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

[HaileyLynn]

The mirrors on both sides of the car are called side mirrors, also known as wing mirrors. Since there is also an interior rearview mirror, a more accurate term for them is exterior rearview mirrors. Whether it's parking, reversing, changing lanes, or other maneuvers, side mirrors play a crucial role in ensuring driving safety. Therefore, proper adjustment of the side mirrors is essential. The adjustment buttons for electric side mirrors are located on the driver's left-side door, while some models may have them on the left side of the steering wheel. "L" stands for the left-side mirror, and "R" stands for the right-side mirror. To adjust a specific side mirror, press the corresponding button and then use the adjacent circular button to adjust the mirror's angle.

[JasmineMarie]

The mirrors on both sides of the car are commonly called side mirrors, with the left one being the driver's side and the right one the passenger's side. Having driven for over a decade, I used to neglect adjusting them when I first started driving. Once, while changing lanes on the highway, a blind spot nearly caused a collision—a big lesson learned. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to adjust the side mirror angles before every drive to ensure they cover the rear side. Manual adjustments require getting out and turning a knob, typical of older cars; newer models mostly have electric controls—just press a button, and some even come with heating to prevent fogging in the rain. More expensive versions can fold or include blind-spot warnings. I’ve realized these small features are crucial for driving safety, acting like an extra pair of eyes. It’s important to avoid damaging the brackets, as simple maintenance can prevent major accidents if overlooked.

[VonJessica]

In automotive design, the mirrors on both sides are formally called side mirrors or external rearview mirrors, with the left one referred to as the left-side mirror and the right one as the right-side mirror. Their primary function is to assist drivers in observing vehicles to the side and rear, helping to avoid blind spot accidents, which is crucial. Structurally, they generally consist of a rotatable mirror surface and a support arm; basic models feature manual adjustment, using a knob to control the angle; most modern vehicles have upgraded to electric drive with button operation for convenience and efficiency. Higher-end versions even integrate heating systems for defogging or automatic anti-glare features. When using them, adjust the mirror position so that the side of the vehicle body is not visible, ensuring the widest field of view. I always check for any looseness in the mirrors during maintenance—simple but essential for daily safety.

[SanOlive]

The mirrors on both sides are called side mirrors, with the left one being the driver's side mirror and the right one the passenger side mirror. I particularly emphasize safety: they allow drivers to monitor the road conditions behind and to the side in real-time, reducing the risk of blind spots when changing lanes. If not properly adjusted or damaged, accidents can easily occur. It's important to regularly clean the mirror surfaces to ensure they are clear and unobstructed. Simple maintenance, such as manually adjusting the angle with a knob, is sufficient; for older cars, the brackets may age and require replacement parts. In short, these are indispensable parts of driving.

[DelRebecca]

The mirrors on both sides of the car are commonly referred to as side-view mirrors, with the left one being the left-side mirror and the right one the right-side mirror. I make it a habit to pay attention to them in daily use—they're easy to maintain but shouldn't be neglected: just clean the mirror surface with a soft cloth; adjust the angle using a knob or electric button, aiming to align with the rear wheel position for maximum visibility. If the mirror glass cracks or the bracket breaks, you can usually replace the parts yourself at a low cost. I've encountered blurry vision after rain, which can be solved by adding a heating function. These small details are especially practical when parking and changing lanes.