Smart rearview mirrors are an advanced safety technology that uses cameras and LCDs instead of traditional mirrors. This gives drivers a clearer view of their vehicle’s blind spots, helping them see what’s behind them while offering various features to make driving more comfortable and convenient.
These mirrors work with the help of rear-mounted cameras. By capturing a live video feed displayed on the LCD screen, smart rearview mirrors help drivers see all around their vehicles.
But what other features do these advanced mirrors have to offer?
Key Features of Smart Rearview Mirrors
Smart rearview mirrors are a high-tech alternative to traditional rearview mirrors made of glass. What distinguishes smart mirrors from other mirrors is their various quality-of-life features, such as voice control, night vision, parking assistance, GPS, and more.
Here are some of the key features that come with smart rearview mirrors.
Better Visibility
The biggest advantage that smart rearview mirrors offer drivers is improved visibility. Because high-resolution cameras are installed on the rear of the vehicle, drivers have a much easier time covering their blind spots and seeing what’s behind them.
GPS
Many smart rearview systems come with GPS, providing drivers with their exact location when possible. Some even provide drivers with speed and weather information on the same screen.
Live Video Feed
Instead of traditional mirrors, smart rearview mirrors use LCD screens that cast live video feeds from cameras installed on the vehicle. This lets drivers react to hazards on the road in real-time without having to use a mirror.
Night Vision
Because smart rearview mirrors use cameras, some settings allow drivers to see better in the dark. High visibility in low-light conditions is a massive safety feature that traditional rearview mirrors may not be able to provide.
Parking Assistance
Smart rearview mirrors come with parking assistance technology, giving drivers guidelines and alerts to help them park. This reduces the risk of accidents by helping drivers park accurately and safely.
Voice Control
Certain smart rearview mirrors have voice control, letting drivers adjust the settings and activate specific features without distracting them from the road.
Smart Rearview Mirror Pros
There are a lot of benefits that come with smart rearview mirrors. For example, they increase your field of view, improve road safety, reduce glare from the sun and bright lights when driving, and boost your quality of life by introducing features like dashcams and GPS.
Increased Field of View
One of the biggest benefits of using smart rearview mirrors is that they offer better visibility than traditional mirrors. Cameras installed on your vehicle give you a wider, clearer view of whatever’s behind and around you.
Improves Road Safety
Not only do smart rearview mirrors reduce blind spots, but they also help you see in the dark. This means you won’t have to worry about colliding with things you normally wouldn’t be able to see, reducing the risk of getting into an accident.
Reduces Glare
Another benefit of using smart rearview mirrors is that you won’t have to worry about glare. Because they help you look at your surroundings using cameras and monitors, bright lights won’t impede your vision, making night driving easier, safer, and more comfortable.
Better Quality of Life
Smart rearview mirrors offer quality-of-life features that make driving easier and more convenient. For example, some smart mirrors have GPS functionality, speed sensors, and weather updates to keep drivers safe and informed.
The best part? Drivers won’t have to make any inputs to get such readings since useful info they need will be on display on the mirror.
Smart Rearview Mirror Cons
Some of the biggest disadvantages that come with using smart rearview mirrors are that they’re expensive, difficult to install, tend to be distracting, and run the risk of malfunctioning because they rely on electricity to work.
High Initial Costs
Compared to traditional rearview mirrors, smart rearview mirrors are significantly more expensive. Though prices vary depending on the brand, you can expect to spend over $100 on a quality smart rearview mirror. This doesn’t factor in any possible repair costs down the road.
Difficult to Install
Because smart rearview mirrors are electrical components, they’re a lot more difficult to install compared to the conventional rearview mirrors you see in most vehicles. More often than not, you’ll need to have your smart rearview mirror professionally installed. Not only does this take more time and effort, but it will require higher labor costs.
Potentially Distracting
Though some drivers might adjust to smart rearview mirrors quicker than others, getting used to using a monitor instead of a mirror can be tricky. The fact that smart rearview mirrors come with additional features can also make them very distracting for drivers who aren’t used to them.
Higher Risk of Malfunctioning
While traditional rearview mirrors are made of reflective glass, smart rearview mirrors include sensitive components like cameras and monitors. If parts get damaged or aren’t maintained properly, your smart rearview mirror might become inoperative.
Similarly, because smart rearview mirrors require a power source, they can fail if something happens to your vehicle’s electrical system. If the power source is compromised or if the circuitry is shot, you run the risk of losing access to your rearview mirror. This makes you more vulnerable to accidents caused by unseen road hazards.
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