Heated mirrors will turn off after a few minutes?

[oragex]

Do they have a relay? Seems mine will switch off after 5 minutes or so. Is it normal?

[cheshired5]

They work from your heated rear window switch which self cancels after maybe 10 minutes.

[oragex]

I see. Interestingly the little light on the defrost button stays on, even though the mirror heating turns off after a while. I also noted the mirrors don't heat up that much as rain drops don't always clear quickly and properly.

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by oragex

I see. Interestingly the little light on the defrost button stays on, even though the mirror heating turns off after a while. I also noted the mirrors don't heat up that much as rain drops don't always clear quickly and properly.

The light should go off when the defrost time has expired i.e. around 5 to 10 mins depending upon which software state is loaded to your car's system

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by oragex

I also noted the mirrors don't heat up that much as rain drops don't always clear quickly and properly.

The mirror heater elements are really for defrosting so don't need to be particularly warm although you can see steam rising on a cold day.
The glass surface just needs to be warm enough for frost not to form, much like your windscreen which stays clear just from warm air on the inside.
If you want good rain repellent properties, a regular polish with normal glass cleaner works or you can buy specific products which will last longer.

[oragex]

Haven't thought about a water repellent, I'll give it a try

[GMcL]

Check your car, if it has the water repellent side, front windows then the door mirror glass will also be coated (will have a little picture in the corner with a couple of water droplets). Rain-X also does the job even on these coated door mirrors which I had on my previous S60.