MOTORISTS have been blown away after discovering what the secret button on a rear view mirror really does.
Some cars have a special button that will dim the mirror to reduce headlight glare – which can be extremely useful when driving at night.
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A small button that looks like a power button can be found in some cars on the bottom of the rear-view mirror.
But drivers had previously been stumped about the button’s function.
Plenty of confused motorist took to social media to seek answers.
One Reddit user asked: “What is this button for on my rear view mirror?”
A second echoed his question, saying: “I’ve had my Jeep for close to four years now and still have no idea what this button does…”
Helpful advice poured in, explaining the button is used for auto-dimming – and will only work at night.
One comment said: “Just a guess- Auto dimming? When a car’s headlights shine and hit a sensor it will auto tint your mirror so you aren’t blinded by them?”
Another chimed in: “Auto dimming for the mirrors.”
The feature makes driving at night safer, the SEAT website explained.
They revealed: “The auto-dimming rear view mirror offers greater safety when driving at night, as it stops you from being dazzled by traffic travelling behind.
“It consists of a mirror element and an electronic system that detects light from in front and behind by means of photo sensors. If the amount of light from behind is greater than that in front, the mirror is darkened.”
Many cars models will have the feature, although there’s a nifty hack for those which don’t.
Some cars have a mirror that you can flip down for a dimmer view.
There’s a tab you can flick to help reflect the light from the car behind’s high beams upwards and away from your eyes.
Josh Clark from Youtube channel BrainStuff – HowStuffWorks explained the tip: “What looks like a little piece of flat mirror hanging from your windscreen is actually a prismatic wedge.”
That just means it’s angled.
The way it’s usually set is fine for daytime, but gives a glare when lights hit it at night.
Flicking the switch swaps the angle around, meaning the dazzle disappears as the excess light is reflected upward and away from your eyes.
It may take a moment to get used to, but your eyes will thank you if the car behind flashes on its full beams.
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