When buying a mirror there are often many options that you need to know to get the correct one. This choice is not made any easier by all the different terms used oftern for the same feature. Below I have tried to list most terms and a brief description of what each one means.

• Rear View Mirror - This is the mirror inside the vehicle that mounts to or near the center top of the windshield
• Side View Mirror - This is the mirror mounted to the door.
• Sail Mount - This refers to a mirror that is mounted on a triangular (Sail Shaped) section of the door in the front corner where the glass rolls up.
• Door Mount - This refers to a mirror that screws into the side of the door below the glass level.
• Auto Dim - Also known as Photochromatic, light sensitive or self tinting. It is also wrongly referred to as tinted as some mirrors have glass with a blue, green or brown permanent tint. Auto Dimming mirrors become physically darker (shaded) when a bright light shines on them.
• Fixed - A fixed mirror is one that does not fold.
• Folding - A folding mirror is one that can be folded by hand or by electrical switch in some cases towards the door to allow the vehicle to fit in a smaller space.
• Memory - A mirror that has memory is a power (electric) mirror that has a button in the vehicle that presets the mirror position to a specific location. Most vehicles with memory mirrors also have memory seats.
• Heated - Also known as defrost or defog. This is a mirror that has a built in heating element. Most but not all heated mirrors have an etched defrost logo (usually a few vertical squiggly lines) into the glass. Some vehicles have automatic heated mirrors which always turn on when the rear window defrost is on.
• Puddle Lamp - Also known as an approach lamp. This is a small light built into the bottom of the mirror that comes on when you turn the courtesy lights on.
• Signal - This means the mirror has a built in turn signal light. The signal light can be single or multiple rows of LEDs either in the glass or on the front of the mirrors. There are also signal mirrors that have a light fixture on the bottom or on the outside edge with a yellow lens and bulbs.
• Manual - A manual mirrors is one that has to be mechanically adjusted either by direct contact or by a remote cable.
• Remote - A remote mirror is one that is adjusted from inside the vehicle with a manual cable. A power mirror is never called a remote mirror.
• Power - also known as electric. This is a mirror that is adjusted from inside the vehicle by pressing an electric button.
• Towing - A towing style mirror is one that extends further out so that you can see around a trailer.
• Telescopic - This refers to a mirrors that extends outwards and is used to describe adjustable towing style mirrors.
• Convex - Often wrongly called a fish-eye mirror. A convex mirrors is one which has bowed glass allowing you to see a wider field of view. Most vehicles in the U.S. have a convex mirror on the passenger side.

When buying a mirror also keep in mind that mirrors are vehicle specific. Year, Make and Model are important. There are often other years and in some cases other Models that may fit your vehicle but be sure to check with a professional first. Also coupe, hatchback, sedan and wagon make a difference in many cases.