How wide is a car including mirrors?
The average width of a car, including its side mirrors, is typically between 6.5 to 7.5 feet (2 to 2.3 meters). This measurement accounts for the overall width of the vehicle, including the side mirrors that extend beyond the main body of the car.
Understanding Car Widths
The width of a car is an important specification that affects its maneuverability, parking, and overall road presence. The width of a car is measured from the outermost point on one side of the vehicle to the outermost point on the other side, including any features that extend beyond the main body, such as side mirrors.
Several factors influence the overall width of a car, including:
- Body Style: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks tend to be wider than smaller cars and sedans.
- Side Mirrors: Side mirrors can add several inches to the overall width of a vehicle, depending on their size and design.
- Wheel Wells: The width of the wheel wells and tires can also contribute to the overall width measurement.
- Aerodynamic Design: Some cars have a more streamlined, aerodynamic design that reduces the overall width compared to boxy or bulkier body styles.
It's important to note that the width of a car can vary depending on the specific make, model, and year, as well as any customizations or modifications made to the vehicle.
Importance of Knowing Car Width
Knowing the width of a car is crucial for several reasons, including:
- Parking and Maneuvering: Understanding the width of a car can help drivers navigate tight spaces, park in designated spots, and avoid collisions with other vehicles or objects.
- Road Safety: Wider vehicles may require more space on the road, which can impact lane changes, passing, and overall driving dynamics.
- Cargo and Trailer Hauling: The width of a car can determine the size and type of cargo or trailers it can safely accommodate.
- Garage and Driveway Clearance: Knowing the width of a car can help ensure it fits properly in a garage or driveway without causing damage to the vehicle or surrounding structures.
By understanding the average width of a car, including its side mirrors, drivers can make informed decisions about their vehicle's capabilities and ensure safe and efficient operation on the road.
Does the width of a car include the mirrors?
Height And Width of the Vehicle
This is why different trim levels of the same car or truck can sometimes post varying figures, despite sharing the same body shape. Width, however, typically does not include side mirrors in that measurement, across the widest spot on the body.
How wide are car side mirrors?
The width of outside mirrors are about 9” each. The reason they don't measure from mirror to mirror is because they fold in so you can get the car into tight spaces. So, width from mirror to mirror is about 90”.
How wide is a typical car?
A typical car is about 5.8 feet (69.6 inches) wide, though this varies by vehicle type. For example, compact cars are often between 5.6 and 6.0 feet wide, while larger SUVs and full-size trucks can be over 6.5 feet wide. The average width has been increasing in recent years.
Car width by type
- Compact cars: 5.6 to 6.0 feet wide
- Midsize sedans: Around 6.0 feet wide
- Full-size sedans: 6.0 feet wide or more
- SUVs: Around 6.0 to 6.5 feet wide
- Full-size trucks: Can be 7.0 to 8.5 feet wide
- Sports cars: 5.7 to 6.5 feet wide
Why width varies
- Safety regulations: Thicker doors and modern safety features like airbags require more space.
- Passenger and cargo space: Larger vehicles need more width to provide more interior room.
- Design trends: The increasing popularity of larger SUVs and trucks has led to an increase in overall average vehicle width.
What is the average width of a 2 car driveway?
A standard two-car driveway is typically 20 to 24 feet wide. While 20 feet is often considered the minimum for two cars side-by-side, a 24-foot width is recommended to allow enough space for opening doors and easier maneuverability.
- 20-24 feet: This range is commonly recommended for two cars parked next to each other.
- 20 feet: Provides enough space for two cars to pass each other, but may be tight for opening doors when parked side-by-side.
- 24 feet: The ideal width for easier parking and opening doors, especially for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
- 18-20 feet: Some sources suggest this as a minimum for two cars, but it may be restrictive, particularly for larger vehicles.
