Can Electric Rearview Mirrors Be Folded Manually?
3 Answers
Electric rearview mirrors can be folded manually, but they contain motors and reduction gears inside, so manual folding is not recommended. If manual folding is necessary, it should be done gently to avoid damaging the gears, causing electric failure, or producing abnormal noises. More details about rearview mirror folding are as follows: 1. The rearview mirror folding function refers to the ability of the side mirrors on both sides of the car to fold and retract when necessary, which can be either manual or electric. 2. Folding the rearview mirrors saves a significant amount of space and also prevents potential damage to the mirrors. 3. In mid-range and high-end cars, rearview mirrors are generally foldable, with two folding methods: manual and electric. Manual folding requires the driver to reach out the window or step out of the car to fold the mirrors, and it must be done gently, making it both inconvenient and unsafe. Some models do not even have a manual folding function. Electric folding is more common and offers the advantage of allowing the driver to fold the mirrors from inside the car. The mirrors will automatically unfold when the vehicle is started, making it convenient and safe.
As a long-time electric vehicle user, I think power-folding mirrors can be manually adjusted, as I often fold them in manually when parking in tight spaces to prevent damage. However, be careful when doing so because they contain small motors and gear systems—fold them gently without forcing them. A friend of mine once pushed too hard and jammed the gears, costing over 500 yuan to repair the malfunctioning power feature. I recommend using the automatic button for folding and unfolding, especially during car washes—tell the workers not to manually adjust them and use the switch instead. Manual adjustment should only serve as an emergency backup, such as when someone bumps the mirror and you need to straighten it. During regular maintenance, check the mirror motor's smooth operation to ensure clear visibility and driving safety. Manual adjustment may seem convenient, but it can easily cause issues—don’t make it a habit.
From a technical perspective, the electric mirror design allows manual folding as an anti-collision buffer protection. In emergencies such as being grazed by a bicycle, it can be manually pushed back to avoid serious damage. However, its interior consists of precision motors and small gear drives. Frequent forceful pushing may cause gear wear or motor overload burnout. In cold weather, plastic components are prone to brittle cracking. I have handled such failures before, seeing gears skip teeth and become unable to reset, affecting functionality. Therefore, manual operation should only be done gently when necessary. Using the electric button more often helps maintain component lifespan. During installation, test whether the automatic retraction operates smoothly. During maintenance, clean the contacts to reduce sticking. Preventing small issues from becoming major ones is key.
