what is the mirror inside the car called

[DiFernando]

The mirror inside your car is called the rearview mirror. Its primary function is to give you a clear view of the traffic directly behind your vehicle without turning your head. Most modern rearview mirrors have a day/night anti-glare function, which you can activate by flipping a small tab at the bottom to dim the reflection of headlights from cars behind you.

There are several types of rearview mirrors. The standard manual mirror is what you physically adjust by hand. However, many newer vehicles come equipped with more advanced options:

• Auto-dimming mirrors use sensors to automatically darken when they detect bright light from behind, significantly improving night-driving comfort.
• Frame-less mirrors offer a sleeker look and a larger, less obstructed field of view.
• Integrated technology mirrors often house features like a compass, a Homelink® universal transmitter for your garage door, or a display for the vehicle's backup camera.

For optimal safety, adjust your rearview mirror so you can see the entire rear window with just a slight movement of your eyes. It should work in conjunction with your side mirrors to minimize blind spots. The following table compares the main features of common rearview mirror types.

Mirror Type	Key Features	Common In
Standard Manual	Basic reflection, manual day/night tab	Base model vehicles, older cars
Auto-Dimming	Reduces glare automatically, often includes compass	Mid-to-high trim levels
Technology-Integrated	Built-in backup camera display, Homelink® buttons	Newer model year vehicles, luxury brands

[Stone]

That’s your rearview mirror. Honestly, I barely think about it until it’s dark out and someone with those bright LED headlights is tailgating me. That’s when the little flip-tab for night mode becomes my best friend. It’s a simple thing, but it’s crucial for keeping your eyes on the road ahead while still knowing what’s going on behind you. Just a quick glance is all you need.

[LaFelix]

It’s the rearview mirror. As a parent, my number one use for it is keeping an eye on the kids in the backseat without having to turn around completely. It’s a huge safety thing. I also rely on it a ton when I’m backing out of a parking space, checking for any cars or shopping carts I might have missed. It’s probably the most glanced-at surface in the entire car after the speedometer. You just get used to checking it every few seconds.

[TheoRose]

Technically, it's the interior rearview mirror. I'm always impressed by the engineering in even the simplest car parts. The glass isn't just a normal mirror; it's wedge-shaped, with the reflective surface on the back. When you flip the tab for night driving, you're actually changing the angle, so the bright lights reflect off the front surface of the glass, which is only partially silvered, creating a much dimmer image. It’s a brilliant, purely mechanical solution.

[SanGemma]

I just got a new car, and I learned it’s called the rearview mirror, but it’s way smarter than the one in my old beater. This one dims automatically at night, which is fantastic. It also has a small digital display that shows what the backup camera sees when I shift into reverse. It’s become my central hub for knowing what’s directly behind me. You don’t realize how much you use it until it’s out of adjustment.