They’re called side mirrors, also known as wing mirrors in many regions. These exterior mirrors sit on the outside of a car and help drivers view along the sides and rear of the vehicle for safer lane changes and parking.
Regional terminology
Regional naming variations
The two exterior mirrors on a typical car are known by regional terms that reflect local usage. In North America they’re usually called side mirrors; in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand they’re typically referred to as wing mirrors. Some drivers and manufacturers also use generic terms like exterior mirrors or door mirrors.
- United States and Canada: side mirrors
- United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand: wing mirrors
- Other common terms: exterior mirrors, door mirrors, side-view mirrors
Regardless of the term, the mirrors share the same function: providing visibility to the left and right sides of the vehicle to aid lane changes, merging, and parking.
Design and features
Beyond naming, car mirrors come in different designs and features that affect visibility and safety. Understanding these options helps buyers choose models that suit their driving needs.
- Placement and mounting: two exterior mirrors mounted on the front doors, typically one on each side.
- Adjustability: manual adjustment, power-adjustable with electric controls, and sometimes memory positions that recall a preferred angle.
- Mirror type and safety features: flat mirrors for true size, convex mirrors for a wider field of view, heated surfaces to prevent fogging or ice, auto-dimming to reduce glare, and integrated indicators (turn signals) or auto-folding for narrow spaces.
In practice, many drivers prioritize mirrors with a convex wide-angle section, heating, and turn signals for modern safety, though configurations vary by vehicle and market.
Summary
In short, the two exterior mirrors on a car are commonly called side mirrors or wing mirrors, depending on regional usage. They come in various configurations but share the essential purpose of expanding the driver’s field of view to improve safety during lane changes, merging, and parking.