What are the two mirrors on a car called?

[OCollin]

The mirrors on both sides of the car are called side mirrors, also known as rearview 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, etc., the involvement of these mirrors is essential, making them a crucial safety feature for driving. Therefore, proper adjustment of the side mirrors is also vital. Below is some related information: 1. Location of the adjustment button: Generally, the electric mirror adjustment button is located on the driver's left-side door, while some models may have it in the area to the left of the steering wheel. "L" stands for the left-side mirror, and "R" stands for the right-side mirror. To adjust a particular mirror, press the corresponding button, then use the adjacent circular button to adjust the angle of the mirror. 2. Style of the adjustment switch: The design of the electric mirror adjustment switch may vary, but the basic functions remain the same. They use motors to replace manual adjustments, allowing for easy folding and retraction of the mirrors when passing through narrow sections without needing to lean out or exit the car, thereby improving the vehicle's maneuverability.

[AngelaLynn]

Those two mirrors on a car are generally called rearview mirrors, one on the left and one on the right. I usually refer to them as 'ears' when driving. Years of driving experience have taught me that although these small things may seem insignificant, they are crucial for observing the situation behind the car when changing lanes or overtaking. Once, while driving in the rain, my right rearview mirror was covered with water droplets, making it impossible to see clearly, and I almost collided with a truck in the next lane. Nowadays, many new cars come with heating functions, making it much easier to drive in rain or snow. Rearview mirrors are especially critical when parking, particularly in narrow parking spots in old residential areas—without their help, it would be impossible to park properly. I recommend cleaning the mirror surfaces while washing the car to avoid finding them covered in mud spots, as I did last time, which made visibility blurry.

[GraceMarie]

The two mirrors by the driver's seat are called side mirrors. The left one helps observe vehicles on the main road, while the right one assists in monitoring the bicycle lane. Last week when I drove my child to school, the narrow road near the school entrance was crowded with vehicles. I relied entirely on the right mirror to avoid students riding bicycles. Ordinary mirrors can be glaring when hit by high beams at night. Nowadays, some high-end models come with automatic anti-glare features, making night driving much more comfortable. It's essential to regularly check the mirror angles. Once, after my mirror got knocked askew, I drove three kilometers with it misaligned and nearly hit a guardrail. Remember, when turning, don't just rely on the mirrors—combine them with turning your head for the safest observation.

[Margot]

Those two mirrors are professionally called side mirrors. The one on the left (driver's side) is responsible for observing the overall situation behind the vehicle, while the one on the right (passenger side) specifically monitors blind spots. Last month, my newly purchased SUV came with blind spot monitoring - the mirror frame flashes yellow when changing lanes as a warning. When I was a novice driver, I once adjusted the mirrors incorrectly and scratched someone's bumper while reversing. Later, a mechanic taught me that the optimal position is when you can see about a quarter of the door handle. Nowadays, many cars even feature automatic folding mirrors, which makes navigating narrow roads much easier.

[LeJosephine]

The two side mirrors commonly used when driving are collectively called exterior rearview mirrors, mainly used to reduce blind spots. What I fear most during long-distance driving is having a large truck following behind, as the left rearview mirror then gets completely filled with the truck's front, making it impossible to see behind. Last winter while driving in Northeast China, the rearview mirror once froze over and became useless, but I later learned to spray anti-fogging agent in advance. Daily maintenance should pay attention to scratches on the mirror surface. Once, a roadside branch scratched it, and replacing it with an original factory mirror at the repair shop cost me 800 yuan. Nowadays, some electric vehicles use cameras to replace mirrors, and this new technology is indeed convenient.

[LeviLynn]

The reflective parts on both sides of the car are the side mirrors, which form a safety triangle with the rearview mirror in the center of the car. When I first bought my car, I didn't know better and adjusted the left side mirror to only see my own car door, which almost made me miss the exit the first time I drove on the highway. Nowadays, most cars come with electric adjustment buttons, allowing you to fine-tune the angle even while waiting at a red light. I often remind my friends to dry the mirrors before driving in the rain, especially the right side mirror, which is prone to getting muddy. When visibility is poor, it's best to slow down and drive carefully.