the electrochomic rear view mirror
DESCRIPTION
You may not realize that when you are setting up your appointment to have a windshield replaced on your vehicle that it’s important to know the type of rear view mirror that is currently on your vehicle.TRANSCRIPT
What We Are Going To Cover
• What the Electrochromic rear
view mirror is
• Information for clients who
have the Electrochromic rear
view mirror
What is the Electrochromic Rear View Mirror?
• Replacement of flip style
rear view mirrors originally
introduced in the 1980’s
History of The Electrochromic Rear View Mirror
• Originally adopted by Ford & GM in the 80’s
• Found only in high end models as a luxury option
• Invented by Gentex in 1982
How Electochromic Rear View Mirror Works
• Standard piece of mirror glass with
material embedded in/or on the glass
• Controlled by two sensors capable of
charging the material
• Charge darkens material based on
amount of electrical charge received
How the Charge Works
• Charge doesn’t operate as simple on or off;
varying degree
• Charge varies the degree of darkness
• Sensors are located, one on front, one on back
• Front sensor faces outside vehicle, measures
ambient light
• Rear sensor faces behind vehicle to measure
glare from behind
• 2 Sensors work together to determine amount
of charge required
Windshield
Forward-facing sensor
Rear-facing sensor
Benefits of Electochromic Rear View Mirror
• Determines how much darkness mirror needs to
create for glare protection
• No need to manually flip up the mirror, driver not
distracted
• Removes worry about glare from behind
Technology for the Future
• Dimming feature
• Could be used for other types
of vehicle mirrors
Which is Better Electrochomic or Flip Style?
• Pros of Flip style
‣ Less expensive
‣ Widely available
‣ General auto stores carry it
• Cons of Flip style
‣ Have to manually make adjustments
Which is Better Electrochomic or Flip Style?
• Pros of electrochomic
‣ Future design
‣ Often offered with other upgrade options
‣ Clock
‣ Temperature Gauge
‣ Compass
‣ Ease of use
‣ No need to constantly adjust
• Cons of electrochomic
‣ Electronic components creates higher price
‣ Bigger-bulkier-more components
‣ Must go directly to dealership for purchase and installation
What You Need to Know About the Electochomic Rear view Mirror
• Some vehicles are produced with both versions
• Not every model will have either option
• Both versions have different mounting brackets
• Vehicles with the Electochomic rear view mirror comes with
all other glass comprised of electrochomic technology
Importance of Rear View Mirror Brackets For Windshield Replacement
• Brackets for Flip version and Electrochomic are different
• All brackets are fastened directly to the windshield
• When having windshield replaced techs must know
the version of rear view mirror to order
• Right replacement parts