Side View Mirror

The rear view mirror was first used in an automobile in a racing car. The merits of the invention caught the imagination of the car owners and rear view mirrors became a must have accessory offered by car dealers. Soon, it became a part of the standard automobile offered by car makers. Side mirrors had to wait for some more time before becoming part of the standard car. Even then, the driver's side mirror was more popular and the passenger side mirror was offered as an accessory.

Except where the rear view mirror did not meet the standards or the passenger side mirror was a part of the car from the beginning, there are no legal requirements for placement of a side view mirror on the passenger side.The general rule is that the side view mirror must show the entire length of the car along with a view of the left and the right side of the road depending on where the mirror has been fitted. The idea is to give a point of reference which the car owner can use to determine the distance of all cars behind the car from the automobile. It is acceptable if the rear fender of the car is hidden in the side view mirror. This is considered good enough positioning. However, the positioning depends on ensuring continuous view of the vehicles without any gap or blind spot.

As cars became faster and night driving also became popular, side view mirrors became very useful. As traffic rules and regulations grew and as traffic norms and proper signaling when changing lanes grew, the side view mirror became in indispensable part of the car.The 1950's saw the use of chrome in almost all exterior parts of the automobile and the side view mirror assembly was not an exception. They were fitted to rods and jutted out of the car.As auto related services grew, the need for auto accessories also grew. Towing mirror is an example of such an accessory. The side view mirror is not sufficient to view the entire length of the vehicle when another vehicle is being towed. The towing mirror is used only when the vehicle is towing another automobile and this additional segment makes it easier for the driver to cover the blind spot. Innovations in the field of side view mirrors include

• heated mirrors
• mirrors that can be adjusted with a flick of a switch
• mirrors that automatically dim after it becomes dark
• folding mirrors to avoid damage when not in use.

The incorporation of video camera technology in rear and side view mirrors has opened up new horizons. It has also led to increase in side view mirror repair costs and side view mirror price. You can buy the best quality side view mirrors, glass, frames and accessories online at www.automotix.net