How to Adjust Rearview Mirrors to Standard?

[VonMorgan]

Automobile rearview mirror adjustment standards are as follows: 1. Adjust the center rearview mirror to position the horizon image at the mirror's center. 2. Adjust the left exterior mirror so that the image occupies the right quarter section. 3. Adjust the right exterior mirror with the horizon image positioned at two-thirds of the mirror's height. 4. Adjust the left side mirror so that the image occupies the left quarter section. Functions of automobile rearview mirrors: 1. Reflect conditions behind the vehicle. 2. Display situations on the sides and below the car. 3. Expand the driver's field of vision.

[RyanFitz]

I've been driving for over a decade and find mirror adjustment quite an art. For the left side mirror, when seated in the driver's position, adjust it until you can just see the edge of your door handle. This way, the car body occupies about one-quarter of the mirror, leaving the rest for rear visibility. The right side mirror is different - it needs to be tilted slightly downward because of the larger blind spot on that side. Again, keep the car body occupying one-quarter, but position the horizon line at the upper third of the mirror. The center rearview mirror is simpler - just adjust it to get a full view through the rear window. Remember to test your adjustments on the road; if you can smoothly check for vehicles when changing lanes without excessive head-turning, you've got it right. During rainy days, you can slightly angle the mirrors downward to reduce glare - a practical trick that veteran drivers like me find quite useful.

[DelGarrett]

I'm the type who pays close attention to driving safety, so adjusting mirrors starts with ensuring no blind spots. After sitting upright, adjust the left mirror so the car body occupies about 25% of the inner mirror surface, leaving 75% for observing vehicles behind. The right mirror is crucial as it's prone to blind spots—I intentionally adjust it outward and downward a bit more, keeping just a quarter of the car body visible. The center rearview mirror is typically adjusted to give a clear, unobstructed view of the road directly behind. A handy tip: if you can see the rear wheel when parked roadside, it's too low and needs raising. In winter when windows fog easily, adjust mirrors slightly higher than usual. Before every family trip, I double-check the angles—safety always comes first.

[NolanAnn]

When I first started learning to drive, I didn't know how to adjust the mirrors either. Later, I learned that the standard is to use all three mirrors in coordination. Adjust the left mirror just enough to see a bit of the car body, mainly to view the road behind. Lower the right mirror slightly for better observation of the curb. The center interior mirror should be aligned directly with the middle line of the rear windshield. After adjusting, take a test drive in the city: when changing lanes, a quick glance at the side mirrors should be enough to see approaching vehicles from behind, eliminating the need to turn your head. Remember to adjust the mirrors before starting the car; doing so while driving can be dangerous. By the way, at high speeds, slightly raising the angle can help you see further ahead.