How to Adjust the Left and Right Rearview Mirrors for the Best Position?
2 Answers
It is best to adjust the left and right rearview mirrors after the seat position has been properly set. The optimal position allows you to observe the sides of the vehicle and the surrounding conditions. Here are the relevant details: 1. Optimal seat position: The ideal seat position is when your wrist joints rest on the top of the steering wheel with a slight bend in your arms, while your back and head naturally lean against the seat. Your knees should remain slightly bent when your left foot fully depresses the clutch or your right foot fully depresses the brake. 2. Best rearview mirror position: The adjustment of car rearview mirrors varies from person to person, but the optimal position should reflect as much of the road as possible while retaining a small portion of the vehicle's side. This helps in viewing the car body during reversing.
The optimal position for adjusting rearview mirrors, in my opinion, is to have them just cover the vehicle's blind spots. As a veteran taxi driver with decades of experience, my routine is to first adjust the driver's seat after settling in, then check the left rearview mirror: the car body should occupy about a quarter of the view, leaving the rest to see the left rear lane. The right rearview mirror should show even less of the car body—about one-fifth—emphasizing the traffic behind. The interior rearview mirror complements this by covering the entire rear window. The key is to minimize head-turning to avoid accidents. Taking a minute to check before each drive, especially during rainy or foggy conditions when visibility is worse, has saved me several times. Don't forget the adjustment sequence: sit up straight first, adjust the seat, then move the mirrors, and finally confirm all angles are free of blind spots. Regular checks are also crucial, as mirrors can shift due to vibrations—a quick glance every week is recommended.
