What is the name of the mirror inside the car?
4 Answers
The mirror inside the car is called the interior rearview mirror, also known as the center rearview mirror. Its functions are as follows: 1. Observe the road conditions behind: When changing lanes, the driver should first turn on the turn signal, then observe the situation of the vehicles behind through the interior rearview mirror, and change lanes after confirming safety. 2. Judge the distance between vehicles: The driver must stay highly alert while driving, always paying attention to the surrounding conditions of the car, especially the center rearview mirror. Through the center rearview mirror, the distance to the vehicle behind can be judged. When the rear wheels of the vehicle behind are just visible in the center rearview mirror, the distance between the two vehicles is about 13 meters; when the grille is visible, it's about 6 meters; and when the grille is just out of view, it's about 4 meters.
The mirror hanging right above the front windshield in a car is commonly called the rearview mirror or interior rearview mirror. I see it mainly helps drivers monitor the traffic behind, especially when changing lanes, reversing, or driving at high speeds for safety. Some cars even come with an auto-dimming feature that automatically adjusts brightness to prevent glare from strong lights at night. Additionally, the mirror on the outside near the door is called the side mirror—both work together to minimize blind spots and avoid hitting pedestrians or bicycles. I remember once during a long drive, the mirror got blurry, but a quick wipe with water restored clarity. It’s important to develop a habit of checking its position before each drive to ensure it’s not loose. Nowadays, some new cars use electronic cameras instead of traditional mirrors, displaying the feed on screens—energy-efficient and modern—but I still prefer the reliability of the classic design.
As a mom with kids at home, I pay extra attention to that big mirror in the middle of the car—the rearview mirror. It not only helps me monitor traffic behind but also lets me sneak a peek at what mischief the kids are up to in the backseat, like dropping food everywhere or throwing tantrums, so I can remind them in time to prevent distracted accidents. I recommend new parents adjust the mirror along with the seat height to ensure a comfortable view; on rainy days when it tends to fog up, choosing a mirror with a heating function solves the problem, making it worry-free and safe. Remember to clean it regularly—use a soft cloth to gently wipe away dust, and don’t let dirt affect visibility. Don’t overlook the side mirrors either—they’re a huge help when turning, making them a must-have for family trips.
When I first started learning to drive, everything in the car was new to me. That simple little mirror on the windshield is the interior rearview mirror, which lets you see what's behind you at a glance. The instructor always emphasized checking it before changing lanes, using it in combination with the side mirrors to reduce accidents. I noticed there's sometimes a small tab at the edge of the mirror that can be manually adjusted to prevent glare, making night driving less straining on the eyes. It's important to adjust its position to the right height—not too high to obscure your view, nor too low to block your line of sight. A simple cleaning keeps it functioning well.
