Side View Mirrors: Boringly Safe

There are certain topics concerning automobiles, like windshield glass, that really do not inspire a writer; just being honest here folks. One of those topics is the topic for today, namely side view mirrors. It’s not like we are talking about something sexy like a transmission or a fuel pump; let’s face it, there is nothing sexy about a side view mirror or a fender for that matter.. However, let’s forge ahead and see what pearls of wisdom we can impart upon you regarding the under-appreciated and yes, boring, side view mirror.

First off, the side view mirror is usually called something else; most often it is called a side mirror or a wing mirror. There are those out there who even call it a fender mirror or a door mirror. It must be hard being a part of a car or truck and not even knowing your true name; such is the sad state of the side view mirror. For those who are not knowledgeable about car parts, the side view mirror is attached to the outside of the automobile and its purpose is to help drivers see areas behind and to the side of the vehicle; these areas are often called blind spots and it is the job of the side view mirror to eliminate those blind spots for the driver so he/she doesn’t get in a wreck while changing lanes.

As far as the history of side view mirrors is concerned, they were first introduced on horse and buggies believe it or not, but became most prominent when motor vehicles were introduced; with higher speeds and the inability of the driver to see to the sides, the side view mirror became necessary.

Today side view mirrors are either manually operated or moved by an internal adjustment lever that attaches to the mirror using Bowden cables; some are also electrically controlled. The latest innovation is to have turn signals also showing in the side view mirror to provide extra notice to drivers behind you that you are turning right or left.

All of this is interesting in a subtle way but it still is not sexy. Sexy (like transmissions)  enters the picture when we start talking about the magnification of the side view mirrors that makes oncoming objects appear closer than they are; this cool feature is called “unit magnification” and has been the source of some debate in the auto industry. Most of the world actually requires that side view mirrors have a planar, convex, and/or aspheric surface so that the mirror is actually two dimensions; the top half shows things as they really are while the bottom section is magnified. When the United States will get with it and require this feature is anyone’s guess, but this writer hopes it is sooner rather than later.

So there you have the not-so-sexy side view mirror, an important feature but not terribly exciting. You can pick one up, of course, at any self serve You Pull It salvage yard like Cash-n-Carry, the Savannah salvage yard where you bring your tools, you pick them, and you save big money on used auto parts.