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Car rearview mirrors: what is the role of the black lines on the sides?

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When looking at your rearview mirrors, have you ever noticed those little black lines on the side? They seem harmless, but they play a key role in road safety. So why are they there and how can they help you drive better? Explanations.
A detail that makes all the difference

Modern rearview mirrors are not just mirrors: they are designed to  improve visibility  and reduce the  areas that the driver cannot see . On many cars, there are what are called  aspherical mirrors .

Their particularity?

They are slightly  curved on the outer end .

This curvature allows the field of vision to be widened  and  partially reduces blind spots , those dangerous areas where motorcycles, bicycles and cars can hide without being spotted.

The  famous black line  precisely marks the separation between:

  • The flat part , which reflects a faithful image.
  • The curved part , which widens the vision.

Thanks to this visual distinction, the driver’s eye  adapts more quickly and spots potential dangers more easily.

Fewer blind spots, more safety

Without these  aspherical mirrors , changing lanes or watching for a car that is overtaking you requires  increased vigilance . The curvature of the mirror  reduces these blind spots,  thus limiting unpleasant surprises when you want to  overtake  or  merge into traffic .

Correctly adjusting your aspherical mirror  to your driving position will  maximize its effectiveness .

Result?  Less risk of accidents, better awareness of your surroundings and  smoother driving .

What if your car doesn’t have an aspherical mirror?

for the rest see the following page

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