Side mirrors in a car: what are they called correctly and why is it important?

Why is it so important to know the correct name for side mirrors?

Have you ever wondered how officially called side mirrors by car? For most drivers, these are just “mirrors,” but precise terminology is required in technical documentation, when ordering spare parts or communicating with service station technicians. An error in the name may lead to the purchase of the wrong part or misunderstandings during repairs.

Side mirrors are not just an accessory, but key security elementregulated by traffic rules and international standards. Their design, viewing angles, and even the mounting method affect the vehicle’s approval for operation. In this article, we will analyze all the options for names: from factory designations to driver’s slang, and also tell you why this knowledge is useful to every car owner.

Official names of side mirrors in technical documentation

In service manuals and spare parts catalogs, side mirrors are designated in strictly regulated terms. Main name - exterior rear view mirror (or external rearview mirror in English-language sources). This full name is used in:

• 📄 Vehicle passports (PTS)
• 🔧 Catalogs of original spare parts (ETKA, EPC)
• 📋 Inspection reports and diagnostic cards
• 🚗 Repair instructions (for example, Autodata or Mitchell1)

When ordering spare parts, it is important to consider side of location:

- Left outside mirror (driver's side)

- Right outside mirror (passenger side)

On some models (for example, Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) designations may appear in catalogs LH (Left Hand) and RH (Right Hand).

Slang and colloquial names: what do drivers say?

In everyday speech, motorists rarely use official terms. Instead, there are dozens of slang variations in use that vary depending on the region, the driver's experience, and even the make of the car. Here are the most common:

Slang name	Region/context	Usage example
"Bokovukhi"	Russia, Ukraine, Belarus	"I have on Volkswagen Passat the side of the car broke off after an accident"
"Mirror Ears"	Old models (VAZ-2101, Moskvich-412)	"On the classic, these mirror ears constantly vibrate at speed"
"Periscopes"	Trucks, buses	"On MAZ periscopes are adjustable from the cockpit"
"Bullet Mirrors"	Sports cars (Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R)	"On GT-R There are bullet mirrors - they reduce drag"
"Mirror Jars"	Commercial vehicles (GAZelle, Ford Transit)	"On Transit mirror jars are mounted on long brackets"

Interestingly, in some professional circles (for example, among truck drivers) you can hear the term "eyes" - this emphasizes their role in controlling the situation around the truck. And the name is popular in the tuning community "drop mirrors" for streamlined models installed on Honda Civic or Subaru Impreza.

Design of side mirrors: what do they consist of?

To understand why mirrors are called differently, let’s look at their structure. Modern outside rear view mirror is a complex module that includes:

1. Housing - plastic or metal, often with heating and turn signals.
2. Reflective element - can be flat, spherical or aspherical (with different zones of curvature).
3. Fastening - on a bracket, “leg” or directly to the door (as on Tesla Model 3).
4. Adjustment mechanism — manual (cable), electric or with position memory (on premium models).
5. Additional items: blind spot sensors, cameras, antennas, lights.

For example, on BMW 5 Series (G30) mirrors equipped ambient cameras, and on Audi Q7 — logo projectors, which illuminate the ground when the doors are opened. Such options affect the name of the part in catalogs: instead of a simple “mirror” it may appear exterior mirror module with camera and heating.

Why are truck mirrors so big?

Trucks and buses use larger mirrors (sometimes up to 50 cm in diameter) to compensate for blind spots. According to UNECE Regulation No. 46, they must provide a visibility of at least 4 meters to the sides and 30 meters behind the vehicle.

Types of side mirrors: what are they and how are they different?

Side mirrors are classified according to several criteria. Firstly, according to reflective surface shape:

• 🔹 Flat — give a real ratio of distances, but a limited viewing angle (standard for passenger cars).
• 🔹 Spherical (convex) — increase the viewing angle, but distort distances (mandatory for trucks).
• 🔹 Aspherical - combined, with different zones of curvature (for example, on Volvo XC90).

Secondly, according to fastening method:

- On the doors (most passenger cars).

- On racks (for example, on Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender).

- On brackets (trucks, buses).

- Built into the body (concept cars, some electric cars).

Mirrors are also divided according to functionality:

- C manual adjustment (budget models).

- C electric drive (with a button in the cabin).

- C automatic folding (on Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Lexus RX).

- C heated and anti-fog coating.

How to choose the right replacement side mirror?

When purchasing a new mirror, it is important to consider 5 key parameters:

The first thing you need to pay attention to is original part number. It can be found:

- B spare parts catalog by VIN code (for example, through ETKA for VW/Audi or EPC for Mercedes).

- On the back of an old mirror (often a sticker with a number).

- B electronic manual (for example, TIS for Toyota).

If the original mirror is too expensive, you can consider analogues from trusted brands:

- HELLA (Germany) - high quality, but expensive.

- Bosch — reliable electrical mechanisms.

- Febi or MEYLE — optimal price/quality ratio.

- Dello or Sasic — budget options for domestic cars.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with the system Blind Spot Monitoring (blind spot monitoring) you cannot install mirrors without sensors - this will lead to an error on the dashboard and failure of the driver assistance system.

Legal requirements for side mirrors: what does the law say?

In Russia and the EAEU countries, side mirrors are regulated by two key documents:

1. Traffic regulations (clause 4.7 List of faults) — prohibits the operation of the vehicle if it is missing at least one rear view mirror (for passenger cars - inner or left outer).

2. Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 018/2011 — establishes requirements for viewing angle and quality of the reflective surface.

According to UNECE Regulation No. 46, which operate in Europe and are accepted in Russia, mirrors must provide:

- Review 20° right and 10° to the left of the longitudinal axis of the car.

- Visibility of lane width 4 m at a distance 60 m behind the vehicle.

- Lack blind spots more 2 m on the sides.

Violation of these requirements (for example, installing tinted or too small mirrors) may cause refusal to undergo technical inspection. In addition, if the accident occurred due to limited visibility, the driver may be found at fault even if the mirrors were in working order, but did not meet the standards.

⚠️ Attention: On category cars N2/N3 (trucks) and M2/M3 (buses) installation required additional wide-angle mirrors (the so-called "fish eye"). Their absence is punishable by a fine Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (500 rubles).

Common problems with side mirrors and how to avoid them

Side mirrors are one of the most vulnerable elements of the body. Here TOP-5 breakdowns and ways to prevent them:

• 🚗 Broken bracket - most often occurs during an accident or careless parking. Prevention: use covers when washing using a non-contact method (a jet of water under pressure can break the plastic).
• ⚡ Electric drive malfunction — the mirror is not adjustable or is jammed. Reason: oxidation of contacts or wear of gears. Solution: cleaning contacts WD-40 or replacing the motor.
• 🔥 Heating burnt out — the glass fogs up and does not clean. Diagnostics: check the fuse (usually F3 or F10 in the block) and the integrity of the heating element with a multimeter.
• 🌀 Vibration at speed — the image “floats”. Reasons: loose fastening, wear of rubber dampers or deformation of the bracket. Remedy: tighten the bolts or replace the mirror shock absorbers.
• 💥 Crack in glass - even a small crack expands over time. Advice: Do not use alcohol cleaners - they dry out the plastic and accelerate cracking.

If a mirror is damaged in an accident, replacing it may cost from 3,000 to 50,000 rubles depending on the model. For example:

- Lada Vesta: ~3,500 rub. (without painting).

- Kia Rio: ~8,000 rub. (with electric drive).

- BMW X5: ~35,000 rub. (with camera and position memory).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about side mirrors

Is it possible to drive without a side mirror?

According to traffic regulations (clause 4.7), operation is prohibited if there is no at least one rear view mirror (inner or left outer). The right mirror is not necessary, but its absence creates a danger when changing lanes. Penalty for not having a mirror - 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

How to adjust the mirrors so that there are no blind spots?

Optimal setting:

1. Left mirror: must see 1/4 rear fender and the road to the horizon.

2. Right mirror: set it so that it not duplicated review of the interior mirror, but showed the area next to the car.

3. Tilt your head towards the window - you should be able to see it in the mirror. rear pillar.

To check, have an assistant stand behind the car at a distance 1.5–2 m - you should see it in both mirrors.

Why do mirrors fold automatically on some cars?

Auto fold function (Auto-Folding Mirrors) appeared for:

- Protection against damage in narrow parking lots.

- Reduced drag (improves aerodynamics at speed).

- Convenience in dense city traffic.

On most modern cars (for example, Hyundai Tucson or Skoda Octavia) mirrors fold:

- When setting the alarm.

- When speeding 120 km/h (on some models).

- By command from a key fob or a button in the cabin.

Is it possible to install electric mirrors yourself instead of manual ones?

Technically possible, but you will need:

1. Buying mirrors from electric drive and wiring.

2. Laying wires from the door to the control unit (usually behind dashboard).

3. Installation switch on the door card or console.

4.Connect to fuse (usually 10–15 A).

On vehicles without standard preparation (for example, VAZ-2110) you will have to drill holes in the doors for the wiring. Refurbishment cost: from 15,000 to 40,000 rubles depending on the model.

What to do if the mirror fogs up from the inside?

Causes of fogging:

- Violation of tightness (crack in the body).

- Drain holes clogged (at the bottom of the mirror).

- Heating fault.

Remedy:

1. Blow through the mirror warm air (hair dryer at minimum power).

2. Clean the drainage holes toothpick.

3. If the problem recurs, disassemble the mirror and replace it seal or heating element.

On some models (for example, Ford Focus) fogging may be due to air duct clogging in the door - requires cleaning.