How Tesla Heated Side Mirrors Work & When to Use Them

Why Heated Side Mirrors Matter for Tesla Owners

Driving a Tesla means embracing intelligent features, and heated side mirrors are one of the most underrated conveniences. These mirrors prevent fog, frost, snow, and water buildup—improving visibility and safety in cold or wet weather. Especially during Canadian winters or rainy mornings, this small feature can make a big difference.

At PeakForce Design, we recommend all Tesla owners understand how to properly activate and use this feature—because when used correctly, it enhances safety without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Which Tesla Models Have Heated Mirrors?

All Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Model S, and Model X come with heated side mirrors by default. However, control settings vary slightly depending on software version and whether you’ve enabled certain climate automation features.

For Model Y and Model 3, heated mirrors are often controlled through the rear defroster or by enabling auto mirror heating.

Confirming You Have Heated Mirrors:

• Tap Controls > Mirrors to check for “Heated Mirrors” toggle (in older versions)
• Or, verify by activating the rear window defroster—mirror heating is often linked to it

How to Turn On Tesla Heated Side Mirrors

There are two main ways to activate the heated mirrors on your Tesla:

Method 1: Use the Rear Window Defroster

This is the most common method. Tap the rear defrost button on the main climate panel. This activates heating elements for both the rear windshield and the side mirrors simultaneously.

Method 2: Use the Tesla App

You can precondition your car through the mobile app. Open the app, tap “Climate,” then activate the rear defroster. Your side mirrors will warm up along with the rear window.

How Heated Mirrors Work

Inside each mirror housing, Tesla installs thin heating elements embedded behind the mirror glass. When activated, these elements gently warm the surface, melting ice and evaporating condensation. This keeps the mirrors clear of frost and fog—essential for safe lane changes and rear visibility.

Energy Usage

Heated mirrors draw minimal energy compared to the HVAC system. They are auto-regulated and turn off once the temperature threshold is reached or the defroster is deactivated. Tesla’s software is smart enough to minimize power drain while maintaining visibility.

Can You Automate Heated Mirrors?

Yes. Tesla software versions from 2021 onward allow auto-heating based on external temperatures. When ambient temps drop near freezing, the mirrors will preheat automatically during cabin preconditioning.

This works best when paired with scheduled departure settings. If you frequently drive early mornings in the winter, we recommend enabling:

• Controls > Climate > Precondition on Schedule
• Use the Tesla app to remotely start heating ~10 minutes before driving

Maintenance & Mirror Protection Tips

Heated mirrors are robust, but a few tips can help extend their effectiveness:

• Don’t scrape ice off mirrors—let the heaters do the work
• Clean mirror glass regularly with a microfiber cloth
• Avoid high-pressure washer jets directly on mirror housings
• Apply hydrophobic coating to repel water buildup

At PeakForce Design, we offer weatherproof mirror caps and PPF kits that help protect your mirrors from salt and stone chips—ideal for winter driving environments.

Final Thoughts

Heated side mirrors are a quiet but powerful Tesla feature that enhances your daily driving, especially in winter and rainy seasons. Whether you're navigating icy roads or just trying to see clearly on foggy mornings, mirror heaters provide peace of mind with just one tap.

With the right habits and a few protective upgrades from PeakForce Design, your Tesla’s mirrors will stay clean, safe, and winter-ready year after year.

Written by the PeakForce Accessories Team