How to Adjust Car Mirrors Correctly?
3 Answers
Place the horizontal line at the center of the rearview mirror and adjust the edge of the car body to occupy one-fourth of the mirror's image. Position the horizontal line at two-thirds of the rear mirror, then adjust the edge of the car body to occupy one-fourth of the mirror's image. For the horizontal position, place it in the middle, and position the ear area on the left. The horizontal line at the center of the rearview mirror should align with the distant horizon, then adjust by moving left or right. By 'slimming down' the ABC pillars and using larger mirrors, the driver's field of vision can be maximized as much as possible.
To adjust car mirrors, first ensure a correct seating position. I prefer adjusting the seat to the most comfortable position before proceeding. The interior rearview mirror should face the exact center of the rear windshield, with the entire rear window visible in the mirror and the horizon aligned in the middle. When adjusting the left exterior mirror, the car body should occupy one-quarter of the mirror's width, with the horizon positioned at the halfway point of the mirror height—this helps track the left rear wheel during turns. The right exterior mirror is most critical: reduce the car body to one-fifth of the mirror width and raise the horizon to two-thirds of the height, as the right side has the largest blind spot, and a higher setting improves visibility of curbs. Finally, check blind spots by turning your head to confirm no dead angles. On hot days, adjust mirrors in shaded areas to avoid glare. Remember to readjust whenever drivers change, as everyone’s height and sightlines differ.
With twenty years of driving experience, my method for adjusting mirrors boils down to three steps. First, adjust the center rearview mirror to ensure a full view of the rear windshield for accurate distance perception of vehicles behind. When adjusting the left side mirror, keep your body straight—just reveal a sliver of your car's side (about two fingers' width), with the mirror's bottom edge slightly showing the road curb. The right side mirror should be angled outward more aggressively, minimizing your car's presence to maximize the view of vehicles approaching from the side/rear. Test the adjustment by finding the clearest angle to observe bike lanes. A pro tip: align the distant horizon to sit centered vertically in the mirror. When parked, use a utility pole as a reference—adjust until its full silhouette is visible. In rain, wipe off water droplets; in fog, activate the defogger/heating function. Visibility shifts with weather, so recalibrate angles monthly for optimal safety.
