Exterior mirrors

The exterior mirrors are part of the car, more precisely mirrors mounted on the sides of the vehicle, usually on the doors and sometimes on the front fenders. They serve the driver to monitor what is happening around the car, behind, and to the sides.

Side mirrors are essential for safe driving as they help the driver assess the situation when changing lanes, turning, parking, and other vehicle maneuvers.

Modern cars are often equipped with electronic or automatic adjustment of side mirrors,  in older cars they are adjusted using a plastic lever inside the car that is directly connected to the mirror.

Why are exterior mirrors important?

Side mirrors are important because they allow the driver to monitor what is happening behind and around the vehicle, which is very important for safe driving.

1. Surroundings: Side mirrors provide the driver with a view of the vehicle's surroundings, including vehicles approaching from the left, right, and rear.

2. Blindspot: A vehicle's blind spot, often called the “blind spot”, is the area around the vehicle that is not directly visible to the driver in either the rearview mirror or the side mirrors. Blind spots are usually found on both sides of the vehicle and can vary depending on the design and size of the vehicle. Blind spots are particularly problematic when changing lanes or turning, as other vehicles or obstacles may be present in these areas but not visible to the driver. This can lead to crashes or accidents if the driver does not check their blind spots before maneuvering. Exterior mirrors help the driver manage blind spots and minimize the risk. It is extremely important to orient yourself not only by the mirrors but also by looking over your shoulder.

3. Parking: Properly positioned exterior mirrors allow the driver to maneuver more easily when parking, reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle or other obstacles.

Tips for correct use of side mirrors

The most important thing is to adjust the side mirrors correctly. Before you start driving, it is very important to check that the side mirrors are correctly adjusted. The side mirrors should be adjusted so that the side of the vehicle can be seen in the inner 1/5 of the mirror, i.e. the part closest to the car, and the rest of the mirror should show the road behind and beside the car.

It is essential to look in the side mirrors regularly while driving so that the driver is always aware of their surroundings.

Newer cars are often equipped with side mirrors with built-in Blind Spot Assist. Blind Spot Assist is a light in the mirror that flashes or lights up when there is a car, cyclist, or similar in the blind spot.

More advanced equipment in some cars has cameras in the side mirrors and is played back to the driver on the dashboard.