How Do Self-Dimming Rearview Mirrors Work?

How Do Self-Dimming Rearview Mirrors Work?

While you may not put a lot of thought into your rearview mirror, there's actually some really impressive technology packed into it. Also known as an electrochromatic mirror, it can be one of the most important safety features at night, preventing the temporary blindness caused by the headlights of vehicles behind you. This temporary blindness can last almost two seconds and delays driver reaction to a dangerous degree. 

Auto-dimming mirrors operate by actually darkening the mirror through electrochromism.  sensor detects the brightness incoming from headlights behind your vehicle. A microprocessor inside the unit then makes the decision of exactly how much of a charge to run through the layer of electrochromatic gel in between two layers of glass in the mirror.

The gel then darkens to the appropriate level, limiting the amount of light reflected into the driver's field of vision.

While it may not be as attractive as the technology behind the combustion engine or turbocharger, the auto-dimming mirror has its place in automotive history. While there's no way to tell how many lives have been saved by these since their inception in the 1980's, they certainly have their place among the seat belt and air bag as important safety features.

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Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: jalopnik.com