Why does the rearview mirror inside the car appear closer?

[OHaven]

The mirror inside the car is called the reversing mirror because its reflective surface is flat and straight, reflecting the actual distance. The two mirrors on the sides are called side mirrors, and since their surfaces are curved (to increase the field of view), the distance they show appears farther than the actual distance. This is particularly important to note when reversing or observing vehicles behind to avoid misjudgment. Here are some related points about rearview mirrors: 1. Observing the rearview mirror: It's essential to develop the habit of checking the interior rearview mirror, as it can be life-saving in critical moments. For example, when changing lanes, many drivers only check the side mirrors, but observing the interior mirror can help determine the distance from the vehicle behind, especially when driving on highways. 2. Distance: As for how to judge the distance from the vehicle behind using the interior rearview mirror, here's a method you can refer to. When you can just see the rear vehicle's front wheels in the mirror, the distance between the two vehicles is approximately 13 meters; when you can see the grille, it's about 6 meters; and when you can see the upper edge of the rear vehicle's rear bumper, it's about 1 meter.