How electric side mirrors work and why you should choose them

Summary

Electric mirrors evolved from manual controls; electric operation gained traction around 1975.
Many cars feature heated mirrors that defog automatically with rear-window defogger.
Auto-fold reduces damage and saves space but increases battery consumption.
Exterior mirrors are powered; interior mirror is usually manual.

Electric mirrors have become standard on most modern cars, offering greater comfort and safety behind the wheel. This technology has evolved significantly from the early manual systems, now including advanced features such as heated mirrors and automatic folding. Understanding how these systems operate can help you make informed decisions when buying a new car or when you encounter technical issues.

In this article, we explore the history, current capabilities, and maintenance of electric mirrors to help you choose the right setup for your vehicle.

Historical evolution of rear-view mirrors

On older car models, mirror adjustment was exclusively manual. Drivers had to roll down the window to adjust the exterior mirror position, a cumbersome process in certain weather conditions.

Around the 1960s, the auto industry introduced the first improved system allowing adjustment from inside with the windows closed. These primitive systems operated through a mechanical linkage — a joystick connected by a cable running from the door to the interior of the side mirror.

The real revolution began around 1975, when electrically operated mirrors started to gain ground in the automotive industry. Today, most cars include the heating function for the side mirrors, which activates automatically with the rear window defogger button.

Advanced features of modern electric mirrors

Auto folding

Depending on the car’s equipment, you can benefit from automatic folding of the mirrors inward when you exit the car and lock it. This function protects the side mirrors from potential damage, being located at the vehicle’s extremities. The system saves you from manual operation each time, though this convenience translates into higher battery drain.

Integrated heating

The heating system of the mirrors eliminates condensation and frost that can form on the reflective surface, maintaining optimal visibility in adverse weather conditions. This feature usually activates simultaneously with the defogging of the rear window.

Main components of electric mirrors

In today’s cars, the vast majority come equipped with electric mirrors, each mirror having its own actuation system:

Individual electric motors — each mirror has its own motor for precise movement in all directions
Electrical connectors — provide power and transmit control signals
Directional control module — manages movements according to joystick commands
Individual electrical circuit — each mirror has its own circuit for independent operation
Position sensors — in the case of advanced systems with memory of positions

How electric mirrors are operated

For standard vehicles, typically only the exterior rear-view mirrors can be controlled electrically. The interior rear-view mirror is usually manually adjustable, except for premium models that also include electronic adjustment features.

Control system

The button that controls the mirrors has three distinct positions:

Left position — activates control of the left mirror
Right position — activates control of the right mirror
Central (off) position — deactivates any actuation command

The central position serves as a safety measure against unintended actuation while driving, preventing accidental mirror movements that could affect visibility.

Operating principle

The system operates with a simple and intuitive principle:

Select the desired mirror (left or right) with the main switch
Use the joystick to move the mirror in the desired direction
The joystick can be moved in the four available directions: up, down, left, right
Movement is proportional to the duration of the press — short presses for fine adjustments, longer presses for larger changes

Importance of correct adjustment for safety

For your safety, make sure the mirrors are adjusted to provide optimal visibility of what is happening behind the car and to its sides. Proper adjustment contributes to the safety of all road users.

For extra safety, you can opt for convex rear-view mirrors that increase the field of view. These are relatively affordable and allow you to see a wider angle behind the car.

These mirrors help cover the blind spot, which is particularly dangerous for motorcycles approaching from behind. Due to their small size, in adverse conditions they can lead to accidents if not noticed in time.

Features of additional convex mirrors

Size: 40–80 mm diameter
Installation: quickly attaches to factory mirrors with double-sided adhesive tape
Ideal positioning: on the extreme edge of the rear-view mirror, on the lower surface
Advantages: extended field of view, detection of vehicles in the blind spot

Maintenance of electric mirror systems

Common problems

Jammed motors — due to frost or accumulated dirt
Electrical problems — corroded contacts or blown fuses
Wear of mechanisms — especially on high-mileage cars
Joystick failures — worn contacts in the control module

Preventive maintenance

Periodically check the operation of all directions of movement
Clean the articulation areas to prevent jams
Avoid forcing the system if the mirrors are frozen
Check the condition of electrical connectors during regular service

Photo source: YouTube