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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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