and relay. There are indications on the box which relay is for what. You need to find one for the mirrors and remove it. Next, replace the relay with the mirror element, connect the wire, and close the hood.
Remove old mirrors. Open the doors, unscrew the screws. Find mounting locations for rearview mirrors. Remove old components and disconnect wires.
Supply purchased components.

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Watch the video on how else you can make heated mirrors yourself

Make heated mirrors yourself or buy a universal option - the choice is yours. Whatever you decide, carry out the installation correctly and in compliance with all necessary standards. Only in this case will you be able to enjoy an excellent view in any weather. Good luck on the roads!

The cold season is ahead, creating additional difficulties for motorists, including fogging and freezing of side mirrors. Driving with such mirrors is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. And opening the window every time to clean and wipe is not much fun, especially if it’s cold and rainy outside.

Many foreign cars are equipped with a heated mirror system. It is really very convenient because it allows you to keep your mirrors clean in any weather. But only on budget models, as well as on domestic cars, such equipment is very rare.

There is still a way out of the situation, and more than one:

Purchasing mirrors with an integrated heating system;
Purchase and installation of factory heating products (film, printed heaters);
Folk remedies;

How to install heated mirrors

An alternative to repairing or installing a defroster is to replace the existing glass. The old window is then completely removed at a specialist workshop and replaced with a new heated rear window to the extent that the vehicle manufacturer offered it to them from the factory at the time, or the current manufacturer has suitable copies in stock.

The price is determined depending on the car model. To this are added the costs of dismantling and installation in a specialized workshop. Because the heating cables in the window must be connected to the mains. To do this, the glass connecting cable must be connected to the vehicle.

Another option is to use a special film for gluing, often an option for the rear window. This film has built-in heating cables that heat the glass accordingly and prevent the glass from fogging up. The special film is extremely easy to use during installation.

It is simply glued to the inside of the car to the existing rear window. There is nothing more to do for installation. In order for the heating cables in the film to also receive electricity, a cable must be laid. Electricity can be supplied to the heating cables of the film through the car's cigarette lighter.

Modifying heated mirrors is much simpler. In addition, there are many suppliers who stock a self-adhesive polyester surface that simply sticks to a part of the car's exterior mirror. Depending on the version, this film is suitable for many brands of cars, and can also be used for other purposes.

You can also install a replacement mirror glass (clip-on), all you have to do is connect the wires and then install the mirror. This mirror is easy to install, but professional installation is recommended.

Selecting a heating element

Universal heating elements are most often found on sale; they are easily installed in the side mirrors of most cars. But if there are any differences in the size or shape of the heating element compared to the back surface of the mirrors, then you need to discuss this problem with the seller.

If the choice is limited to several models that do not quite fit your car, then it is better to give preference to heating elements with smaller dimensions than the size of the mirror on the car. In this case, you will not have to trim the base of the heater, which can lead to depressurization and subsequent burnout of the heating element during operation.

When purchasing a heating element, you should pay attention to such characteristics as:

current strength;
voltage;
power.

Choosing a possible solution for making or repairing heated mirrors with your own hands

So, heated mirrors will be useful to you not only in winter, but also in the off-season, when the glass can cool down significantly, which will lead to the accumulation of condensation on them. We will not focus our attention on the possible options when you need heated mirrors, but will immediately proceed to alternatives that will correct the existing state of affairs. Yes, of course, most cars sold on our market already have such an option as heated mirrors, but if you still don’t have such an option or it’s broken, then this can be fixed. Before you start doing something, try to do it according to the rule of “least resistance” to the existing circumstances. So it is necessary to check whether there are “ready-made” offers on the market, that is, already pre-assembled heating blocks (platforms) that can be installed in standard mirrors. If there are any, then purchasing and installing them would be a better option, but if not, then welcome to the club of “crazy hands.”

Standard heated mirrors in a car

To make it more clear how to independently equip the mirrors of your car with such a necessary option as heated mirrors, you must first consider the types of heating used on cars and their design.

There are three such types in total.

The simplest of them is wire. It consists of wire made of resistive alloys. In fact, such heating is made according to the principle of a conventional boiler - there is a conductive wire connected to a power source, due to which it heats up. In a car, the power source is the on-board network. A wire of a certain cross-section connected to the car's wiring will heat up to the required temperature to heat the mirror. To prevent heating from damaging the surface of the mirror, the wire is placed in a heat-resistant layer. The wire itself is laid with this layer in a certain way to ensure heating of the entire area of the mirror. This type is simple and reliable, but at the same time it has low efficiency, and the mirror surface is heated unevenly - areas located near the wire warm up faster than distant ones.
The second type of heating is produced by so-called “printed conductors”. The principle of operation is similar to the first one, but its implementation is somewhat different. The basis for creating the heater is a metallized film on which a strip conductor is applied by etching. These tapes are made in the form of a labyrinth to cover the mirror area to the maximum. The on-board network wiring is connected to this strip conductor. If the first type of heater is placed in a heat-insulating layer, then only a thin reflective layer is placed between the mirror and the film with tapes. The efficiency of such a device is much higher, and heating is produced more evenly. But there is also a drawback - metallized tapes are quite fragile and easily damaged, so if the mirror breaks, the heating will most likely break.
The third type is different from the first two. It is a metallized coating applied directly to the inside of the mirror and is a continuous film, which is why this type is called film. It also has a fairly high efficiency, quickly and efficiently heats the mirror over the entire area. And its disadvantage is the same as that of “printed conductors”.

We equip your car with a vital function - heated mirrors