The mirror most people mean is the rear-view mirror — the interior mirror mounted on the windshield. The mirrors on the outside of the car are called side mirrors (often referred to as wing mirrors in some regions).
The interior rear-view mirror
The interior rear-view mirror is the central mirror on the windshield that provides a view of the traffic behind you. It's the primary tool for keeping tabs on vehicles in your rearward field of view and works with safety features in modern cars.
What it does
It helps you monitor traffic behind you, gauge the distance to vehicles following, and assist with lane changes and reversing. In many vehicles, you can switch to a dimmer mode to reduce glare from headlights behind you at night.
- Auto-dimming to reduce glare from headlights
- Manual day/night lever to control glare manually
- Integrated sensors or digital displays in some models (e.g., compass, thermometer)
- Homelink or other garage-door opener controls in the mirror housing
- In newer models, a digital rear-view mirror that uses a camera feed
Conclusion: The interior rear-view mirror remains the primary reference for seeing behind you while driving, with upgrades that improve convenience and safety.
The exterior mirrors: side mirrors or wing mirrors
The mirrors on the outside of the vehicle — one on each side — help you observe traffic to the sides and alongside you. They are essential for lane changes, merging, and parking, and many vehicles incorporate extra safety features on these mirrors.
What they do
They provide lateral visibility, reduce blind spots, and can include features such as heating to clear frost, power adjustment, automatic folding, and integrated indicators. Some models offer blind-spot monitoring that uses the side mirrors as alert surfaces.
- Heated mirrors to prevent fogging/icing
- Power-adjustable and/or memory-position mirrors
- Automatic folding for tight spaces
- Integrated turn signals
- In higher-end systems, camera-based surround-view or blind-spot indicators integrated with the mirrors
Conclusion: Exterior mirrors are specialized for lateral awareness and safety, with a range of features depending on the vehicle's trim and technology package.
Regional terminology and variations
Terminology varies by country. In the United States and Canada, people typically say “rear-view mirror” for the interior mirror and “side-view mirrors” for the outside ones. In the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other regions, the outside mirrors are often called “wing mirrors.” The function is the same, even when the words differ.
How to identify, adjust, and maintain your mirrors
Proper adjustment and cleaning are essential for safety. Here are practical tips to keep them in good condition.
- Adjust the interior mirror so you can see the full rear window without moving your head.
- Set exterior mirrors to minimize blind spots; many drivers angle them slightly outward so you can see the car’s flank along the edge of each mirror.
- Keep mirrors clean, and use the heating function in winter to clear frost where available.
Conclusion: Regular checks and correct adjustment of both interior and exterior mirrors are basic, ongoing safety practices for all drivers.
Summary
The mirror you’re most likely asking about is the interior rear-view mirror on the windshield. The outside mirrors are side or wing mirrors. Both types can include features like auto-dimming, heating, power adjustment, and indicators, and some newer models offer digital rear-view mirrors or surround-view camera systems to enhance safety.