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When you drive on the road, safety is your top priority, and being aware of what is happening around your car plays a really crucial part in that. One important tool that can help you in this is the ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror).
As mirrors in cars play an essential role in keeping you safe while driving, many people don’t know much about ORVMs. So, if you want to know about ORVM and why it is so important for any driver, this blog is for you. Let’s learn the meaning of ORVM in cars, how they work, and why they are a must-have feature for safe driving.
What is ORVM in Cars?
The full form of ORVM in cars is “Outside Rear View Mirror ”. It is the mirror placed outside the car so the driver can see what is coming from behind. It helps the driver look at the other cars, bikes, or anything that is coming from the back without turning their head. With the help of ORV mirrors, drivers can drive safely and more comfortably. In the latest models of the car, you can find two ORVMs: one on the left side and one on the right side.
How Does ORVM Work?
An ORVM works by using light reflection. Usually, the mirror has a shiny layer behind the glass that reflects light. When the light of another vehicle hits the mirror, you can easily see it with your eyes. This helps you see what is behind your car without turning your head.
Some ORVMs in modern cars have extra features such as:
- They have buttons to move the mirror
- They use heating to remove fog and mist
- They also have lights to give a warning about vehicles in blind spots
- They have an auto-dimming feature that dims the bright lights that hit the mirror.
What are the Key Features of ORVMs?
Modern car mirrors come with various smart features that let you drive safely. Here are some features for you:
1 Easy to Move Mirrors
In modern cars, you can easily move the mirrors from the inside of the vehicle with the help of buttons. This lets the driver adjust the mirror without touching it, which makes it easier to see clearly and avoid blind spots.
2 Turn Signal in the Mirror
You will see that many mirrors have twinkling lights (turn indicators) in them. These lights show others on the road when you are turning or changing lanes.
3 Gives Blind Spot Monitoring
Some mirrors have special lights or extra lenses to warn you if a car is in your blind spot(the area you cannot see easily while driving).
4 Remembers Mirror Positions
High-end mirrors can remember the favourite mirror angles for different drivers. When a person unlocks the car with their key, the mirror moves to their saved position automatically.
Different Types of ORVMs
Now, let’s understand different types of ORVMs to get a better understanding:
- Manual ORVMs: In this type, you have to move the mirror with your hands. They are simple to use and affordable, but not easy to adjust, especially from the driver’s seat.
- Electric ORVMs: You can use these types of mirrors with the help of a button inside the car. They are very helpful when many people drive the same car or when you need to adjust the mirror quickly.
- Heated ORVMs: These mirrors warm up if fog or ice builds up. In cold, rainy, or foggy weather, these types of mirrors are very helpful.
- Auto-Folding ORVMS: These mirrors fold in automatically when you lock the car. This helps in avoiding damage in tight parking spots. You can also fold or open them using the button.
Advantages of Using ORVMs in Your Car
1 Help You See More of the Road
ORVMs help you see what is behind and beside your car without turning your head. This gives you a wider view of the road, which makes driving safer and more comfortable.
2 Makes Parking and Turning Easier
When you are parking or turning in small spaces, ORVMs let you clearly see how close objects or vehicles are. This helps you move the car more accurately and avoid hitting by mistake.
3 Show Turn Signals to Others
Many modern ORVMs have blinking lights in them. These lights help other drivers to know when you are turning so that they can slow down or give you space. It reduces the risk of accidents.
4 Increase Overall Safety
ORVMs give you better visibility, turning, and parking that keeps you and others safe on the road. They are a small but very important part of the car that protects everyone inside and outside the vehicle.
Difference Between ORVM and IVRM
| Features | ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror) | IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Outside Rear View Mirror | Inside Rear View Mirror |
| Location | Placed outside the car on both sides | Placed inside the car on the front windshield |
| Use | Shows vehicles and traffic beside and behind the car | Shows what is directly behind the car |
| Are they Adjustable? | Yes, it can be adjusted manually or by a switch | Yes, usually adjusted by hand |
| Extra Features | May include indicators, heating, auto-folding, etc. | May have auto-dimming or camera display features |
| Visibility in Weather | It can get foggy, but some cars have heating to clear it | It is less affected by the weather since it’s inside |
| Importance | Helps during turning, lane change, and parking | Helps while reversing and checking rear traffic |
What is the Price of ORVMs?
The cost of an ORVM depends on the type, features, and your car model. Here is the estimated cost to give you an idea:
- Basic Manual ORVMs: Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2500
- Electric or Power Adjustable ORVMs: Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000
- High-end ORVMs with auto-folding, heating, or blind spot detection: Rs. 7000 or more.
It is always better to get a price idea from your car service center or a trusted auto parts store.
How to Choose the Right ORVM for Your Car?
If you are planning to change or upgrade your car mirrors (ORVMs), here are some simple things to keep in mind:
- Check if it fits Your Car First, you need to make sure that the mirror you buy is made for your car’s brand and model. Some mirrors only fit in certain types of cars, so it is important to choose the right one.
- Look at the Features you Need Think about what features you want. For example, do you want a mirror that moves with buttons, shows blind spots, or remembers positions? You need to pick one that matches your needs.
- Think About Your Budget Usually, the cost of ORVMs with smart features is high. So decide what features are really important for you and choose the mirror that fits in your budget. Basic eclectic mirrors are affordable and can work well for many drivers.
How to Adjust ORVMs in Your Car?
To adjust ORVMs correctly, follow these easy steps:
- Step 1: Sit in the driver’s seat and lean to your left as much as you can.
- Step 2: Adjust the left mirror so that you can see the road behind in most of the mirror (about two-thirds).
- Step 3: Sit back in your normal driving position. Now the road of the left side is clearly visible to you.
- Step 4: Next, you have to adjust the right mirror in the same way so that you can see from both sides.
- Step 5: Finally, you just adjust the middle mirror (IRVM) so you see as much of the back window as possible.
A properly adjusted ORVM setup helps you see better and drive more safely.
Note: Never try to adjust the mirror while you drive. Set them before you start to keep your drive safe.
How to Take Care of Your ORVMs?
To keep your ORVM clean and make it work for a long time, follow these steps:
- If you see that your ORVM glass is broken or it's loose, replace it quickly.
- It is always necessary to set the mirrors in the correct position before you start driving.
- If your mirrors have features like blind spot warning or heating, you need to test them on a regular basis.
- It is also suggested to use a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser to clean the mirror properly.
- Also, whenever you see any dirt or bird droppings, clean them as soon as possible.
- If the mirror does not stay in its place after adjusting, you need to check the power system.
Conclusion
Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) are very important for safe driving because they help you see what is behind and beside your car. Older mirrors showed only a simple view, but today’s mirrors can have smart features such as auto-dimming, turn signals, and blind spot help.
So, when you buy a new mirror, make sure it is suitable for your car, has the features you need, and fits in your budget as well. With good care, ORMs will help you and others stay safe like an extra pair of ye on the road.
FAQs
ORVM means (Outside Rear View Mirror), and IRVM means (Inside Rear View Mirror).
An auto ORVM is a mirror that folds or opens automatically when you lock or unlock the car. It helps in protecting the mirrors in tight parking spaces.
An ORVM is a side mirror that helps the driver to see the vehicles behind and beside the car. It works by reflecting light, which gives a clear view of the road without turning your head.
An electric ORVM allows you to adjust the mirror using the button inside the car instead of moving your hand. You can get various features in ORVMs such as heating, folding, blind spot functions, and more.
The price of ORVM can start around Rs. 1000 for the basic models and go up to Rs. 10,000 or more for advanced features. The price mainly depends on the car model and mirror features.
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