What are the names of the mirrors in the car in the cabin: we analyze the terms and functions

Drivers use interior mirrors every day, but not everyone knows their correct names and purpose. Some call them “rear-view mirrors,” others call them “interior mirrors,” while others even confuse them with side mirrors. Meanwhile, the correct terminology helps not only in communicating with car mechanics or when purchasing spare parts, but also in understanding the functions of each element.

In this article we will look in detail at how officially are called mirrors in the car interior, their types, design features and even legal nuances of use. You will find out what is different interior rear view mirror from panoramicwhy some models are equipped automatic dimming, and how to properly adjust your view to avoid “dead spots”. And also - what innovations appeared in 2023–2026 and is it worth overpaying for “smart” mirrors with cameras.

First, let's understand the basic terminology. In the auto industry, interior mirrors are commonly called interior rear view mirrors (or interior rear view mirrors). This is the main term used in technical documentation, traffic regulations and spare parts catalogs. However, in colloquial speech there are often simplified versions: “central mirror”, “mirror in the ceiling” or even “passenger mirror”. The last two names are incorrect, since the mirror is attached not to the ceiling, but to bracket on the windshield, and its main function is not to entertain passengers, but to ensure driver safety.

Interestingly, in some countries (for example, in the USA) the interior mirror is called rearview mirror, which literally translates to “rearview mirror.” In German-speaking countries the term is used Innenspiegel (“internal mirror”), and in France - rétroviseur intérieur. In Russia, it was the combination that took root "rear view mirror", although from a technical point of view this is not entirely correct: the mirror does not show the “rear view”, but reflects the space behind the car through the windshield.

1. Official name: interior rear view mirror

According to GOST R 51709-2001 (technical requirements for vehicles) and UNECE Regulation No. 46 (about rear-view mirrors), the interior mirror in a car has the following definition:

Interior rear view mirror - an optical device installed inside a car and designed to provide the driver with a view of the space behind the vehicle through the rear window.

This mirror is mandatory element any vehicle certified for use on public roads. Its absence or malfunction is considered a violation clause 7.3 of the List of faults of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, for which a fine of 500 rubles is provided (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

In vehicle technical data sheets (PTA) and spare parts catalogues, the mirror is designated as:

• 🔹 Interior rearview mirror (English) - in the documentation of foreign manufacturers;
• 🔹 Internal rear view mirror — in Russian catalogs (for example, Lada or UAZ);
• 🔹 Innenspiegel - in German instructions (for example, for Volkswagen or BMW);
• 🔹 Rétroviseur intérieur - in French manuals (for example, for Renault or Peugeot).

It is important to understand that a salon mirror is not just a reflective surface, but a complex device that may include:

• 🔧 Fastening mechanism (bracket with hinge or suction cup);
• 🔧 Anti-reflective coating or electrochromic layer;
• 🔧 Built-in sensors (light, rain, temperature);
• 🔧 Electronic modules (for cameras, display projection).

2. Types of interior mirrors: from classics to innovations

Interior rear-view mirrors are divided into several types depending on design, functionality and manufacturing technology. Let's look at the main varieties that are found on modern cars (2020–2026 model years).

2.1. Classic flat mirrors

The simplest and most common type. Represents flat glass with metal coating, mounted on a bracket. Such mirrors are installed on budget models (Lada Granta, Renault Logan, Hyundai Solaris) and trucks.

Benefits:

• ✅ Low cost (from 300 rubles);
• ✅ Easy to replace;
• ✅ Minimalistic design.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Lack of protection against glare;
• ❌ Limited viewing angle;
• ❌ Risk of being blinded by the headlights of cars behind you.

2.2. Anti-glare mirrors

Mirrors with polarized coating or manual day/night switch. The driver can manually change the angle to reduce glare from the headlights. Such mirrors are often found on middle class cars (Toyota Corolla, Kia Rio, Skoda Octavia).

Example of work:

⚠️ Attention: If your mirror has a lever at the bottom, it is a mechanical “night mode”. When activated, the reflective surface tilts, reducing the light intensity, but at the same time narrowing the view.

2.3. Auto-dimming mirrors (electrochromic)

Technology auto-dimming (auto-darkening) is based on an electrochromic layer that darkens when exposed to bright light. Built into the mirror light sensors, which analyze the light intensity from behind and adjust the transparency.

Such mirrors are installed on premium cars (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6) and some crossovers (Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Explorer). Cost - from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Benefits:

• 🌓 Instant reaction to glare (in 0.1–0.3 seconds);
• 🌓 No need to adjust manually;
• 🌓 Maintains full visibility even at night.

2.4. Panoramic (wide-angle) mirrors

Mirrors with curved surface, increasing the viewing angle to 180°. Often installed on minibuses (Gazelle Next, Ford Transit) and SUVs (Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol), where it is important to monitor a large area behind the vehicle.

Features:

• 🔍 Increases visibility by 30–50% compared to flat ones;
• 🔍 Can distort the distance to objects;
• 🔍 Often combined with rear view cameras.

2.5. Smart mirrors with cameras and displays

Innovative solutions that replace the traditional mirror screen with image broadcast from the camera. Examples:

• 📹 Tesla Model 3/Y — instead of a mirror, an 8-inch display is used;
• 📹 Nissan Ariya — optional “digital mirror” with video recording function;
• 📹 Audi e-tron — mirror with navigation projection and warnings about traffic in blind spots.

Benefits:

• 🎥 Wide viewing angle (up to 200°);
• 🎥 Ability to record video (useful for insurance);
• 🎥 Integration with driver assistance systems (e.g. Blind Spot Monitoring).

Disadvantages:

• 💸 High cost (from 30,000 rubles);
• 🔌 Dependence on electronics (if the power is turned off, the mirror does not work);
• 🕒 Image delay (up to 0.5 seconds).

Why are digital mirrors banned in some countries?

In the EU and Russia, digital mirrors have not yet been certified as a full replacement for traditional ones. According to UNECE Regulation No. 46, the mirror must provide a "continuous and adequate view" and electronic systems may experience delays or failures. However, discussions have been ongoing to change the standards since 2026.

Mirror type	Example of cars	Average price (RUB)	Features
Classic flat	Lada Vesta, Renault Duster	300–1 500	No anti-glare
Anti-glare (manual)	Toyota Camry, Hyundai Tucson	1 500–4 000	Day/night switch lever
Electrochromic (auto-dimming)	BMW X5, Mercedes GLE	5 000–20 000	Automatic dimming
Panoramic	Ford Transit, Toyota Hiace	2 000–8 000	Curved surface, angle 180°
Digital (with camera)	Tesla Model Y, Nissan Ariya	30 000–100 000	Screen instead of mirror, video recording

3. How to properly adjust the interior mirror?

Even the most expensive mirror will not provide security if it incorrectly adjusted. According to research IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), up to 30% of accidents during lane changes occur due to incorrectly configured mirrors, creating “dead zones”.

Setting algorithm:

1. 🔧 Sit in the driver's seat in your usual position (adjust the seat and steering wheel).
2. 🔧 Tilt your head to the right until it almost touches the side window. In this position, adjust right side mirrorto see a small part of the body (2–3 cm).
3. 🔧 Tilt your head to the left (towards the center of the cabin) and adjust left side mirror similarly.
4. 🔧 Return your head to the starting position and adjust salon mirror so that the rear window is completely reflected in it.

Checking that the settings are correct:

• ✔ The entire rear window should be visible in the interior mirror without distortion;
• ✔ The “dead zone” in the side mirrors should be kept to a minimum (to check, ask an assistant to walk around the car at a distance of 1.5–2 m - you should see him in one of the mirrors in any area).

Make sure that the entire rear window is visible in the interior mirror|

Check your side mirrors for blind spots|

Adjust the tilt of the mirror when driving at night (if there is no auto-dimming)|

Clean the mirrors from dust and condensation

-->

Mistakes that 90% of drivers make:

⚠️ Attention: If only part of the rear window is visible in the interior mirror, and there are large unvisible areas on the sides, this is a sign of incorrect settings. In this case, when overtaking or changing lanes, you may not notice the motorcyclist or cyclist.

For vehicles with tinted windows or high body (for example, UAZ Patriot, Toyota LC 200) it is recommended to use additional wide-angle mirrors, which are attached to the standard cabin one. They increase visibility by 20–30% and cost from 1,000 rubles.

4. Legal requirements for interior mirrors in 2026

In Russia and the EAEU countries, interior rear-view mirrors are regulated by the following documents:

• 📄 GOST R 51709-2001 — technical requirements for vehicles;
• 📄 UNECE Regulation No. 46 — uniform standards for rear-view mirrors;
• 📄 Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 7.3) — a list of malfunctions for which operation is prohibited.

Basic requirements:

• 🔹 The mirror must provide visibility not less than 20° horizontally and 5° vertical;
• 🔹Cracks, chips or darkening that impair visibility are prohibited;
• 🔹 The mirror must be fixed hard (no backlash or spontaneous change in angle is allowed);
• 🔹 Trucks and buses must have additional mirrors to control "dead zones".

Penalties for a faulty mirror:

• 🚔 500 rubles - if the mirror is missing or broken (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code);
• 🚔 3,000 rubles - if the mirror is covered with foreign objects (for example, clothes or stickers).

Exceptions:

• 🚘 On cars with rear view camera (for example, Tesla, Nissan Leaf) the interior mirror can be replaced with a display, but only if this is provided for by the manufacturer’s design;
• 🚛 Use on trucks is allowed remote mirrors instead of a salon one, if this is specified in the PTS.

5. Frequent malfunctions and repair methods

Interior mirrors, despite their simple design, can fail. Let's look at typical problems and how to fix them.

5.1. The mirror falls off the bracket

Reason: weakening of the fastening or wear of the adhesive layer (if the mirror is on a “suction cup”).

Solution:

• 🔧 If the mount is on a bracket, tighten the bolts or replace the rubber gaskets;
• 🔧 If the mirror is on a suction cup, clean the surface of the windshield with alcohol and apply new glue (for example, 3M VHB);
• 🔧 For reliability, use double sided tape for car windows (for example, Tesa Powerstrips).

5.2. The appearance of glare or darkening

Reason: damage to the reflective layer (oxidation, scratches) or malfunction of the electrochromic coating.

Solution:

• 🔧 For classic mirrors - replace the mirror (cost from 500 rubles);
• 🔧 For electrochromic mirrors, check:
  • 🔌 Fuse (usually F20 or RRVM);
  • 🔌 Connection to the on-board network (contacts on the bracket);
  • 🔌 Light sensors (may be dirty).

5.3. Cracks or chips

Reason: mechanical impact (impacts, falls).

Solution:

• 🔧 Small cracks can be filled clear glass glue (for example, Loctite 330);
• 🔧 In case of serious damage - only replacement (price depends on the model, see table above).

5.4. Heated mirror does not work

Reason: the heating element has burned out or the contacts have oxidized.

Solution:

• 🔧 Check the fuse (usually the same as for the heated rear window);
• 🔧 Inspect the contacts on the bracket (clean from corrosion);
• 🔧 If the heating element burns out, replace the mirror (it cannot be repaired).

6. How to choose a replacement interior mirror?

When purchasing a new mirror, consider the following parameters:

6.1. Vehicle Compatibility

Mirrors differ in:

• 🔧 Mounting type:
  • 🔹 On a bracket (most passenger cars);
  • 🔹 On a suction cup (found on older models);
  • 🔹 On a clip (for example, on Gazelle).
• 🔧 Size and shape:
  • 📏 Rectangular (standard for sedans);
  • 📏 Oval (often on crossovers);
  • 📏 Panoramic (for minibuses).

6.2. Functionality

Determine which options you need:

• 🔹 Automatic dimming (if you often drive at night);
• 🔹 Heating (relevant for cold regions);
• 🔹 Built-in camera (for parking or video recording);
• 🔹 Light/rain sensors (for premium cars).

6.3. Brand and price

Recommended manufacturers:

• 🏆 Bosch — reliable electrochromic mirrors;
• 🏆 HELLA — wide range for European cars;
• 🏆 Mitsuba — original mirrors for Japanese cars;
• 🏆 LUMAX — budget options for domestic cars.

Average prices:

• 💰 Classic mirror - 500–2,000 rubles;
• 💰 With automatic dimming - 4,000–15,000 rubles;
• 💰 With camera and display - from 20,000 rubles.

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Official dealers (guaranteed compatibility, but expensive);
• 🛒 Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc.ru - wide selection, but check reviews);
• 🛒 Disassembly (cheap, but the risk of buying a faulty mirror).

7. Innovations 2026: what does the future hold for interior mirrors?

Automakers are actively introducing new technologies into interior mirrors. Here's what appeared in 2023–2026:

7.1. Mirrors with AR (augmented reality) function

Company Bosch presented a prototype of a mirror that projects navigation arrows and pedestrian warnings directly onto the reflective surface. The technology is used in Mercedes-Benz EQS (2026 model).

7.2. Frameless mirrors

Designers Audi and BMW They are developing mirrors without a plastic body, where the reflective surface seems to “float” in the air. This reduces weight and improves aerodynamics.

7.3. Mirrors with driver monitoring function

B Volvo EX90 (2026) interior mirror equipped infrared sensors, which monitor the driver’s condition (fatigue, distraction) and sound signals.

7.4. Solar mirrors with gadget charging

Hyundai patented a mirror with a built-in wireless charging module for smartphones. It is enough to place the phone on a special platform under the mirror.

It is expected that by 2026, up to 40% of new cars will be equipped with smart mirrors integrated into ADAS (driver assistance systems).

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ Is it possible to drive without a rear view mirror?

No, this is a violation clause 7.3 of the List of faults of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. Fine - 500 rubles. Exception: If the mirror is replaced with a certified rear view camera (for example, in Tesla), but this must be specified in the design of the car.

❓ Why doesn’t the electrochromic mirror dim?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 The fuse has blown (check F20 or RRVM);
• 🔌 The contacts on the bracket have oxidized;
• 🔌 The light sensor has failed;
• 🔌 The electrochromic layer is faulty (needs replacement).

❓ How to glue a fallen mirror on a suction cup?

Instructions:

1. Clean the windshield and mirror base alcohol solution;
2. Apply adhesive for auto glass (for example, 3M VHB or Loctite 330);
3. Press the mirror tightly and secure with tape for 24 hours;
4. Do not use the machine at this time to allow the glue to set.

❓Which mirror is better: with automatic dimming or manual?

Depends on driving style:

• 🚗 Automatic dimming convenient for frequent night trips (no need to be distracted by adjustments);
• 🚗 Manual cheaper and more reliable (no electronics that can break).

For most drivers, the optimal choice is electrochromic mirror (if budget allows).

❓ Is it possible to install a camera instead of a salon mirror?

In 2026, in Russia and the EU, replacing the interior mirror with a camera is allowed only if it is provided for by the design of the car (for example, in Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Ariya). Self-replacement is considered a re-equipment and requires approval from the traffic police.