“Objects may be closer than what they appear”. You must have noticed these words on the side mirror particularly of a heavy vehicle. It is admitted there that what you perceive there may not be the exact reality. Still what you see there is vital and sufficient for safe driving. It will help you in taking evasive action if there is any chance of a mishap.
Side mirror is one of the several types of mirrors installed in a vehicle. If what you see in front of your car was sufficient to drive safely, there would have been no need of these mirrors. You have to know more. You have to know about the vehicles that may be following you. How are they moving? Is any one of them likely to overtake you? A suitably placed mirror will give you this information, which will be helpful in safe driving.
Car mirrors are not only about safety they can also contribute to the looks of your car and you can co-ordinate the style and color with other products such as car body kits.
You would have also noticed a mirror mounted above the wind screen in front of the driver. It is a rear view mirror. It gives information about what follows your vehicle from an angle other than that covered by the side mirror. All this information is required if you want to take a turn, or to stop. It will guide you to move in the right direction. For night driving there are special automatic dimming rear view mirrors. If the headlights of the vehicle following you as reflected in your rear view mirror are very bright, the glare would prevent you from seeing clearly. These mirrors have sensors which dim the reflection.
If you have to move in the reverse gear for a short distance you need to guard against hitting any obstacle. There are special mirrors for that purpose. Similarly for towing vehicles there are special mirrors mounted outside the vehicle. Some of the side mirrors are also equipped to function as signal lights. By suitably placed arrows they indicate those who follow you, whether you propose to turn left or right. Although stock cars come with mirrors already fitted if you wish you can increase the number of mirrors to suit your style of driving.
