Drivers are stunned when they learn what the “secret” button on the rearview mirror is really for

MOTORISTS have been blown away after figuring out what the secret button on a rearview mirror really does.

Some cars have a special button that dims the mirror to reduce glare from the headlights – which can be extremely useful when driving at night.

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A small button that looks like a power button is found on some cars on the underside of the rearview mirror.

But drivers were previously at a loss as to the button’s function.

Many confused drivers turned to social media for answers.

A Reddit user asked, “What’s that button on my rearview mirror for?”

A second repeated his question, saying: “I’ve had my Jeep for almost four years now and I still have no idea what that button does…”

Helpful advice explaining that the button is used for auto dimming – and only works at night.

One comment read: “Just a guess – Auto dimming? When a car’s headlights come on and hit a sensor, does your mirror automatically tint so you don’t get blinded by them?”

Another chimed in: “Automatic dimming for the mirrors.”

The function makes driving at night safer SEAT website explained.

They revealed: “The automatically dimming rear-view mirror offers more safety when driving at night, as you are not dazzled by the traffic behind you.

“It consists of a mirror element and electronics that capture light from the front and back using photo sensors. If there is more light from behind than from the front, the mirror is darkened.”

Many car models will have this feature, although there’s a nifty hack for those that don’t.

Some cars have a mirror that you can fold down for a darker view.

There’s a tab you can move to reflect the light from the car behind the high beams up and away from your eyes.

Josh Clark from the Youtube channel BrainStuff – HowStuffWorks the tip explained: “What appears to be a small flat mirror hanging from your windshield is actually a prismatic wedge.”

That just means it’s angled.

The way it’s normally set is fine during the day, but is blinding at night when lights hit it.

Flicking the switch reverses the angle, meaning glare disappears as excess light reflects up and away from your eyes.

It may take a moment to get used to, but your eyes will thank you when the rear car comes on with high beams.

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