
Steps for beginner drivers to adjust rearview mirrors are: 1. Understand the interior rearview mirror, ensuring all four corners of the rear windshield are visible through it; 2. Adjust the left and right tilt angles of the exterior mirrors; 3. For both left and right tilt angles, the car body should occupy one-quarter of the inner side of the mirror - this indicates proper tilt adjustment; 4. Adjust the vertical angle (up/down tilt) - set the left mirror so the sky and ground each occupy half; 5. Set the right mirror with one-third sky and two-thirds ground; 6. After adjusting according to these methods, you'll achieve clear left and right visibility.

I usually adjust the center rearview mirror first to ensure a full view of the rear windshield, with the sky and ground occupying roughly a 2:8 ratio for optimal visibility. When adjusting the left mirror, I tilt my head slightly toward the left window until about a quarter of my car's body is visible in the mirror, which provides a clear view of approaching vehicles from behind. The same principle applies to the right mirror, but it's important to maintain a normal sitting posture during adjustment—avoid leaning forward. A key reminder: always turn your head to check the side blind spots before changing lanes, as rearview mirrors always have some blind areas. After adjustment, it's advisable to have a friend walk around the rear diagonal of the car to test the field of vision, ensuring no blind spots before driving confidently.

As a veteran driver with eight years of experience, here's my rearview mirror adjustment tip: First, adjust the driver's seat to the most comfortable position. The left side mirror should show the extension line of the road behind, with the horizon appearing slightly below the center of the mirror. Meanwhile, the rear door handle of the car body should be fixed at the lower left corner of the mirror. For the right side mirror, position the horizon at the upper one-third of the mirror, with just a slight outline of the car body visible. The center rearview mirror should cover the entire rear window - never adjust it to admire your handsome face. Remember to slightly adjust the mirror angle during heavy rain, positioning raindrops at the edges for minimal visibility interference.

Improperly adjusted rearview mirrors can be really dangerous. Last time when helping my cousin adjust his car, I found three key points: the center rearview mirror must frame the entire rear window edge; when adjusting the left mirror to center the distant horizon, your entire car body should disappear by one-quarter; the right mirror is the hardest to adjust – it's safest to maintain a normal sitting posture and just see the right rear wheel arch in the mirror. Always recheck after car washes as workers often touch the mirrors. Most importantly, never adjust mirrors while driving – it's hazardous!


