Does the 1.8-meter car width include side mirrors?
4 Answers
Automobile width of 1.8 meters does not include side mirrors. The measurement standards and impacts of vehicle dimensions are introduced as follows: Vehicle Dimension Measurement Standards: Vehicle length refers to the distance from the most protruding point at the front end to the most protruding point at the rear end. Vehicle width generally refers to the distance between the most protruding points on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, but does not include individual parts such as external side mirrors and side marker lights. Vehicle height is the distance from the ground to the highest point of the vehicle when unloaded. If the vehicle has a roof rack, the height includes the roof rack but excludes the antenna. Impact of Vehicle Dimensions: Length is the parameter that most significantly affects a vehicle's purpose, functionality, and ease of use. Therefore, vehicle classification is generally based on length. A longer vehicle body means more longitudinal usable space; however, an excessively long body can make turning and parking inconvenient. There is a significant difference in driving feel between a 4-meter-long car and a 5-meter-long car. Generally, small and medium-sized passenger cars are about 4 meters long, while those approaching 5 meters can be considered large cars.
As an ordinary car owner, I usually drive a sedan with a width of 1.8 meters. I remember the salesperson said this width includes the side mirrors when I bought it. Once at a parking garage entrance, it was marked with a width limit of 1.8 meters, but my car's mirrors just didn't touch, so I got in smoothly. Later, I asked fellow car owners, and they all said the side mirrors are included in the car's width because standard measurements require all fixed components to be counted. This affects actual driving and parking, such as needing extra caution in narrow alleys or parking lots, especially for SUVs with larger mirrors. I suggest fellow car owners check the manual or simply measure themselves when choosing a car or passing through width-restricted areas to avoid scratches. Safe driving is the most important—don't just rely on numbers; hands-on practice is more reliable.
From a car design perspective, a width of 1.8 meters typically includes the side mirrors. Standards like ECE regulations specify that vehicle width encompasses mirrors as they form part of the vehicle's overall dimensions. In my R&D work, width measurements must include all protruding parts to ensure compliance. Practically, this relates to safety—for instance, when passing through tunnels or under bridges, ignoring mirrors might cause jamming. When purchasing a new car, I recommend checking the specifications sheet to confirm whether the width includes mirrors, avoiding unnecessary complications.
When I first started driving, I was very concerned about the size of the car. My instructor taught me that a car width of 1.8 meters usually includes the side mirrors. This made me feel more confident driving in the city, as I wouldn't panic when encountering narrow roads. During my driving lessons, I repeatedly practiced parking in garages, which helped me grasp the concept of overall width. Simply put, the side mirrors are part of the car, so measurements naturally include them.
