6 Common Types of Automotive Side Rearview Mirrors

The side rearview mirror is one of the most basic yet most frequently overlooked safety components on a vehicle, yet it plays a critical role among essential car accessories that directly impact driving safety.

Understanding different types of side rearview mirrors, and knowing how to choose and adjust them correctly, can significantly reduce blind spots while improving driving safety and comfort.

This guide covers six common types of automotive side rearview mirrors, explaining their ideal use cases, advantages, disadvantages, buying tips, and adjustment methods to help you make informed decisions.

6 Common Types of Side Rearview Mirrors

Flat Mirror

A flat mirror is the most traditional type of side rearview mirror. Its surface is completely flat with no curvature, which means the image is undistorted and distance perception is highly accurate. For new drivers or those who rely heavily on precise distance judgment, flat mirrors remain a dependable option.

Recommended Use Cases / Vehicles

• Daily city commuting

• New drivers

• Some compact sedans or base-trim vehicles

Pros

• Accurate distance perception

• Easy and intuitive to use

Cons

• Narrow field of view

• Larger blind spots, requires support from the interior mirror

Convex Mirror

Convex mirrors are the most common type of modern side rearview mirror. The outward-curved surface significantly expands the field of view, allowing drivers to see more of the adjacent lanes and reduce blind spots.

Recommended Use Cases / Vehicles

• Sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks

• Highway driving and multi-lane roads

• Urban commuting and long-distance travel

Pros

• Wide viewing angle

• Effective blind spot reduction

Cons

• Objects appear farther away than they actually are

• Requires a short adaptation period, especially for new drivers

Aspherical Mirror

An aspherical mirror is an advanced version of a convex side rearview mirror. It uses a dual-curvature design: the inner section is flatter for accurate distance judgment, while the outer section has a stronger curve to expand visibility and minimize blind spots.

This design is especially common in European vehicles and higher-end models.

Recommended Use Cases / Vehicles

• Mid-range to premium sedans and SUVs

• Drivers who frequently change lanes at highway speeds

• Mixed city and highway driving

Pros

• Balances accuracy and wide visibility

• Excellent blind spot coverage

Cons

• Higher manufacturing cost

• Slight learning curve for first-time users

Single Curvature Mirror

A single curvature mirror uses one consistent curve across the entire surface. It represents the basic form of a convex side rearview mirror and is widely used in entry-level and mid-range vehicles due to its cost efficiency and reliability.

Recommended Use Cases / Vehicles

• Economy cars and base-trim SUVs

• Daily commuting with limited long-distance driving

Pros

• Simple and reliable

• Affordable and easy to maintain

Cons

• Limited viewing coverage

• Larger blind spots compared to multi-curvature designs

Multi-Curvature Mirror

Multi-curvature mirrors are commonly found on higher-end vehicles or in the aftermarket, offering enhanced safety and driving comfort, especially for SUVs and off-road builds such as those equipped with Ford Bronco Accessories.

Recommended Use Cases / Vehicles

• Frequent highway and multi-lane driving

• SUVs, pickup trucks, and towing setups

• Drivers who need both precision and wide visibility

Pros

• Widest field of view

• Reduced distortion

• Highly versatile

Cons

• Higher cost

• Requires brief adaptation for new users

Blind Spot Mirror

A blind spot mirror is a high-curvature convex mirror, usually small and round, mounted at the corner of the main side rearview mirror. It is not a standalone mirror type but rather an auxiliary solution designed to monitor blind spots more effectively.

Recommended Use Cases / Vehicles

• Towing vehicles or large SUVs

• New drivers or those sensitive to blind spots

• Highway and frequent lane-change scenarios

Pros

• Excellent blind spot coverage

• Improves lane-change safety

Cons

• Distance perception can be exaggerated

• Must be used together with the main mirror

How to Choose the Right Side Rearview Mirror

When selecting a side rearview mirror, consider not only mirror type but also driving conditions, vehicle size, and feature requirements.

By Driving Scenario

• City commuting: Flat or single curvature mirrors are sufficient

• Highway driving: Convex, aspherical, or multi-curvature mirrors offer better safety

• Towing or large vehicles: Add blind spot mirrors or use extended towing mirrors

By Features

• Power adjustment for convenience

• Heated mirrors for rain, fog, and snow

• Anti-glare function for night driving

• Power-folding mirrors for parking protection

Safety Notes

• Blind spot mirrors are helpful but should not be relied on exclusively

• Convex and multi-curvature mirrors make objects appear farther away, which requires adaptation

Frameless vs Framed Side Rearview Mirrors

Beyond mirror surface design, side rearview mirrors also differ in structural design: frameless vs framed.

Frameless mirrors offer a clean, modern appearance and are ideal for city driving and drivers who prioritize aesthetics. While slightly less impact-resistant, they are more than adequate for normal road conditions.

Framed mirrors provide additional protection against impact and wind noise. They are better suited for off-road vehicles, pickup trucks, or drivers who frequently encounter rough driving environments.

Choose based on your vehicle type, driving habits, and durability needs rather than appearance alone.

How to Properly Adjust Side Rearview Mirrors

Correct mirror adjustment is essential for maximizing safety. Properly set side rearview mirrors significantly reduce blind spots and improve visibility during lane changes and reversing.

1. Adjust Your Seat First

Before adjusting any mirror, set your driving position:

• Sit upright with your back fully supported

• Keep your head position stable

• Maintain a natural grip on the steering wheel

Mirror accuracy is meaningless without a stable seating position.

2. Center Rearview Mirror

• Used only for straight rear visibility

• Adjust to fully frame the rear window

• Not responsible for side coverage

3. Driver Side Mirror

• Tilt outward to cover the adjacent lane

• Your vehicle body should barely appear at the inner edge, or not at all

• Focus on lane visibility rather than your own car

Check: When a vehicle disappears from the center mirror, it should immediately appear in the driver-side mirror.

4. Passenger Side Mirror

This side has the largest blind spot and requires extra attention.

• Tilt outward as much as possible

• Minimize vehicle body visibility

• Slightly angle downward to judge distance

Check: A vehicle leaving the center mirror should instantly appear in the passenger-side mirror.

5. Tips for New Drivers

• Consider adding a small blind spot mirror to the passenger side

• Ensure it is securely mounted to prevent detachment while driving

Key Principles to Remember

• Side rearview mirrors are for viewing lanes, not your vehicle body

• Less vehicle body in the mirror equals fewer blind spots

• During lane changes, surrounding vehicles should always appear in at least one mirror

Conclusion

Side rearview mirrors may seem simple, but they directly affect driving safety. Choosing the right mirror type and adjusting it correctly can dramatically reduce blind spots and make every lane change, merge, and reverse maneuver safer and more confident.