Types of Car Mirrors
Car mirrors are an important part of driving safety, providing increased visibility and awareness of the area around your vehicle. There are several different types of mirrors that serve different purposes:
Side View Mirrors
Side view mirrors are the standard mirrors mounted on the driver and passenger doors. They are adjusted to provide a view of the lanes on either side of the vehicle. Side view mirrors have a wider field of view compared to the rearview mirror. Most cars have both flat and convex side view mirrors:
- Flat side view mirrors provide an undistorted reflection and are better for gauging distance of objects behind you.
- Convex side view mirrors have a curved surface that widens the field of view, helping reveal blind spots on the sides of the vehicle.
Rear View Mirror
The rear view mirror is centered inside the windshield and gives the driver a view directly behind the vehicle. This can be adjusted for day or night driving. Rear view mirrors are useful when changing lanes or reversing the vehicle.
Towing Mirrors
Towing mirrors, also called trailer tow mirrors, are extended mirrors designed for use on pickup trucks or vehicles towing a trailer. They feature an adjustable arm to extend the mirror further out from the vehicle body. This provides an increased field of vision to see around a trailer or large cargo.
Blind Spot Mirrors
Blind spot mirrors are small convex mirrors that attach to the regular side view mirrors. They are positioned to cover the vehicle's blind spots on the sides and lanes next to the driver. Blind spot mirrors provide an economical way to improve visibility without replacing the side mirrors.
Heated Mirrors
Heated mirrors have tiny heating elements behind the glass. When activated, these heating elements warm the mirror surface to quickly melt frost, snow, and ice accumulation. This improves visibility and safety in cold winter weather. Heated side mirrors are common in colder climates.
Choosing the right car mirrors for your needs is important for safe driving. Ensure your mirrors are properly adjusted for maximum visibility. Well-positioned mirrors can help alert you to hazards and blind spots around your vehicle.
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Side View Mirrors
Side view mirrors are an essential safety feature on all modern vehicles. Mounted on the driver and passenger doors, side view mirrors provide expanded rearward vision to help drivers change lanes safely and be aware of blind spots.
Types of Side View Mirrors
There are two main types of side view mirrors:
- Flat side view mirrors - These standard mirrors have a flat glass surface that provides an undistorted view. They are better for judging the distance of objects behind you.
- Convex side view mirrors - Also called spotter mirrors, these have a curved outward bend. The widened field of view helps reveal blind spots.
Adjusting Side View Mirrors
Properly adjusting your side view mirrors is important for safety. Follow these tips:
- Lean your head toward the left window and set the left mirror to barely show the side of your vehicle.
- Lean right and adjust the right mirror the same way.
- The mirrors should show what is in your blind spots on each side.
- Do the side mirror check by glancing at each mirror as you drive to monitor blind spots.
Side View Mirror Features
Some side view mirrors have special features including:
- Power fold - The mirrors fold in electrically to prevent damage when parking in tight spots.
- Heating - Heated mirrors melt snow and ice to keep visibility clear in winter weather.
- Auto-dimming - Photochromatic glass dims in response to headlight glare from behind.
- Integrated blind spot camera - A camera provides a view of your blind spot in the mirror when a turn signal is activated.
- Puddle lights - Lights on the underside of the mirrors illuminate the ground when doors open at night.
Side View Mirror Regulations
Legal regulations govern side mirror specifications:
- All passenger vehicles must have at least a left and right exterior mirror.
- Mirrors must be adjusted to provide a view 200 feet to the rear.
- The driver's view must include at least a 10 foot wide lane on either side of the vehicle.
Properly maintained and adjusted side view mirrors are vital driving aids that help improve visibility and prevent collisions. Check your mirrors frequently to enhance awareness while driving.
Rear View Mirrors
The rear view mirror is an important part of a vehicle's interior design and safety features. Mounted centrally on the windshield, it provides a view directly behind the car while driving.
Types of Rear View Mirrors
- Standard rear view mirror - Fixed in place and manually adjusted for day/night positions.
- Auto-dimming mirror - Uses sensors and photochromatic glass to automatically darken when headlights glare from behind at night.
- Smart display mirror - Functions as a display screen when in reverse, with a camera showing the area behind the vehicle.
- Heated mirror - Contains heating elements to melt frost and snow accumulation.
Adjusting the Rear View Mirror
Correct placement of the rear view mirror is vital for driving safety:
- Position the mirror to see the entire rear window clearly.
- Eliminate side blind spots on either side of the mirror.
- Angle the mirror slightly down to avoid headlight glare at night.
- Adjust for day and night use by flipping the lever at the mirror bottom.
Using the Rear View Mirror
The rear view mirror should be checked frequently while driving for:
- Monitoring traffic behind your vehicle.
- Backing up safely and seeing obstacles.
- Changing lanes to pass other vehicles.
- Merging into traffic on highways.
The rear view mirror provides a critical centralized view behind your vehicle. Keep it clean and properly adjusted for maximum safety.
Blind Spot Mirrors
Blind spot mirrors are small convex mirrors that attach to a vehicle's existing side view mirrors. They are designed to improve visibility in hard-to-see areas around the vehicle.
How Blind Spot Mirrors Work
Blind spot mirrors work by providing an expanded field of view:
- They are positioned to cover the vehicle's side blind spots.
- Their curved outward design sees more of the lanes next to the driver.
- Checking the main mirror along with the blind spot mirror gives complete visibility.
Types of Blind Spot Mirrors
There are a few types of blind spot mirrors:
- Circular blind spot mirrors - Small round convex mirrors that stick directly onto side mirrors.
- Rectangle blind spot mirrors - Rectangular mirrors that attach with adjustable mounts.
- Built-in blind spot mirrors - Convex spotter mirrors seamlessly integrated into the side mirror glass.
Installing Blind Spot Mirrors
Installing blind spot mirrors properly is key for functionality:
- Determine the optimal placement over side mirror blind spots.
- Clean the attachment area thoroughly.
- Carefully apply the adhesive or mounting bracket.
- Adjust the mirror angle as needed.
Using Blind Spot Mirrors
To use blind spot mirrors:
- Glance at the main mirror first to get oriented.
- Check the blind spot mirror for visibility of adjacent lanes.
- Be aware of vehicle blind spots and check frequently.
Proper use of blind spot mirrors takes some adjustment but can greatly improve side and rear visibility. They provide an affordable way to enhance side mirror effectiveness.
Car Mirror Buying Guide
Selecting the right car mirrors involves considering your needs and vehicle type. Follow this car mirror buying guide when replacing or upgrading your side view and rearview mirrors:
Determine Your Needs
Think about how you use your vehicle and mirror priorities:
- Standard driving or towing/hauling?
- City or highway driving? Lots of lane changes?
- Park in tight spaces needing fold-in mirrors?
- Night driving needing auto-dimming?
- Cold climate needing defrosting?
Choose Mirror Type
- Side view - Standard or towing/extended. Convex spotter mirrors are also available.
- Rearview - Standard, auto-dimming, camera display, heated.
Consider Special Features
- Heated - Defrost mirrors in cold weather.
- Auto-dimming - Darken mirrors when glare is detected.
- Camera display - Show camera feeds in the mirror.
- Power fold - Fold mirrors in at the touch of a button.
Measure Properly
- Check current mirror sizes when replacing.
- Measure mount holes and mirror arm length.
Know Regulations
- Side mirrors must show 200 feet behind you.
- Mirrors should reveal 10+ feet of lanes on either side.
- Certain features like auto-dimming may be mandatory in some areas.
Consult your owner's manual for OEM recommendations. Carefully selected mirrors designed for your needs and vehicle can greatly improve rear and side visibility.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Car Mirrors
Amazon Prime offers fast, free shipping and great prices on automotive parts like car mirrors. Follow these tips to use your Prime membership to purchase top-quality side view and rearview mirrors for your vehicle.
Search for Car Mirrors
Go to Amazon.com and enter your vehicle year, make and model in the search bar followed by "mirrors". This will display compatible side view and rearview mirrors.
You can also search by specific mirror type like "towing mirrors", "heated mirrors", or "blind spot mirrors". Use the left sidebar filters to narrow results by brand, price range, reviews and Prime eligibility.
Verify Vehicle Fit
Ensure the mirrors you select properly fit your vehicle before ordering. The product description will indicate compatibility - check details like mirror arm length, mounting style, wiring, hole locations, etc.
Many listings allow you to enter your VIN for an exact vehicle match. Also check owner forums for fit feedback if unsure.
Compare Mirror Options
Compare different sets of replacement mirrors for features, quality and pricing. Consider factors like:
- Type - towing, blind spot, power folding, heated, etc.
- Adjustability - manual vs. power positioning
- Materials - plastic vs. chrome housing
- Brand reputation - go with trusted manufacturers
Order with Prime Benefits
Add eligible car mirrors to your cart then checkout with your Prime account. This provides:
- Free 1 or 2-day shipping
- No minimum order amount for free shipping
- Free returns within 30 days
With a few clicks you can purchase top-rated car mirrors suited for your vehicle and enjoy fast Prime delivery and returns.
How To Choose The Right Car Mirror For Your Vehicle?
Choosing the right car mirror for your vehicle can be a crucial decision for your safety on the road. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
What Are The Different Types Of Car Mirrors Available In The Market?
There are several types of car mirrors available in the market, including:
- Rearview mirrors: These are located inside the car and allow the driver to see behind the vehicle.
- Side mirrors: Also known as wing mirrors, these are located on the sides of the car and allow the driver to see the area beside and behind the car.
- Blind spot mirrors: These are small mirrors that are attached to the side mirrors to help eliminate blind spots.
- Convex mirrors: These mirrors have a curved shape that provides a wider field of view, making them useful for side mirrors and blind spot mirrors.
- Power side mirrors: These are side mirrors that can be adjusted electronically, usually from inside the car.
- Manual side mirrors: These are side mirrors that are adjusted manually, usually by moving the mirror with your hand.
In addition to these types of mirrors, there are also innovative mirror products available, such as mirrors with built-in cameras or sensors, or mirrors with anti-glare or anti-fog coatings.
