How to Adjust Car Side Mirrors?
2 Answers
Adjust the side mirrors to a position where approximately one-third of the sky and two-thirds of the ground are visible. Below is relevant information about side mirrors: 1. Function: When an emergency situation ahead requires sudden braking, checking the center rearview mirror can inform you if there is a vehicle following too closely behind. This allows you to adjust the braking force appropriately based on the distance to the vehicle in front, helping to avoid a rear-end collision. 2. Principle: The exterior side mirrors on a car are convex mirrors, which utilize the principle of light divergence to expand the field of view, thereby improving awareness of vehicles behind. The image formed is the intersection point of the reflected light rays' reverse extensions and does not physically exist, hence the image is virtual.
Adjusting car mirrors is no small matter—our driving safety heavily relies on them. With over 20 years of driving experience, I’ve summarized a few tips. First, settle into your seat properly before making adjustments—don’t rush. When adjusting the interior mirror, ensure the entire rear window is in view, ideally showing the whole bumper of the car behind. For the side mirrors, avoid tilting them too far inward or outward; the standard is to see a small portion of your own car’s side and the adjacent lane. Incorrect mirror settings increase blind spots and the risk of accidents. I make it a habit to check them every morning or before night drives to ensure everything’s in order. By the way, while some cars now come with electronic blind-spot monitoring, the basics of mirror adjustment shouldn’t be neglected—it saves fuel and time. Regular maintenance, like keeping mirrors clean and dust-free, ensures clear visibility. In short, take the time to adjust them properly for a safer drive.
