How to Identify a Car Brand Through the Rearview Mirror?
4 Answers
Here is a detailed introduction on how to identify a car brand through the rearview mirror: Operation: Look at the part number, as each car model has unique part numbers for its components. Of course, this is just one method. Car parts sellers can often identify the car just by the appearance of the part, so you can also ask the staff for assistance. Example: BMW M has "demon ears"; however, not all cars with demon ears are BMW M models, as demon ears can also be aftermarket modifications. Older Mercedes-Benz models typically have turn signals that resemble a clip; BAIC Senova once imitated this design from Mercedes-Benz, but subtle details can still reveal the differences in rearview mirrors across brands.
Last time I drove my friend's new car, I noticed the side mirrors are like brand ID cards. The design at the mirror base connection is particularly meticulous—Lexus always uses silver chrome dual brackets that fan out like arrow feathers, with sharply angled mirror housings. The turn signal shapes are even more telling: Mercedes often uses wavy sequential light strips, while BMW opts for three separate amber LEDs. The folding angle reveals clues too—the Porsche 911 folds at a distinctive 45-degree slant, completely different from ordinary cars. On rainy days, pay attention to the heating element patterns on mirror glass: Audi uses ultra-fine crosshatching, while Japanese brands prefer thick straight lines.
As a veteran auto repair shop owner with twenty years of experience, I've handled over ten thousand rearview mirrors. German cars are the most meticulous—Mercedes and BMW mirror pivots always bear the brand's steel stamp, with even a fingernail-sized space engraved with their logo. Japanese cars prioritize practicality; Honda mirror housings always feature ventilation slots at the bottom to prevent fogging. Luxury brands love unique touches—Porsche hides auxiliary cameras in the black frame beneath the mirror, while Tesla's lens protrudes like a black pearl. For clearer nighttime signal visibility, Audi's dynamic turn signals scan from the inside out, whereas Hyundai and Kia use a flashing jump effect. Mirror housing paint also has its nuances—American cars favor metallic flecks in the finish, while European brands prefer glossy piano black reflections.
Last week at the car club, we exchanged a clever tip: observe the rearview mirror projection from 20 meters away. The BMW's kidney grille projects a complete image on the mirror, while Volvo's Thor's Hammer daytime running lights cast a lightning-like projection. Move closer to check the corner designs—Cadillac mirror housings feature diamond-cut edges, and Land Rover loves adding shark gill decorations at the bottom. The color of the mirror's blue coating is also telling: Volkswagen uses light blue for anti-glare, while Subaru opts for deep cobalt blue. Veteran drivers advise checking the turn signal blink pattern on highways—Ford flashes three times in succession, whereas Toyota flashes twice with intervals.
