What is a Car ORVM? How Does it Work?

Adjusting those tricky side mirrors on your vehicle is frustrating. What are those little mirrors on your side mirrors, and are they actually useful? Take the hassle out of changing lanes or parking with some insight into those additional rearview mirrors on your side mirrors, known as ORVMs. Getting the right angle can provide better visibility and potentially prevent accidents and damage. This guide will explain ORVMs, from the purpose behind their unique shape to how to properly position them.

What is a Car ORVM?

ORVM stands for Outside Rear View Mirror. As the name suggests, it is a mirror installed on the car's exterior to provide rearward vision to the driver. It allows the driver to see traffic, obstacles or any other vehicles approaching from behind without turning their head. This enhances road safety and driving comfort. Most modern cars have ORVMs installed on both sides - left and right.

How Does an ORVM Work?

An Outside Rear View Mirror works on the simple principle of reflection of light. The glass of the ORVM is coated on the backside with a silvery reflective coating like aluminium or chromium. Light rays on this reflective surface bounce back in a different direction, allowing the driver to see the rearview. The rear view image formed is a virtual image which appears to be behind the actual location of the mirror. This allows you to view vehicles approaching from behind.

Some ORVMs also have additional complex mechanisms built within to offer more functionality. These include:

• Motorised controls to adjust the mirror position

• Heating function to defog mirror surface

• Blind spot warning indicator lights

• Automatic dimming when headlights fall on it

Therefore, most ORVMs use reflective glass to show the rearview, while more advanced ones add automation and blind spot assistance.

Different Types of ORVM

There are a few different varieties of Outside Rear View Mirrors used in cars:

1. Manual ORVM: These basic ORVMs must be adjusted manually by pushing or pulling to change the angle. They do not offer any additional functionality.

2. Powered ORVMs: These mirrors can be adjusted by joystick-type electronic controls usually placed near the window switches. The mirror housing incorporates motors to move the mirror surface as required.

3. Auto-dimming ORVMs: These ORVMs have light sensors that detect bright headlight glare from vehicles behind and automatically dim the mirror to reduce glare. This feature helps avoid temporary blinding at night time.

4. Heated ORVMs: Ice and frost can cover the mirror surface in cold regions. Heated ORVMs have an integrated heating pad at the back to melt ice and frost.

Difference Between IRVM and ORVM

Key Features of ORVMs

Modern high-end Outside Rear rear-view mirrors incorporate various useful features:

a. Adjustable Angles

Powered ORVMs allow drivers to adjust the mirror position remotely with an electric joystick control. This helps get rid of dangerous blind spots quickly.

b. Integrated Turn Signals

ORVMs integrating amber turn signals inform other road users that you intend to switch lanes. This improves safety during lane changes.

c. Blind Spot Monitoring

Premium blind spot monitoring ORVMs have a secondary wide-angle lens or visual warning lights that detect vehicles in hard-to-see zones.

d. Memory Function

Upscale ORVMs can memorise position preferences for multiple drivers. When the corresponding remote control unlocks the car, mirrors re-adjust automatically as per stored memory.

Choosing the Right ORVM for Your Car

When upgrading or replacing your outdated car mirrors, select the ideal set based on considerations like:

a. Compatibility with Vehicle Model

Ensure the replacement ORVM is explicitly designed to fit and integrate with your car’s make and model. Brands like Bosch, Momo and Asahi Denso make vehicle-specific models.

b. Feature Considerations

Choose mirrors with proper functionality missing from your current pair like power adjust controls, blind spot visibility or memory settings.

c. Budget Constraints

More intelligent features push up costs. Stick to a budget while noting what utilities are absolute must-haves vs. good-to-haves for your driving habits and requirements. Generic ones with basic electric adjustability are more affordable if you're budget-conscious.

Advantages of ORVM in Cars

Outside Rear View Mirrors offer very useful benefits:

1. Expanded Rear Visibility

The most fundamental and useful benefit of ORVMs is providing drivers with greatly expanded rear vision. Unlike the IRVM, which shows only the central rear view, ORVMs reveal a much wider slice of the side and rear views. This additional visibility enables drivers to seamlessly monitor blind spots and lanes without excessive shoulder turning. Whether changing lanes, taking turns or manoeuvring out of tight parking - that extra rear perception proves invaluable.

2. Adaptive Angles

Basic ORVMs allow manual tilt adjustments, while higher-grade powered mirrors offer electric multi-axis controls. Just by optimally orienting the Left and Right ORVMs, drivers can eliminate hazardous rear blind spots. This adaptability also assists in dynamically recalibrating visibility for glare reduction if vehicle headlights fall on the ORVM surface at night.

3. Glare Resistance Capabilities

Modern ORVMs tackle glare problems far better than IRVMs. Many premium Outside Mirrors feature automatic dimming, which senses dazzling headlights from trailing traffic at night and dims the mirror accordingly. This prevents temporary vision impairment that bright light can induce. Additionally, heated ORVMs in cold regions use tiny heating pads at the mirror back to clear frost accumulation and ensure clarity.

4. Integrated Safety Alerts

High-end modern ORVMs integrate tiny blind spot warning lights on the mirror glass. These sensors activate when another vehicle enters the hazardous zone, making it hard to notice in the ORVM. Similarly, car makers are embedding turn signal bulb clusters into ORVM housing rather than placing them separately on fenders. Such visibility aids promote safe lane switching and overtaking manoeuvres.

5. Multiple Driver Memory

Advanced ORVMs can memorise position preferences for different drivers. Each vehicle user can set and save their ideal mirror orientation. Subsequently, when they unlock the doors via their tagged remote control unit, the power ORVMs auto-adjust to recall individual postural ergonomics. This thoughtful customisation promotes driving comfort.

Tips to Adjust the ORVM in Cars

Follow these tips for optimum Outside Rear View Mirror adjustment in your car:

• Ensure your seat position is adequately adjusted first

• Lean towards the left ORVM, keeping your head still

• Orient it outwards so that you get a slice of visible side area without the car body being seen

• Lean towards the right ORVM and repeat the adjustment

• Do minor readjustments in daylight since sunlight landing at an angle shows blind spots

• Sit in your normal driving position and ask a second person to stand near the rear edges of your car to help adjust

Getting the right ORVM angles goes a long way in reducing deadly blind spots. The process could take some time, but it is worth the effort.

Maintenance and Care for ORVMs

To keep your valuable Outside Rear View Mirrors in good condition for maximum visibility, follow this upkeep regimen:

• Adjust mirror angles properly before each drive

• Use only mild cleaning solutions and non-abrasive microfiber cloth for mirrors

• Rinse stale deposits or bird droppings right away to prevent corrosion

• Inspect the glass for cracks and check fittings for looseness

• Test heating, auto-dim and blind spot functions, if any

• Get power mechanisms checked if the position is not holding

• Replace damaged glass right away and replace the unit itself in case of loose mounts

With regular inspections, prompt repairs and a gentle yet thorough cleaning routine, your car's all-important ORVMs will serve you reliably for long periods.

Conclusion

Outside Rear View Mirrors play a significant role in expanding rear visibility and driving safety. While early versions only offered a basic static rear view on car sides, modern ORVMs feature intelligent auto-dimming technology, blind spot corrections, turn indicators and driver memory - boosting security substantially. 

When purchasing replacement ORVMs, check for model-specific fitment, upgraded functionality suited for your usage and budget flexibility. Follow the adjustment, cleaning and periodic maintenance tips discussed to get the most out of your car's ORVMs - your second pair of eyes on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions and their answers related to the Car ORVM

Q1. What does ORVM stand for, and what is its purpose?

ORVM is Outside Rear View Mirror. The driver can see behind and beside the vehicle without excessive head movement.

Q2. How does the glass in the ORVM show things behind the car?

A reflective silvery coating on the back of the glass bounces light rays entering from behind in a different direction to form a rear-view image. 

Q3. What are some advanced features seen in modern ORVMs?  

High-end ORVMs add auto-dimming when detecting lights, heating to melt ice, turn signal lamps, and blind spot warning lights or sensors.

Q4. How is an ORVM different from the IRVM inside the cabin?

The main differences are that ORVMs externally show expanded side views, including blind spots, while the IRVM shows only a central rear view. 

Q5. What should I consider when replacing my car's ORVMs?

When upgrading, ensure compatible fitment for your car model, choose any missing functions needed, and factor budget constraints.

Q6. What routine maintenance should be done for ORVMs? 

Properly adjust angles before drives, gently clean glass using mild solutions to avoid scratches, immediately rinse bird droppings and get loose fittings fixed.

Q7. How do I eliminate blind spots using the ORVMs?

Lean towards each ORVM while seated, and adjust the mirrors outwards till you see a slice of the side of your car without body panels visible.

Q8. Why are heated ORVMs used in some car models? 

To keep the glass clear for the rearview, heated mirrors use tiny heating elements to melt frost accumulation in cold climates.

Q9. What warnings do smart ORVMs provide these days?

Higher-end ones have blind spot warning lights to alert you if another vehicle is in a hard-to-see zone. 

Q10. Can ORVMs save customised settings for multiple drivers?

Yes, premium versions of the ORVMs can memorise different people's position preferences, which are recalled automatically via tagged remote keys

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