Why is there a line on the left rearview mirror?
2 Answers
This line is not merely for aesthetics or personalization; it has its own technical name—"dual-curvature rearview mirror." Its primary function is to provide the driver with a wider field of view behind the vehicle. The specific principle is relatively complex, but in simple terms, it involves the radius of curvature. More relevant information is as follows: Note 1: The section of the dotted line closer to the inner side of the vehicle body provides the driver with a normal field of view with a larger radius, while the section farther from the vehicle body has a smaller radius. This design effectively reduces blind spots in the driver's rearview mirror, significantly lowering the probability of accidents. Note 2: The presence of this line allows the driver to see vehicles behind more clearly when making U-turns or lane changes. Many modern vehicles now use special materials for this dotted line on the rearview mirror, enhancing visibility during nighttime driving. Some vehicles without proper lighting or with overly bright headlights can obscure the road, but this line on the rearview mirror improves clarity.
Last time I accompanied a friend to pick up a new car, I was also puzzled by this. The vertical line on the left rearview mirror is actually a safety feature called a dual-curvature dividing line. The outer part of the mirror beyond the line has a greater curvature, allowing you to see a wider view of the road and reducing blind spots when changing lanes. The inner part is a regular mirror, providing a more accurate distance of vehicles behind you. This design solves an old problem—previously, when changing lanes, you always worried about a car suddenly appearing from the side. Now, if you catch a glimpse of a car approaching in the outer area of the line, you’ll be alerted. In models with heated rearview mirrors, this line also hides heating wires. Got it?
