Mirrors -> General safety precautions for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

Changes to rain/light sensor reaction  
Some possible reasons for malfunctions and misinterpretations in the sensor area of the rain/light sensor View from the front could be:  
Damaged wiper blades: damaged wiper blades can leave a film of water or streaks on the window, and this can extend the activation time, greatly shorten the  
wiper intervals, or cause fast wiping time.  
Insects: insects hitting the windshield may trigger the wipers.  
Salt streaks: salt streaks on the windshield from driving in the winter can cause the wipers to wipe more frequently or continuously on a window that is almost  
dry.  
Dirt: dried dust, wax, any other build-up on the windshield (lotus effect), or washing product residue (car wash) can lower the sensitivity of the rain/light sensor  
and cause it to react too slowly or not at all. Clean the sensor area for the rain/light sensor regularly and check the wiper blades for damage Exterior care  
and cleaning.  
Crack in the windshield: if a stone strikes and chips the sensor area while the rain/light sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain/light  
sensor will detect this irregularity on the sensor surface and react to it. Depending on the size of the chip, the reaction behavior of the rain/light sensor may or  
may not change.  
If there is an obstacle for the wipers on the window glass, the wipers will attempt to remove it. If it continues to block the wipers, the wipers will stop moving.  
1. Remove the obstacle and switch the wipers on again.  
Mirrors  
General safety precautions  
Using the outside mirrors and the interior rearview mirror, the driver can observe traffic and adjust their driving based on traffic.  
For driving safety, it is important that the driver adjusts the outside mirrors and the interior rearview mirror correctly before starting to drive.  
It is not possible to oversee the entire side and rear area of the vehicle by looking in the outside and interior rearview mirrors. These areas that are not visible are  
called blind spots. Other road users and objects could be in the blind spot.  
WARNING  
Adjusting the outside mirrors and interior rearview mirror while driving can distract the driver. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Only adjust the outside mirror and interior rearview mirror when the vehicle is stationary.  
When parking, changing lanes, passing, and turning, always pay attention to your surroundings, because other road users and objects could be within  
the blind spot.  
Always make sure that the mirrors are adjusted correctly and visibility to the rear is not limited by ice, snow, fog, or other objects.  
WARNING  
Inaccurate prediction of distance to vehicles behind you can cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Curved mirror surfaces (convex or aspheric) enlarge the field of vision and allow objects in the mirror to appear smaller and farther away.  
Using the curved mirrors to estimate the distance from vehicles behind you when changing lanes is imprecise and may cause accidents and serious  
injuries.  
Use the interior rearview mirror as much as possible to more accurately determine the distance to vehicles or other objects behind you.  
Make sure there is sufficient visibility of the area behind the vehicle.  
WARNING  
An automatic dimming rearview mirror contains an electrolyte fluid that can leak out if the mirror glass breaks.  
The leaking electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs, especially in individuals with asthma or similar illnesses. Immediately try to  
exit the vehicle to get fresh air. If this is not possible, open all the windows and doors.  
If the electrolyte fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the affected area immediately for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water and seek  
medical assistance.  
If the electrolyte fluid comes into contact with your shoes or clothing, wash it for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Clean the shoes and clothing  
thoroughly before wearing them again.  
If electrolyte fluid is swallowed, rinse out the mouth immediately for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting unless it ordered to  
do so by a doctor. Call for medical assistance immediately.  
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NOTICE  
If the glass on an automatic dimming mirror breaks, electrolyte fluid can leak out. This fluid damages plastic surfaces.  
Remove any leaking fluid as soon as possible, for instance using a wet sponge.  
Interior rearview mirror  
Fig. 99 On the windshield: automatic dimming interior rearview mirror.  
Sensor for light entering from the rear.  
Sensor for light entering from the front.  
Fig. 100 On the windshield: manual dimming interior rearview mirror.  
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