Hi all.

 

On Sunday, late pm, I used the auto-dimming feature for the 1st time (I don't drive much at night). It was a difficult road, narrow, dark, fast traffic, and I was struggling with bright headlights ahead and behind.

 

The auto-dimming seemed to make no difference whatsoever. (Yes it was switched on).

 

This morning I tested it by covering the sensor on the rear of the mirror, and it does seem to work. 

 

I had the same problem with the auto-mirror in my last car and had hoped this one would work better.

 

Any idea why it doesn't seem to work in real-life situations?

 

Can I get an old-fashioned 'flip' mirror fitted?  I guess it would be expensive.

 

Thanks for any ideas.  KK

 

 

I find mine works fine. 

 

If I compare the brightness of a car's headlights behind me in the wing mirrors to the RV mirror, the difference is very noticeable?

I find mine works fine. 

 

If I compare the brightness of a car's headlights behind me in the wing mirrors to the RV mirror, the difference is very noticeable?

 

Can't do that on mine as my Wing mirrors dim as well. All works as it should.    :yes:

Auto dim mirrors have a noticeable green tinge to them when they are working (to my eyes, anyway). I have to say I find them a godsend (as well as the auto dim mirrors). I turned my rear mirror off the other day (at night). It seemed to take a while for the mirror to get back to 'normal' and also took a little time to dim again after I turned it on. Definitely noticeable to me. 

When i have no noticeable difference with an Auto Dimming Mirror and there is a vehicle too close behind or with too bright light i use the other 

fitted functions.

Rear Fog light, rear brakes lights and washer liquid sprayed on my windscreen to see if their Auto Wipers work when i wash mine.

Edited 20 December, 20169 yr by Offski

Get the rear windows tinted, that also helps.

Granted not that cheap at £200-300.

When i have no noticeable difference with an Auto Dimming Mirror and there is a vehicle too close behind or with too bright light i use the other 

fitted functions.

Rear Fog light, rear brakes lights and washer liquid sprayed on my windscreen to see if there Auto Wipers work when i wash mine.

 

........................not forgetting the 2 times washing the Xenons get at the same time as washing the screen  

Edited 20 December, 20169 yr by Auric Goldfinger

Thanks for all the input.

 

I am beginning to wonder if the problem was due to the fact that there was an awful lot of traffic coming towards me, all with very modern, very bright headlights, with tricked the sensor on the back of the mirror into thinking it was daylight???

 

I might try sticking a piece of tape over the sensor next time??

 

Anyone tried this route ?

 

K

 

I might try sticking a piece of tape over the sensor next time??

 

 

Then it will be dimmed during the day..... :notme: :thumbdown:

I aim only to do so when I am undertaking a difficult trip at night ??

I aim only to do so when I am undertaking a difficult trip at night ??

 

Putting tape over it at night won't make any difference as it's dark anyway..... Is this an April fools??

I aim only to do so when I am undertaking

 

Isn't that Illegal 

I think I explained above my theory, that the problems I am having with the auto-dim might be caused by the volume of traffic coming towards me on a narrow road with bright headlights. The theory might be wrong. I hope that helps you to understand.

The auto rear-view mirror on my Octavia develops a distinct "grey" tinge when it detects lights behind, which looks a bit like the way photo-reactive eye lenses work. on activation, this appears to be reasonably gradual (not like a switch) so is not instantly noticeable, but is pretty effective. Are you certain that your mirror is actually working?  

I think I explained above my theory, that the problems I am having with the auto-dim might be caused by the volume of traffic coming towards me on a narrow road with bright headlights. The theory might be wrong. I hope that helps you to understand.

 

The function of the mirror is keep the light level reflected from it the same as what's coming through the windscreen.  If there are bright lights coming towards you then bright lights from the rear aren't a problem as they won't dazzle you as you eyes will already be adjusted.

Neil,   Thanks, this tends to support my theory.

 

Being dazzled from the front is difficult enough without being dazzled from behind as well. I think I will try out my idea next time I have to drive at night. 

I think I explained above my theory, that the problems I am having with the auto-dim might be caused by the volume of traffic coming towards me on a narrow road with bright headlights. The theory might be wrong. I hope that helps you to understand.

 

If you've got bright lights behind you, it makes sense that you're likely to have bright lights coming at you! It wouldn't be a very good device if it got confused by headlights. However, you are clearly not seeing a lot of benefit from it. Probably best if you take it in for someone to look at. Luckily, at this time of Year, you've got a decent hour or so of darkness for a technician to look at it.

Sorry to ask my own question, but is this a standard feature on 2014 SE and if so do I need to somehow activate it or is it automatic? I guess the answer will be in manual but I don't hav that to hand now. Thanks

Scrap that question. Just realised auto dim will have some buttons and other light. My 2014 SE doesn't have any of those buttons...

Scrap that question. Just realised auto dim will have some buttons and other light. My 2014 SE doesn't have any of those buttons...

Option on an SE.