Heated ORVMs – Feature Explained

What Is Heated ORVMs?

Heated ORVMs are exterior rearview mirrors equipped with heating elements that warm the mirror glass. This heating action melts ice, evaporates fog, and clears condensation from the mirror surface, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

How Do Heated ORVMs Work?

The operation of heated ORVMs is straightforward and often integrated with other defogging systems:

1. Activation: Heated ORVMs are usually activated in one of 2 ways:
   • Dedicated Button: Many vehicles have a specific button on the dashboard or center console, often near the rear defogger controls, to activate the mirror heating.
   • Integrated with Rear Defogger: In many cars, the heated ORVMs automatically turn on when the rear windshield defogger is activated.
2. Heating Element: Small electrical heating elements (often thin wires or a conductive film) are embedded behind the mirror glass.
3. Heat Transfer: When activated, electricity flows through these elements, generating heat. This heat is transferred directly to the mirror surface.
4. Clearing Action: The warmth quickly raises the temperature of the mirror glass, melting any ice or frost and evaporating condensation or fog, thus clearing the mirror surface.
5. Automatic Shut-off (Optional): Some systems may have a timer or temperature sensor that automatically turns off the heating after a set period or once the mirror is clear, to prevent overheating and conserve energy.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Heated ORVMs?

Here are the pros, or advantages, of heated ORVMs in cars:

• Improved Visibility: Rapidly clears fog, frost, and ice from ORVMs, ensuring clear rearward visibility in adverse weather conditions.
• Enhanced Safety: Reduces blind spots and improves situational awareness, especially crucial during cold mornings or foggy drives.
• Convenience: Eliminates the need for manual scraping or wiping of mirrors, saving time and effort, particularly in freezing temperatures.
• Driver Comfort: Contributes to a more comfortable driving experience by quickly resolving visibility issues.

Here are the cons, or disadvantages, of heated ORVMs in cars:

• Added Cost: This feature typically adds to the car’s price, often found in higher variants.
• Energy Consumption: While not excessive, the heating elements do consume electrical power, which can have a minor impact on fuel efficiency or EV range.
• Limited Usefulness in Warm Climates: In regions with consistently warm weather, the feature may see very limited use.

Can Heated ORVMs Be Installed From The Aftermarket?

Yes, heated ORVMs can be installed from the aftermarket. Aftermarket kits are available that typically include:

• Heated mirror glass with integrated heating elements.
• Wiring harness.
• A switch for activation.

The installation process usually involves replacing the existing mirror glass with the heated version and wiring it to a power source, often connecting it to the rear defogger circuit. While it can be a DIY project for those with electrical knowledge, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper wiring and avoid damage to the car’s electrical system.

Affordable Cars In India That Offer Heated ORVMs?

Heated ORVMs are becoming increasingly common in various segments in India, especially as a comfort and safety feature in higher variants. Here are a few examples of affordable cars (typically their mid to top variants) that offer this feature:

• MG Astor
• MG Hector 
• MG Hector Plus

Availability can vary based on the specific model year and variant, so it’s always advisable to check the latest specifications from the manufacturer or dealership.

Also Read: Top EVs In India With Over 500km Range

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