How to Adjust Rearview Mirrors Properly for Driving?
3 Answers
Method for adjusting rearview mirrors when driving: The standard for left and right rearview mirrors is to position the distant horizon in the middle of the mirror, with the car body occupying one-fourth of the mirror. The standard for the interior rearview mirror is to place the distant horizon in the middle of the mirror, allowing the driver to see their right ear. When the body of the following car has entered the danger zone to the left of the dotted line in the rearview mirror, it indicates that the following car is very close, almost within 5 meters, and turning should not be attempted at this time. When the left side of the following car is close to the boundary between the safe zone and the danger zone, extra caution is advised, but signaling and turning are still safe. If the following car is in the safe zone, positioned in the center of the rearview mirror, it means the distance between the following car and the driver's car is about 15 to 20 meters, and normal turning maneuvers can be performed. If the following car is in the safe zone, positioned to the right of the center in the rearview mirror, it indicates a greater distance between the following car and the driver's car, allowing normal turning operations.
When adjusting my mirrors, I always find a safe spot to park first, ensuring I'm seated comfortably, just like when I first learned to drive. The first step is the rearview mirror inside the car, positioning it to cover the entire rear window without any blind spots, giving a clearer view of what's behind. If I can't see the edges of the rear window, I might miss pedestrians. Next, I adjust the left side mirror, turning it slightly outward so that a small part of the car's rear edge is visible, with about two-thirds of the mirror showing the road in the distance. This helps reduce blind spots. The right mirror is adjusted similarly, but I pay extra attention to the right corner to avoid focusing only on the road and missing the side. A common mistake beginners make is adjusting the mirrors too much toward the car body or only upward. I recommend making slight adjustments while seated and then stepping out to check the blind spots—like taking a quick glance when turning—to build safer habits. With a few practices, it becomes easier. The key is not to rush and to take your time adjusting while parked.
After years of driving, I've found that properly adjusted mirrors can save a lot of trouble. Start by sitting upright in your seat. Adjust the interior rearview mirror to face the center of the rear window, ensuring a clear view of the road rather than the roof. Tilt the left side mirror outward by about 15 degrees, with only 10% of your car's body visible, and position the horizon in the upper middle of the mirror for better side vehicle observation. Do the same for the right mirror, but pay extra attention to the right rear corner. Always adjust them when parked—never while driving, as it's easy to get distracted. With experience, I've learned to combine mirror checks with blind spot verification by turning my head when changing lanes, not relying solely on mirrors or assist systems. In nighttime or foggy conditions, slightly tilt the mirrors upward to avoid glare. In short, proper mirror adjustment makes driving smoother and more efficient.
