Since the advent of motor cars, mirrors have been placed in the vehicles to assist them in knowing the things happening around the vehicle when they drive it on the road.
With the expansion of advanced and modern technologies, mirrors have evolved from simple wing mirror glass in the car to smart mirrors with integrated sensors. Smart mirrors have increased the overall convenience level and elevated the safety level for drivers while driving cars on the road.
In this article, we will go through the evolution of mirrors and look into their benefits. So, without any further ado, let us dive into the details.
The era of manual mirrors
In the beginning, cars featured manual mirrors that had to be adjusted by hand to get the correct angle and line to see behind the road. There was some hit and trial process involved in adjusting the mirrors correctly and getting the proper angle.
Moreover, the driver needed to adjust it manually every time he/she drove the car so that there is no inconvenience in getting the view while driving on the road. Even today, some old models feature these plain mirrors that need to be adjusted manually.
Introduction of powered mirrors
The powered mirror was the first significant improvement in the car mirror as it allowed the drivers to adjust the handle with a push of a button. The drivers didn’t need to adjust the mirror angle manually. They were able to sit in the driving seat and adjust the angle of the mirror correctly with the help of a button without any inconvenience.
This feature was perfect for drivers who shared their vehicles as they were able to adjust the angle of mirrors without going through any trial-and-error process.
Visionary transformation with smart mirrors
Established car manufacturers then harnessed the power of advanced technologies to evolve simple car mirrors into smart mirrors that offered higher convenience levels and elevated the safety level for the drivers.
These mirrors come with advanced features and offer more information than simply reflecting the light for a back view. Here are some of the top features of smart mirrors in the cars:
- The auto-dimming feature in the smart mirrors has changed the driving game at night-time completely. The mirrors adjust the dimmer according to the brightness of the headlights of the vehicles in the back to avoid any sudden blindness and glare in the eyes of the driver. Now, drivers don’t face any issues with the glare of the high-beam headlights at night.
- Blind spot detection is another top feature that has increased the convenience and safety of drivers while driving cars on the roads. The mirrors come with integrated sensors that keep an eye on the road. Whenever a vehicle enters the blind spot, the sensors alert the driver and offer them a proper view of the vehicle. This has allowed drivers to drive the car safely which has resulted in fewer accidents on the road.
- Rear-view mirrors come with integrated cameras that offer a clearer and wider view to the drivers while they drive the car on the road. The cameras assist the drivers in parking the vehicle and reversing them properly. There is no need for drivers to turn their necks to see the road behind anymore.
Mirrors have improved the safety of cars and drivers. However, you should have complete information before you take your vehicle on the road.
Benefits of mirrors in the car
Mirrors play a critical role in preventing accidents. They enable drivers to make informed decisions when merging lanes, overtaking, or making turns, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. They help minimise glare from the headlights of trailing vehicles, ensuring better visibility during night-time driving. Moreover, the mirrors aid in parallel parking, negotiating tight spaces, and ensuring a safe distance from other vehicles.
The bottom line
From the simple, manually adjusted rear-view mirrors of early automobiles to today’s sophisticated, sensor-integrated systems, mirrors have continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of drivers. The enhanced features in today’s smart mirrors offer enhanced safety and convenience levels. As the technology progresses, future developments will include even more advanced features like augmented reality displays and much more.
What are mandatory rear-view mirrors and how do you adjust them – autodoc.co.uk
