How to Adjust the Left and Right Rearview Mirrors of a Car?
3 Answers
For the left rearview mirror, adjust it so that one-fourth of the car body is visible, with the horizon positioned in the middle of the mirror; Similarly, for the right rearview mirror, ensure one-fourth of the car body is visible, with the sky occupying one-third and the ground two-thirds of the mirror; For the interior rearview mirror, adjust it so that the sky and ground each occupy half of the mirror. The view through the rear window should provide a clear view of the situation behind the car.
When I first learned to drive, my instructor taught me to adjust the rearview mirrors very carefully to avoid blind spots that could cause accidents. After sitting firmly in the driver's seat and adjusting to a normal driving posture, I first adjust the left mirror: lean slightly forward so that the mirror shows a small part of the car's edge, such as the door handle or the top of the tire, with the main view covering the road behind. The right mirror is adjusted similarly, but more attention is paid to the angle because the passenger side is wider. I usually adjust it to show more of the road's side to reduce blind spots when turning. After adjusting the mirrors, I gently move my head to confirm full coverage of the view, ensuring no cars suddenly disappear. A related tip is that in rainy weather or heavy traffic, improperly adjusted mirrors can lead to misjudging distances, so checking them regularly helps avoid danger. Now, before every drive, I take a few seconds to adjust the mirrors—safety always comes first.
As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, adjusting the rearview mirrors is simple but shouldn't be taken lightly. Sit steady without changing your position. Adjust the left mirror so that a small portion of the car body is visible, say about 1/4, with the rest showing the traffic flow behind. The right mirror is similar, but angle it outward a bit more to avoid reflecting too much of the interior. I prefer seeing the road lines extending smoothly without bends when looking in the mirrors. For manual cars, use the knob to adjust; for electric cars, the buttons are usually found on the door panel. It's advisable to open a small window for better lighting during adjustment. After adjusting, quickly glance left and right before starting to ensure there are no blind spots. Note: Button positions vary by model—SUVs tend to have them higher, while compact cars have them lower. Checking the manual to remember their locations is practical. Common mistakes include setting the mirrors too high or too low, which can distort the view and lead to misjudgments.
