How to inexpensively make and install heated side mirrors with your own hands

The problem of frozen mirrors is well known to drivers who operate cars all year round. In premium-class cars (and not only), heated mirrors are already in the basic configuration. However, a similar option can be installed on any budget car. There are two ways here: use the factory kit or do it yourself. It is worth noting that in the latter case, the costs will be minimal. Everything you need is purchased at a hardware or automotive store.

Do-it-yourself mirror heating from scratch

Once upon a time, such “convenience” was mounted using an ordinary car lamp with an incandescent filament. Of course, the method is outdated, but this does not mean that it cannot be used today. A distinctive feature of the “technology” is the minimal cost associated with the purchase of a 10 W light bulb. Well, you can also add sealant and glue for plastic here if you don’t have them. To equip the heating, you will have to remove and disassemble the mirror (separate the body from the reflective glass). There are many points here. If it is glued, you will have to use a building hair dryer. Otherwise, just unscrew the fastener. The order of further actions:

• ? cover the plastic inner surface of the case with foil
  
• ? find the socket for the lamp and solder wires of a suitable length to it so that it is enough to stretch through the door to the salon
  
• ? put the finished “construction” into the body between the stiffeners
  
• ? check system performance by connecting it directly to the battery
  
• ? carefully remove the wires after removing the door trim (you may have to drill a hole in the mirror housing with a diameter of a couple of millimeters)
  

The next important point is the connection. The simplest option is to use a ready-made contact for heating the rear window. However, if you are going to "improve" both mirrors, it makes sense to make a separate power button. Do not forget that the lamps consume electricity and it is not recommended to leave them on for a long time.

Heated mirrors with nichrome wire

The conductor can be pulled out of an old electric kettle or other household appliance. And in the store, nichrome thread is inexpensive. It will take about a meter. More precisely, the resistance of the wire should be 12 ohms. So first cut a piece at 1m and test it with a multimeter. If the resistance is greater, cut off a little (1 cm). Repeat the procedure until you reach 12 ohms. Initially, you need to disassemble the case and pull out the reflector. Next, use a soldering iron to make paths in the plastic, into which you first lay the foil, then the wire. Solder the cables to its ends and lead them into the salon.

You need to connect the “system” in the same way as described above, but it is highly not recommended to do it directly (or to the heated rear window), because the energy consumption is quite high. It is safer to use a separate fuse and relay. The latter should be four-pin. Connection:

• ? plus the on-board network (you can "take" it from the cigarette lighter) is connected through a button and a fuse to the first power contact of the relay, and "ground" - to the second
  
• ? connect the two wires coming from the nichrome thread to the remaining two terminals
  

Heated mirrors through purchased printed circuit boards

A more modern and efficient way, requiring less effort and a little more money. Ready-made boards can be purchased online or at an auto shop. Structurally, the products are a pair of plates of electrically insulating material, between which there is a conductor in the form of, for example, a nichrome thread. How to install:

• ? disassemble the mirror housing
  
• ? line the inside with foil to reflect heat
  
• ? fix the board with glue or otherwise, and bring out the wires
  

Film heaters for mirrors

In terms of popularity, they confidently hold the first place. Installation is similar to installing boards, only nothing needs to be attached to the case. The films are glued to the back of the mirror with double tape (sometimes they already have a sticky layer on them) and connected to a power source or rear window heating.

Films from BOR

This product is from a well-known Russian manufacturer producing glass for domestic cars. The heater is inexpensive, has terminals for connecting a cable, and is installed as described above.



There is another option that does not require disassembly of the case and connection to the on-board network. We are talking about films called "anti-rain". They can also work in cold weather, although not as efficiently as heated designs. The essence of their action is the repulsion of moisture. The installation method will require 5 minutes of time:

• ? the mirror is cleaned of dirt and degreased with a solvent
  
• ? The film is carefully applied and smoothed to remove air bubbles.
  

Set of stickers "Anti-rain"

There are 2 pieces in a set. In addition to water-repellent properties, they have an anti-reflective effect and do not distort the image. Film dimensions 200x175 mm. They can also be used to protect headlights. According to the manufacturer, they do not fog up and are not covered with frost.

Finished heated mirrors

Also a simple option, but worth the money. Here all the difficulties lie in connecting to the on-board network. This is the output of wires, the purchase of a button and the search for a place for it, the installation of a relay. The cheapest way involves installing a regular or universal mirror. Kits are also sold, which may include a switch, relay, wires with pads for connection.

ZL01-63-005HL

Chinese universal product with built-in heating. Diameter for fasteners - from 17 to 19 mm. Mirror dimensions 380x200 mm. There is a standard connector for connecting the power supply.

POLYTECH

Heated mirrors for VAZ 2110-2112 cars. This is a complete set, which includes decorative lining, fasteners in the form of self-tapping screws with washers. Inside there are detailed instructions for connecting. Technical specifications:

• ✅ supply voltage - from 10 to 15 V
  
• ✅ power - 15-18 W
  
• ✅ ice thawing time - no more than 3 minutes
  

According to consumer reviews, the mirror really quickly thaws, including in severe frosts. The downside is the possibility of the formation of small spots.

Heated mirror with turn signal for VW

Installed on Volkswagen Jetta (2005-2011) and Golf (2003-2009). Finished product assembled. The electrical connector has 7 pins for connecting electric drive systems, heating, as well as direction indicators. It is characterized by a relatively low cost.

Conclusions

It is enough to look at the prices to make it clear that it will cost almost 10 times cheaper to equip the heating on your own. The main thing is to do everything carefully and without "fanaticism", especially when it comes to heating the mirror body with a building hair dryer. Careless handling of this tool can melt the product. And the last point: when using nichrome wire, do not forget about installing a relay and a fuse. Otherwise, melting of the wiring is not ruled out, and in the worst case scenario, it will even come to a fire. And if you doubt your abilities, contact a car service or put a ready-made mirror - it will be cheaper than changing the wiring.