How to adjust the left and right rearview mirrors of a car?

[Sheldon]

Check the vehicle's environmental protection label, which has clear markings on the back. Log in to the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to inquire. Take the vehicle registration certificate (original or copy) to the vehicle management office for inquiry. For new cars, you can find the vehicle's factory certificate. Make a rough distinction based on the year the car was licensed.

[AdrielRose]

When adjusting the car's left and right rearview mirrors, I first sit in the driver's seat, adjust to a normal driving posture, stay relaxed, and then make gradual adjustments. For the left mirror, I turn the adjustment knob or manually adjust the mirror until a small portion of the rear wheel is visible in the reflection, while keeping the horizon in the upper half of the mirror. This ensures a clear view of rear vehicles and road conditions while minimizing blind spots. The right mirror is adjusted similarly, but I leave even less of the car body visible and allocate more space to the road, as the right-side blind spot is larger. This helps catch a glimpse of adjacent lane vehicles and prevents collisions when turning. I only perform these adjustments when the car is stationary for safety, and I make it a habit to check them regularly, especially before driving with family—they help monitor the rear seats. Properly set mirrors reduce lane-changing risks and enhance driving comfort.

[DiLukas]

When I was learning to drive, my instructor emphasized that adjusting the rearview mirrors should start by sitting upright in the driver's seat—no slouching or tilting the head—then manually adjusting the mirror positions. The left mirror should be adjusted so that just a tiny bit of the car's rear edge is visible, with the distant horizon centered. This helps clearly see vehicles behind to avoid rear-end collisions. The right mirror should show only a minimal portion of the car body, displaying more of the road surface, as the right side is prone to accidents during turns. I learned this the hard way as a beginner, nearly scraping another car, so extra practice is beneficial. Remember not to adjust while driving to avoid distraction. Spend 10 seconds checking before each drive, and use the interior rearview mirror in combination—this gives a full view of the rear, saving money and ensuring safety.

[Paislee]

The key to adjusting rearview mirrors is minimizing blind spots for safety. After settling into position, adjust them directly: the left mirror should show a small corner of the car's rear and the distant road, with the horizon centered horizontally; the right mirror should show as little of your own car as possible, with the horizon positioned slightly higher, making lane changes more reassuring. It's best to test the adjustments in real conditions afterward—for example, check if you can see the front of a neighboring car on an empty road to ensure seamless visibility. This simple method can help prevent accidents.

[OAlexandra]

Both my wife and I drive, and I always remind her to adjust the rearview mirrors carefully: after sitting in the driver's seat and starting the car but not moving, adjust the left mirror to see the rear of the car body and the distant road, with the horizon in the center; the right mirror should slightly show the car body and more of the side road, especially when carrying children, as smaller blind spots make it safer. I usually teach our kids to observe this method to develop good habits, which can also save on repair costs.

[Noelle]

Some cars now come with electric adjustment or blind spot monitoring. When adjusting the mirrors, I sit upright and use the buttons to control them: the left mirror shows a corner of the rear of the car plus the road view, with the horizon level; the right mirror is more angled to the side to reduce blind spots. Combined with the onboard camera, the view is more comprehensive, allowing beginners to quickly get the hang of it and avoid misoperation.