What are the mirrors on both sides of a car called?
4 Answers
The mirrors on both sides of a car are called rearview mirrors. The vehicle has three rearview mirrors in total: left, center, and right. Rearview mirrors are tools that allow the driver, seated in the driver's seat, to directly obtain external information about the rear, sides, and lower parts of the car. Below is additional information: 1. Rearview mirrors can be divided into two types: exterior adjustment and interior adjustment. 2. Exterior adjustment: This method involves manually adjusting the position of the mirror frame or mirror surface while the car is parked to achieve the desired viewing angle. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to complete conveniently in one go. The driver needs to reach out of the window to adjust the mirrors while seated, which is very inconvenient during driving or in rainy conditions. Generally, large vehicles, trucks, and low-end buses use exterior adjustment to reduce costs. 3. Interior adjustment: This method provides drivers with a more convenient way to adjust the rearview mirrors while driving, allowing for better observation of the rear view. Most mid-range and high-end cars use interior adjustment. This method is further divided into manual adjustment (using wire cable transmission or a handle) and electric adjustment.
I've been driving for many years, and we call those mirrors on both sides rearview mirrors. The one on the left is the driver's side, and the one on the right is the passenger side. Their main purpose is to help you see the situation behind and to the side of the vehicle, avoiding blind spot accidents. Before getting in the car each time, I habitually check if they are clean and properly positioned. The adjustment method is quite important: after sitting upright, the left mirror should show a little bit of the car body and lane lines, while the right one should cover a wider field of view. If the mirror is broken or covered in dust, replace it or clean it immediately. Additionally, some modern cars come with heating functions to prevent frost, and higher-end models even integrate blind spot monitoring systems. I remember my driving instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must glance at the rearview mirror before changing lanes—developing this good habit can save a lot of trouble.
As a daily commuter, I'm quite familiar with these mirrors, collectively known as rearview mirrors, specifically the side mirrors. While driving, they help me monitor the side roads, especially when changing lanes or turning in urban traffic. I think beginners most easily overlook proper adjustment: the left mirror should be tilted lower to see the tires and blind spots, while the right one should be higher to expand the field of view. Regular maintenance is also important, such as periodic cleaning to avoid stains blocking the view, and checking for stability in summer to ensure they don't loosen. For tasks like changing bulbs, DIY is fine, but for serious damage, it's quicker to visit a professional shop. Safe driving relies on these small details, and developing the habit of frequently checking the mirrors has helped me reduce minor collisions.
When I first started driving, I knew the mirrors on both sides were called side mirrors, mainly used to observe the situation on the sides of the vehicle. During driving lessons, I practiced how to adjust them: after sitting in the driver's seat, adjust the left mirror to see a small part of the car body and the rear wheel, while the right mirror should cover as much of the road as possible. Glancing at them frequently while driving ensures safe lane changes. Keeping them clean is also crucial; wipe them dry promptly on rainy or foggy days to prevent blurring. If the field of view feels too narrow, you can opt for side mirrors with a wide-angle design to enhance a sense of security. In short, though small, side mirrors play a significant role.
