What is a Door Mirror?
A door mirror, also known as a side view mirror, allows the driver in a vehicle to observe the area on the side of the vehicle with a glance out of the window. Most vehicles, in fact all modern cars, trucks, and SUVs, have both left and right door mirrors. Some mirrors are manually adjusted; many are remotely adjusted with a switch inside the vehicle. The right side door mirror is often convex so that it provides a wide angle view. In some vehicles, the mirror adjustments are memorized by an electronic control unit (ECU) for customized settings. Door mirrors may also include auto-dimming, defrosting, and auto-adjusting capabilities.
How does a Door Mirror work?
A door mirror is adjusted so that the driver has a clear view of the side and rear of the vehicle and surrounding area. The door mirror does not show the area directly behind the vehicle, nor does it allow the driver to see a segment of the area on each side of the vehicle, the "blind spot". Each mirror should be adjusted so the driver has a clear picture of as much of the side and rear of the vehicle as possible. Together with the rear view mirror mounted on the windshield, the door mirrors should provide a viewing area in all but the two blind spots. For these areas, it is usually necessary for the driver to look over each shoulder. New technologies seek to eliminate the blind spots - as well as provide a view of the area directly behind the vehicle - through the use of video cameras and an onboard video screen.
What are the symptoms of a bad Door Mirror?
Problems with a door mirror can fall into two general categories: mechanical and electrical. Mechanical problems might include a broken mirror glass or broken mirror housing. Electrical issues can range from a bad mirror adjustment motor to a faulty mirror switch, to a problem with an electronic control unit. Mirrors with auto-adjusting, auto-dimming, or defrosting capabilities may also develop problems with those functions.