Has anyone purchased and installed an auto-dimming

[dkryan]

mirror? If so, what brand and model did you purchase and what has been your experience with it, good or bad?

I'm thinking of replacing the standard mirror in my "new'" 2005 Accord EX with an auto-dimming mirror. I have one as OEM in my Infiniti and Toyota and I've gotten so used to it, that reverting back to a "standard" mirror seems like a step backward.

 

[StevieC]

A little off topic but... If you mirrors are set correctly so that you have no blind spots then you shouldn't need "auto dimming" mirrors because the light shouldn't be reflecting in your eyes.

 

[dkryan]

I was referring to auto-dimming REAR view mirrors, not side mirrors.

And yes, unlike 99.998% of the drivers on the road worldwide, I do set my left and right outside mirrors correctly. How they manage to survive with them set any other way is beyond me.

 

[StevieC]

I stand corrected... Good for you for having your mirrors set correctly.

On the topic of rear view mirrors, I went to a scrap yard and yanked one off of a 3.5L Santa Fe that had it and put it in my truck. Was only $20! It takes a 12V power source which I wired into the map lights above it and Viola... Dimming mirror for $20!

Just a thought...

 

[PF52]

I've installed auto-dimming compass mirrors from Cadillacs into several cars; they work well and are easy to wire up. I get them at the junkyard for $10 or so.

 

[dkryan]

Yeah, the junkyard is a great idea: $20 versus $200+.

I read an article years and years ago in AutoWeek or Car and Driver about how to properly set up one's outside mirrors. It should be mandatory training for all persons applying for a driver's license and it should be part of both the written and driving tests.

 

[StevieC]

I agree about the Mirrors... Drivers ED class taught me...

This was great when I got my Truck License, already used to using and trusting my Mirrors!

 

[Ndx]

ha I need to find a autodiming one for my Mazda
I wonder what other car it will fit from

 

[StevieC]

Go to the scrapyard and tear one out from your model of car and carry it around comparing it to the auto-dimming ones to see the fit/size etc. even if not from your brand of car. Once you find one dump the other mirror and walk to the cash with the one you have found.

Mikes up here on the Mountain would have it, that's where I got mine! Let me know when you are going I will go with you...

 

[Colt45ws]

Watch out. If you have tint on the rear window it will trick it into not working right. My car has a factory auto-dimming and it didnt work with aftermarket tint on the rear window installed by the P.O.

 

[StevieC]

My back window was factory tinted and mine still works... It doesn't tint it until the lights are bright enough or when some idiot has his high-beams on behind me. IMO this is when I need it.

Maybe because mine is from this model of truck and all these trucks came with factory tinted back windows ?!?

Good point though Onmo.

 

[Colt45ws]

I agree it could be it is calibrated for factory tint. I don't know what % they are.

 

[CharlieJ]

What is the right way to set your outside mirrors? Could someone explain or include a link. Also, I have a factory auto dimming mirror and it works fine with aftermarket tint.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Mine has an auto-dimming rear view mirror and I also have tint. It works fine. There's a light sensor (looks like those on auto night lights) that I think only measures the amount of light detected so I don't think the tint should affect it.

The auto-dimming is nice to have and it tints the mirror unlike the conventional ones when you flip the lever it just makes everything dark and you can't see the car behind you except for two round yellow circles.

 

[Colt45ws]

I don't know why, it just does not dim at all or very little when it should.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Maybe it's broken. Is there anything covering the sensor? Dirt maybe?

 

[cjhepburn]

Originally Posted By: dkryan
mirror? If so, what brand and model did you purchase and what has been your experience with it, good or bad?

I'm thinking of replacing the standard mirror in my "new'" 2005 Accord EX with an auto-dimming mirror. I have one as OEM in my Infiniti and Toyota and I've gotten so used to it, that reverting back to a "standard" mirror seems like a step backward.

Is OEM out if the question? A little pricey but it won't look aftermarket.
http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/200...mpass-4076.html

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Maybe it's broken. Is there anything covering the sensor? Dirt maybe?
No nothing is covering the sensor. It still works, I can put my finger over the sensor in the day light and see it get brighter, so its still doing what it is supposed to..but not enough at night I guess.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: CharlieJ
What is the right way to set your outside mirrors? Could someone explain or include a link. Also, I have a factory auto dimming mirror and it works fine with aftermarket tint.


Here is a good site that explains it in detail with pictures.

Click on the "Get Started" button at the bottom:

http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/mirrors/

 

[Jonny Z]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Originally Posted By: CharlieJ
What is the right way to set your outside mirrors? Could someone explain or include a link. Also, I have a factory auto dimming mirror and it works fine with aftermarket tint.


Here is a good site that explains it in detail with pictures.

Click on the "Get Started" button at the bottom:

http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/mirrors/



This is okay but bad for backing up, or pulling up to the curb, because you loose sight of your vehicle in the image.

Don't even try this if you are backing up a trailer.

It is hard to detect if someone bumped the mirror when you are parked, and it went out of whack. You may develop a false sense of security and forget motorcycles and smart cars may not show. Also, it takes time to get this right so I do not do this when I pick up a rental. If you rely on the habit you are asking for trouble.

I did this for a while and went back to the old fashion way + stick on blind spot mirrors, and turn my head when I am not sure (lighting, weather, etc).