how do the little levers work on rearview mirrors that flip it into a dark mode?

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I call it dark mode for lack of a better term, but hopefully you know what I’m talking about.

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2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The mirror is shaped like a trapezoid, so there are two different reflective surfaces, one is the silvered metal layer (that’s the bright reflection) the other is the front surface of the glass (that’s the dark reflection). Flipping the lever tilts the mirror so the other surface is at the right angle to reflect your back window to your eyes.

Anonymous 0 Comments

A mirror consists of two different components. A glass which reflect about half the light itself and offers protection and structure to the mirror. And then a back cover of a reflective metal which reflects the rest of the light. Normally the reflective back surface is painted on and never comes off. But in a car rear view mirror this is a separate piece which is spring loaded towards the glass. By flipping the leaver you are moving the backing away from the glass. So only the glass is reflecting light making the reflected image darker.