How to Adjust Rearview Mirrors?

[CourtneyAnn]

For the vertical adjustment, position the distant horizon at the center of the mirror. When adjusting vertically, place the distant horizon in the center, and for the horizontal adjustment, set the car body to occupy 1/4 of the mirror's width. As for the horizontal position, similarly adjust until the car body occupies 1/4 of the mirror's area.

[CeciliaAnn]

Before every drive, I always take a moment to check the rearview mirrors to ensure a clear, unobstructed view. After sitting upright and adjusting the steering wheel to a comfortable position, I adjust the interior rearview mirror so that the entire rear window is visible, allowing me to directly spot vehicles behind me without the car frame blocking part of the view. Then, I adjust the side mirrors by turning them just enough to barely hide the car body, which widens the coverage of the road and pedestrians, reducing blind spots. When parking, I also make it a habit to step out and check, confirming the mirror's range. For different vehicle types, SUVs' higher position might require a slight upward adjustment, while sedans are much easier. Regularly cleaning the glass is also crucial, as rain often leaves streaks that compromise safety. Developing this habit makes driving more reassuring and significantly reduces reversing accidents. Remember to frequently glance at the mirrors while driving to ensure dynamic safety.

[DeZoey]

As a novice who just got my driver's license, I was all thumbs when adjusting the rearview mirrors at first. My instructor taught me this method: First, adjust the seat properly, sit firmly with your back against it to stabilize your view. When adjusting the interior rearview mirror, make sure it's aligned straight to the rear without tilting. The side mirrors are crucial—I need to angle them outward until the edge of my car almost disappears, which helps avoid blind spots, especially when changing lanes. A common mistake is setting the mirrors too inward, resulting in only seeing your own car instead of adjacent lanes. Before starting the car, I always do a quick test: Can I spot pedestrians in the mirrors? If not, I make slight adjustments. Over time, mirrors may loosen, so remember to occasionally check the screws. Now that I'm proficient, it takes less than a minute—this small detail is vital for safe driving. I've also heard some cars come with blind-spot monitoring systems, but with properly adjusted mirrors, accidents are less of a concern.

[HaleyFitz]

With over a decade of driving experience, I fully understand the importance of rearview mirror adjustment. After settling into the seat, proceed directly: the interior rearview mirror should cover the entire rear window view without obstruction. Adjust the side mirrors until the car body just disappears from view, minimizing blind spots. Maintain symmetry; avoid having one side higher than the other. Keeping the lenses clean is crucial, otherwise visibility in foggy conditions or at night will be compromised. On highways, proper mirror adjustment is essential for safe lane changes and accident prevention. Simply put, the mirrors should provide a clear view of all rearward movements.