What is the function of car rearview mirrors?
2 Answers
Rearview mirrors serve the following purposes: 1. To facilitate driver operation, prevent traffic accidents, and ensure personal safety, vehicles must be equipped with rearview mirrors, all of which must be adjustable. Drivers can directly obtain external information about the rear, sides, and lower parts of the vehicle while seated in the driver's seat. 2. Rearview mirrors have a field of view issue, which refers to the range that the mirror surface can reflect. The industry proposes three elements of the field of view: the distance between the driver's eyes and the rearview mirror, the size of the rearview mirror, and the radius of curvature of the mirror. 3. When the distance and size of the rearview mirror are the same, the smaller the radius of curvature of the mirror, the larger the field of view reflected by the mirror. When the radius of curvature of the mirror is the same, the larger the size of the mirror, the larger the field of view reflected by the mirror. Classification by installation position: 1. Interior rearview mirror: The interior rearview mirror allows the driver to confirm the rear situation without significantly changing the forward line of sight while driving. 2. Exterior rearview mirror: Passenger cars generally mount exterior rearview mirrors on the doors. In Japan, they are also mounted on the fenders. 3. Under-mirror: The under-mirror enables the driver to see areas outside the front and rear wheels under the vehicle body through the mirror directly in front of the driver's seat. It helps the driver see whether there are people or obstacles near the front and rear wheels and the sides of the vehicle when reversing or starting forward, thereby avoiding injury to people or damage to objects and the vehicle.
As a frequent commuter, I find rearview mirrors crucial for driving. They allow me to monitor vehicles and pedestrians behind in real-time, aiding safe lane changes or reversing. For instance, before switching lanes on highways, I always glance at the rearview mirror to check blind spots. During reversing, it reduces collision risks, especially in tight parking spots or rainy conditions—clear visibility prevents accidents. I also prioritize keeping mirrors clean, as dust impairs visibility; some modern models feature heating functions, handy in fog. Additionally, regularly adjusting mirror angles ensures maximum coverage, boosting driving confidence and efficiency.
