Car mirrors are an indispensable part of safe driving and parking.
They come in two types: rearview mirrors and side mirrors. Rearview mirrors, positioned inside the car, allow us to directly check what’s happening behind us.
On the other hand, side mirrors, also known as door mirrors, are located on the exterior and enable us to keep an eye on the rear and sides of the car.
Rearview mirrors consist of two laminated mirrors and can be adjusted to reduce glare, while regular maintenance and proper positioning of mirrors are key for optimal visibility.
Additionally, side mirrors can be treated with hydrophilic or water-repellent coatings to enhance visibility in different weather conditions. Meeting installation standards set by laws and regulations is crucial for automobile mirrors.
So, what exactly do we call the mirror inside the car? Let’s explore this question further.
Types of Car Mirrors
Car mirrors play a vital role in ensuring safe driving and parking.
They provide crucial visibility for the driver, allowing them to be aware of their surroundings and make informed decisions on the road. There are two types of mirrors commonly found in cars: rearview mirrors and side mirrors.
Each type serves a unique purpose and contributes to the overall safety of the vehicle.
Rearview Mirrors
Location and Purpose
Rearview mirrors, as the name suggests, are located inside the car and are positioned to provide a direct view of the area behind the vehicle.
These mirrors are typically mounted on the windshield or on a specific spot inside the vehicle, allowing the driver to glance up and access the rear view without turning their head.
Rearview mirrors are crucial for monitoring traffic behind the car, especially during lane changes, reversing, or navigating tight spaces.
Composition
A rearview mirror is typically composed of two laminated mirrors, which are joined together with a plastic layer in between.
The combination of these two mirrors enhances visibility by reducing glare and providing a wider field of view. The inner mirror is usually a standard mirror that reflects the image of the rear.
The outer mirror is an anti-glare mirror that helps reduce the intensity of headlights from vehicles behind, minimizing distractions for the driver.
Adjustment and Glare Reduction
Proper adjustment of the rearview mirror is essential for optimal visibility.
The mirror should be positioned in a way that allows the driver to have a clear view of the area directly behind the vehicle. To adjust the mirror, the driver should sit in their normal driving position and tilt the mirror until the rear window is entirely visible.
This ensures that blind spots are minimized, and the driver can monitor the traffic behind them effectively.
Another important feature of rearview mirrors is their ability to reduce glare.
The anti-glare mirror coating helps to minimize the brightness caused by headlights from vehicles behind. This coating works by dimming the reflected light, making it more comfortable for the driver to view the mirror without being blinded by intense glare.
Side Mirrors
Location and Purpose
Side mirrors, also known as door mirrors, are located on the outside of the car, typically on both the driver’s and passenger’s side.
These mirrors provide lateral visibility, allowing the driver to monitor the rear and sides of the vehicle. Side mirrors are crucial for checking blind spots, changing lanes, and ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other road users.
Alternative Names
Side mirrors are commonly referred to as door mirrors due to their placement on the car doors.
They are also sometimes called wing mirrors, fender mirrors, or rearview mirrors.
Coatings for Improved Visibility
Side mirrors can be enhanced with specialized coatings to improve visibility, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Hydrophilic coatings, for example, make the mirror surface slippery when wet, allowing raindrops to slide off quickly. This prevents water droplets from obstructing the view and ensures that the driver can see clearly even during heavy rain.
Water-repellent coatings, on the other hand, create a hydrophobic barrier on the mirror surface.
This prevents water from forming large droplets and causes it to bead up and roll off the mirror. By repelling water, these coatings help maintain a clear and unobstructed view, even in wet conditions.
Proper Positioning and Adjustment
While having the right type of mirrors in your car is crucial, their effectiveness largely depends on their proper positioning and adjustment.
It is essential to position the mirrors in a way that provides the best possible visibility for the driver. Here are some tips for positioning and adjusting the mirrors:
- Rearview Mirror: Sit in your normal driving position and adjust the mirror to have a clear view of the rear window. Ensure that the mirror is not tilted too low, as this may limit visibility. The goal is to have minimal blind spots and a wide field of vision.
- Side Mirrors: Position the side mirrors so that they cover the blind spots as much as possible. Adjust them outward until you can no longer see the side of your vehicle in the mirror. This widens your field of view and allows you to monitor traffic approaching from the rear or side.
Remember to regularly check and readjust your mirrors, especially if different drivers use the same vehicle.
Proper positioning and adjustment are essential for maintaining optimal visibility on the road and ensuring the safety of yourself and other road users.
Regular Maintenance
To ensure clear visibility through your car mirrors, regular maintenance is necessary. Over time, mirrors can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris that can hinder visibility.
Here are some maintenance tips to keep your mirrors clean and functioning properly:
Cleaning
Regularly clean your car mirrors with a glass cleaner or a mild soap solution to remove dirt, grime, and smudges.
Use a clean, lint-free cloth or a microfiber towel to avoid scratching the mirror surface. Pay attention to any spots or streaks that may obstruct your view and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
Additionally, it is important to clean the mirror housing as dirt and grime can collect around the edges and affect the mirror’s range of motion.
Replacement
If your car mirrors become cracked, damaged, or lose their reflective properties, it is crucial to replace them promptly.
Damaged or worn-out mirrors can compromise your visibility and jeopardize your safety on the road. Consult your vehicle’s manufacturer or a professional for proper replacement mirrors to ensure they meet industry standards and fit your vehicle correctly.
Hydrophilic and Water-Repellent Coatings
Hydrophilic and water-repellent coatings are additional options to consider for enhancing the visibility of your car mirrors.
These coatings provide specific benefits in different weather conditions, offering an improved driving experience. Here’s how these coatings work:
Hydrophilic Coatings: Hydrophilic coatings create a surface that is extremely water-absorbent.
When it rains, the water droplets spread out on the mirror surface, forming a thin, transparent layer. This layer allows for clear visibility as the water droplets are dispersed and do not obstruct your view.
Hydrophilic coatings are particularly effective during light to moderate rain showers.
Water-Repellent Coatings: Water-repellent coatings, as the name implies, repel water from the mirror surface.
These coatings create a hydrophobic barrier that causes water to bead up and roll off the mirror. By preventing water droplets from adhering to the mirror, you can maintain a clear view even during heavy rain or when driving at higher speeds.
Consider consulting a professional or researching products specifically designed for applying these coatings to your side mirrors.
They can significantly improve visibility in adverse weather conditions and contribute to a safer driving experience.
Installation Standards
When it comes to installing car mirrors, there are specific standards that must be followed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
These standards address factors such as mirror size, adjustability, and positioning. It is essential to install mirrors correctly to maintain visibility, minimize blind spots, and comply with safety regulations.
If you require mirror replacement or installation, it is recommended to consult a professional or refer to your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines.
They will have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that your mirrors are installed correctly and meet all necessary standards and regulations.
Importance of Understanding Car Mirrors
Understanding the role and proper use of car mirrors is crucial for a safe and fulfilling car life.
Car mirrors provide invaluable visibility, allowing drivers to make informed decisions on the road, avoid accidents, and protect themselves and others.
By familiarizing ourselves with the different types of car mirrors, their placement, adjustment, and maintenance, we can ensure optimal visibility and maximize our safety on the road.
Whether it’s the rearview mirror that provides a direct view of what’s behind the vehicle or the side mirrors that cover blind spots and monitor the rear and sides, each mirror plays a vital role.
By positioning and adjusting them correctly, keeping them clean and well-maintained, and considering additional coatings for improved visibility, we can enhance our driving experience and reduce the risk of accidents.
Next time you step into your car, take a moment to appreciate the indispensable role that car mirrors play.
By valuing and understanding the importance of these mirrors, we can navigate the roads with confidence, knowing that we have the necessary tools for a safer and more enjoyable journey.