
In conventional vehicles, there are three standard rearview mirrors: the left, right, and interior center mirror. The specific adjustment methods are as follows: For the left rearview mirror, it can be adjusted up, down, left, or right via an electric switch or manually. The optimal adjustment angle for the left mirror is when the road environment occupies most of the mirror surface, with only a quarter of the car body visible, and the vanishing point of the road is positioned at the center of the mirror. For the right rearview mirror, the optimal angle similarly has the road environment occupying most of the mirror surface. Since the right mirror is farther from the driver's line of sight, the road's vanishing point should be positioned towards the top of the mirror for better visibility, with the car body also occupying a quarter of the mirror. The interior center rearview mirror is relatively easier to adjust. Simply adjust it manually so that the distant horizon is centered in the mirror. Since everyone's height varies, the optimal mirror angles differ as well. Therefore, before adjusting the mirrors, first adjust the seat. Ensure your eyes can clearly observe the road ahead, the steering wheel is comfortably within reach, and you are seated comfortably. Once the seat is in the right position, you can then proceed to adjust the rearview mirrors.

When I first started learning to drive, I found adjusting the rearview mirrors quite interesting, almost like playing a game. After sitting in the driver's seat, first ensure a comfortable posture with your back straight, avoiding slouching. When adjusting the interior rearview mirror, make sure it covers the entire rear windshield without any obstructions from items in the back seat. For the left side mirror, angle it slightly inward to just see a bit of the car door edge, mainly focusing on the lane behind. The right side mirror should be adjusted wider due to the larger blind spot, showing less of the car body and more of the road conditions. This step is especially crucial on highways to avoid collisions when changing lanes. I once had to adjust frequently during rain when visibility was poor. Beginners should practice this several times and have a friend help with corrections. Don’t ignore dirty or foggy mirrors—clean them promptly to ensure safe driving.

Having driven for over twenty years, adjusting the rearview mirrors has become as natural to me as fastening the seatbelt. The first step after settling in is to adjust the mirrors: the interior rearview mirror is turned until the road conditions behind the car are clearly visible without blind spots; the exterior mirrors are adjusted to minimize blind spots during turns—the left mirror is positioned to show less of the car body and more of the road, while the right mirror is angled more due to its farther position. I've noticed many accidents occur because drivers fail to adjust their mirrors properly, leading to backing into walls or lane-changing mishaps. Regularly check for looseness or scratches that could impair visibility. On rainy days, use anti-fog spray if the mirrors fog up. Safety comes first when driving, so after adjusting, test the setup with a short drive to confirm effectiveness—don't rush to start.

As a driver who frequently transports family members, I find adjusting the rearview mirrors to be quick and safe. After sitting in the driver's seat, gently turn the interior rearview mirror knob to ensure the view covers the road behind; slightly adjust the left and right side mirrors so that only a small portion of the car body is visible, with the main focus on seeing the traffic in the adjacent lanes. This makes parking or changing lanes much safer, reducing concerns about blind spots. Occasionally, if the mirrors are misaligned or blurry, address the issue promptly to avoid distractions while driving. Simple daily adjustments while driving are a crucial step in protecting yourself and others.


