You Can Finally Say Goodbye To Wet Mirrors

Thanks to a little-known Japanese supplier, a perennial wet-weather annoyance may finally have a practical fix. Car Mate, a company you might not recognize by name, is introducing a clever water-repellent film that keeps side mirrors clear in the rain.

The product will make its US debut at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), offering drivers a simple but effective way to maintain visibility when the skies open up.

Read: The Next Time You Say ‘I’m Cold’ Your Car Might Fix Itself

The Zero Wiper Film-Type Side Mirror was first unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, before being launched in Japan the following year. At its core, the concept is straightforward. The film sticks directly onto the mirror, forming a barrier that seems to shrug off water with ease.

Judging by early demonstrations, droplets simply slide away, leaving a clean, uninterrupted view of what’s behind you.

How Does It Actually Work?

According to Car Mate, the film’s surface uses a microscopic texture modeled after a lotus leaf, a natural example of extreme water repellency. This structure forces water to bead and slide off, rather than clinging to the glass. The result is improved visibility in rainy conditions, especially when the car is in motion.

Importantly, because the film isn’t tailored to any single vehicle, it’s compatible with most modern wing mirrors. That said, there’s a tradeoff. Since the shape isn’t custom-fit, the outer edge of the mirror remains exposed. This leaves a visible border that the film won’t cover, which may be a minor aesthetic drawback for some.

Hydrophobic mirror films like this aren’t new in the US. In fact, there are many different films available through Amazon and even Walmart. It’s also possible to use spray-on solutions, like RainX, on a car’s wing mirror to allow it to shed water droplets easily.

Car Mate’s pitch lies in durability and ease of use. The company claims its film can last up to six months before needing replacement, offering a longer-term solution with minimal upkeep.

Details around US pricing and availability haven’t been confirmed yet, but for drivers who often face wet roads, this kind of product could make a small but meaningful difference in day-to-day driving.