Rear-view mirrors involve the concept of the field of view-specifically, the area visible via the mirror's surface. The industry identifies three key factors determining this field of view: the distance between the driver's eyes and the mirror, the mirror's dimensions, and its radius of curvature. These factors are interrelated: given constant distance and dimensions, a smaller radius of curvature results in a wider field of view; conversely, given a constant radius of curvature, larger mirror dimensions yield a wider field of view.
Additionally, reflectivity is a crucial performance metric; higher reflectivity produces a clearer image. The level of reflectivity depends on the material of the reflective coating applied to the mirror's inner surface.
As the speeds of passenger cars increase, wind resistance and noise become critical design considerations. Consequently, the exterior profile of side mirrors must be aerodynamically optimized, utilizing smooth, rounded contours to minimize both wind resistance and wind noise.