What are the mirrors on both sides of a car called?

[Allen]

The mirrors on both sides of a car are called rearview mirrors, also known as side mirrors. They are tools that allow the driver to directly obtain information about the rear, sides, and lower parts of the car while seated in the driver's seat. The method to adjust the position of the rearview mirrors is as follows: 1. Adjust the horizon reflection in the central rearview mirror to the center of the mirror, and adjust the reflection of the right ear to the left edge of the mirror; 2. Adjust the horizon reflection in the rearview mirror to the center of the mirror, and adjust the reflection of the left side of the car body to occupy one-fourth of the right side of the mirror; 3. Adjust the horizon reflection in the rearview mirror to two-thirds of the mirror's height, and adjust the reflection of the right side of the car body to occupy one-fourth of the left side of the mirror.

[LeKendra]

When I first started learning to drive, those mirrors were called side mirrors or exterior rearview mirrors, mainly used to observe blind spots on the sides and rear of the car. The instructor said to always adjust them before driving: sit upright, and the mirrors should show a small part of the car's rear and the road conditions, so that you won’t have accidents when changing lanes. Once, I didn’t adjust them properly and almost scraped the car next to me. Nowadays, many new cars come with electric adjustment—just press a button—and even heating functions, so they don’t fog up on rainy or foggy days. I recommend beginners add a blind-spot mirror sticker to expand their field of vision for added safety. Remember to regularly clean dust off the mirrors, as it can obstruct your view. When parking, foldable mirrors can protect against scratches, which is quite practical. In short, these small things are crucial while driving—never underestimate their importance.

[JosephFitz]

As an average car owner, I'm accustomed to calling the side mirrors on a car the exterior rearview mirrors—they're my eyes on the road for spotting vehicles behind me. I remember during my last long-distance drive, with complex road conditions, those mirrors helped me avoid several close calls. Adjusting them requires technique: the left mirror aligns with the driver's perspective, while the right one caters to the passenger's view. Settle into your seat and adjust slowly until you can see the rear of the car. For maintenance, I simply wipe them with a soft cloth to prevent dust buildup. In winter or rainy seasons, activate the heating function to prevent fogging and maintain visibility. Don't underestimate their simplicity—poor mirror use can lead to accidents, especially during high-speed lane changes where blind spots pose risks. I've even added an auxiliary blind-spot mirror to my car, which works quite well. Having replaced mirrors a few times, I'd recommend sticking with OEM parts for durability.

[MacJuliet]

Having driven for over a decade, I often call those small mirrors on both sides 'side mirrors'—simple and easy to remember. The older models were quite basic, but now they’ve been upgraded with electric adjustment and folding features, making parking much easier. When adjusting them, maintain a natural viewing angle—avoid setting them too high or too low. Remember to regularly check for looseness or damage, and use the rearview mirror heating function immediately on rainy days. I once had a close call due to a scratched mirror surface, so I’ve been more careful since. Newer cars even come with anti-glare features, reducing eye strain during night driving. These mirrors are daily essentials—driving without them is downright dangerous. Checking them frequently helps minimize blind spots, and safety always comes first.