Are the side mirrors and rearview mirror the same thing?
3 Answers
Side mirrors and rearview mirror are the same thing. There are three rearview mirrors in a car, two outside and one inside. Every car has a central rearview mirror inside, which allows the driver to observe the situation behind. The more important rearview mirrors are fixed on the doors of the driver and front passenger seats, and these two mirrors are frequently used by the driver. Rearview mirrors are tools that allow the driver to directly obtain external information about the rear, sides, and lower parts of the car while seated in the driver's seat. For the convenience of the driver's operation, to prevent traffic safety accidents, and to ensure personal safety, all countries require that cars must be equipped with rearview mirrors, and all rearview mirrors must be adjustable in direction.
In my thirty years of driving experience, the rearview mirror typically refers to that small mirror inside the car, mounted on the windshield, allowing you to see the road conditions behind. As for the side mirror, it may include this interior mirror, but more often it also encompasses the exterior side mirrors on both sides of the car, commonly known as the car's ears. I've seen many drivers, especially beginners, easily confuse the two. In fact, using them properly is crucial for safety—the rearview mirror is mainly for observing vehicles directly behind, while the side mirrors help you check blind spots. When changing lanes on the highway, I always glance at the rearview mirror first to ensure no car is tailgating, then check the side mirrors to confirm it's safe on both sides. Remember, regularly adjusting the angles of these mirrors can prevent many accidents. Don’t be lazy—take a few seconds to adjust their positions before starting the car each time.
Buddy, ever since I got my driver's license, I've been driving daily. The rearview mirror is that small mirror inside the car, simply used to monitor what's behind. As for the term 'side mirror,' it might be used interchangeably with 'rearview mirror' in casual chats with friends, but it often refers to those two exterior mirrors on the sides of the car, which serve more diverse functions. During my daily commute in the city, I've found these three mirrors working together to be super important: one for checking the rear, and two for monitoring the left and right views. If one of them isn't working properly, like in newer cars with blind-spot cameras, I'd rely more on the other mirrors. Back when I first started driving, I used to mix up these terms too, but now I understand—setting them up properly not only prevents scratches but can also save on insurance premiums. Make it a habit to check the cleanliness of your mirrors every day for a smoother drive.
