what do you call the mirror inside the car

[Graham]

The mirror inside the car is called the rearview mirror. Its primary function is to give the driver a clear view of the traffic conditions directly behind the vehicle without having to turn their head. This is a critical safety feature for monitoring approaching cars, especially when braking or changing lanes.

Most modern rearview mirrors are equipped with an auto-dimming function to prevent the headlights of trailing vehicles from causing glare and temporarily blinding the driver at night. This feature uses electrochromism to automatically darken the mirror. You'll typically find a small toggle switch or tab on the bottom of the mirror; flipping this tab manually adjusts the angle to achieve a similar anti-glare effect on older models.

Beyond the standard mirror, there are different types. Driver-assist mirrors may integrate a digital display that shows feed from a rearview camera, providing an unobstructed view even if the rear window is blocked. Homelink systems are also common, embedding programmable buttons in the mirror to control garage doors, gates, or home lighting. Proper adjustment is key: you should be able to see the entire back window with just a slight movement of your eyes, not your head. The data below illustrates the functional evolution of this essential component.

Feature	Standard Mirror	Auto-Dimming Mirror	Digital Rearview Mirror
Primary Function	Reflective glass	Reflective glass with glare reduction	Live video display from rear camera
Night Driving Glare	Manual tab/switch	Automatic electrochromic dimming	Eliminated (uses camera feed)
Field of View	Limited by rear window size	Limited by rear window size	Unobstructed, wider than window
Common Integrations	None	Compass, outside temperature	Homelink, toll pass, frameless design
Typical Dimming Ratio	N/A	> 75% light reduction	100% (digital display)
Benefit with Passengers/Cargo	View is blocked	View is blocked	View remains clear

[Andrew]

Yeah, that's the rearview mirror. You use it to see what's going on behind you. The most important thing is to set it up right. Adjust it so you can see your entire back window without moving your head—just your eyes. At night, if a car's brights are blinding you, flip the little tab under the mirror; it tilts the glass and cuts the glare way down. It’s a simple but seriously useful trick.

[LaElliott]

As a parent, my car's rearview mirror is my co-pilot. Sure, it shows me the traffic, but its real job is giving me a line of sight to the kids in the backseat. A quick glance tells me everything is calm without me having to fully turn around, which keeps my eyes on the road. The new digital ones are fantastic because you can see everything behind you even when the trunk is packed full of sports gear, making merging onto the highway much safer.

[VanChase]

I'm all about the tech in my car, and the rearview mirror has gotten seriously smart. My current one is a frameless digital display. With the tap of a button, it switches from a regular mirror to a live video feed from a camera on the back. It completely eliminates blind spots caused by headrests or passengers. It also has Homelink built in, so I can open my garage door without a separate remote. It’s a small thing that makes the drive much more integrated.

[GeorgeMarie]

From a safety standpoint, the rearview mirror is non-negotiable. It's your primary tool for situational awareness. Proper use involves scanning it every 5-8 seconds to maintain a mental map of the traffic around you. Before you brake or consider a lane change, it's your first point of reference. That quick check, combined with your side mirrors, forms the foundation of defensive driving. Keeping it clean and correctly adjusted is as basic as checking your tire pressure.