How to Adjust Car Rearview Mirrors Correctly?
2 Answers
The correct method for adjusting car rearview mirrors is as follows: 1. Left rearview mirror: Remember two indicators: 1/4 and 1/2. Simply put, the edge of the car body should occupy 1/4 of the entire mirror view, with the rest taking up the majority. For height adjustment, observe the distant horizon and position it in the center, with the sky and ground each occupying half. 2. Right rearview mirror: 1/4 and 2/3. Since the driver's seat is on the left side of the vehicle, visibility on the right side is often less clear than on the left. In practice, the ground portion should occupy about 2/3 of the mirror view when adjusting the up and down positions. For left and right positioning, similar to the left mirror, the car body should occupy 1/4 of the mirror view. 3. Central rearview mirror: Half and half. To adjust the central rearview mirror, first adjust your sitting posture. Some people prefer sitting very upright, while others lean back as if on a sofa, resulting in different angles and significant height differences in the mirror. After determining your posture, look up at the central mirror. You should be able to see the rear windshield (rear window) clearly, with the sky and ground each occupying about half of the view.
I remember driving for over 20 years, and correctly adjusting the rearview mirrors is crucial for safety, especially to minimize blind spots. First, sit properly in the driver's seat, adjust the seat and posture, then start adjusting the mirrors: the interior center rearview mirror should be aligned directly with the rear of the vehicle, ensuring the view covers the entire rear window to observe the traffic behind. Next, adjust the left exterior mirror so that the edge of the mirror just reveals a slight gap of the car body—this maximizes coverage of the side and rear road while reducing blind spots. The right exterior mirror is adjusted similarly but angled slightly outward; be careful not to tilt it too high, which may obscure the side road. I often advise friends to practice adjusting in a flat parking lot rather than while driving to avoid distractions and potential hazards. Regular checks are also essential, especially after rain when blurred mirrors can impair judgment. Good visibility while driving is the first step to reducing accidents.
