How Do Rear View Mirrors Work?

What Is a Rear View Mirror?

A rear view mirror is a rectangular-shaped mirror that is attached to the interior top center of a car's windshield. The standard rear view mirror can measure approximately 7 to 12 inches long and 3 to 5 inches tall. The rear view mirror has a large enough reflecting surface for the driver to see behind her car, while not being too large to block any area of the driver's forward vision.

How Does the Mirror Work?

A rear view mirror has an oblong reflecting surface that allows the driver to remain looking ahead while driving, and still safely see the road and cars behind her by glancing in the mirror. The mirror gives the driver a reflected "rear view" image out the back window of the vehicle she is driving. This helps the driver monitor traffic and road conditions out the back window, as well as enables her to make safe turns and other split-second driving decisions that may become necessary in the midst of traffic.

Adjusting the Mirror

The rear view mirror is only helpful to the driver if it is adjusted correctly. Once the driver is seated in the vehicle, she can adjust the rear view mirror on its pivoting base until she can get a clear view out the back window. Each driver will have a different height while seated in the driver's seat, and the rear view mirror will require readjustment after each new driver, to maintain a clear backward view of the road and traffic.