Auto-dimming rearview mirrors have been around since the 1980s, and they continue to be popular today. They're arguably even more important now since car headlights have gotten brighter in recent years. The technology behind auto-dimming mirrors has evolved, but the basic idea behind them has stayed the same. Let's take a look at how they work.
Electrochromism
Auto-dimming mirrors work through a process called electrochromism. Simply put, there is a special gel placed between the layers of glass that make up a rearview mirror. This gel darkens when an electrical charge goes through it, causing the mirror itself to darken and reduce glare from headlights. Modern auto-dimming mirrors are equipped with sensors that detect glare from headlights and other sources and send a charge through the gel when the glare becomes too bright.
Many of the vehicles at Acura of Laurel in Laurel, MD come equipped with auto-dimming mirrors, so contact us if you want to learn more about them.