How to Adjust the Optimal Position for Left and Right Rearview Mirrors?

[Presley]

The methods for adjusting the left and right rearview mirrors are as follows: 1. Left rearview mirror: The driver should use the horizon as a reference, adjusting the vertical angle so that the mirror shows an equal split between sky and ground. Then, adjust the horizontal angle so that the car body occupies about one-fourth of the mirror's surface. Note that adjustments should be made based on the driver's seating position, not by leaning closer to the mirror. 2. Right rearview mirror: Since the right rearview mirror is farthest from the driver's position, it's advisable to minimize the space occupied by the sky, leaving more room for the side of the car body. Therefore, the sky should occupy only one-fourth of the right rearview mirror, and the car body should also occupy one-fourth.

[Quentin]

When driving long distances, adjusting the rearview mirrors is all about safety first. I remember one night when I was driving, I almost hit a car in the blind spot because the right mirror wasn't adjusted properly. Now, here's what I do: I sit upright in the driver's seat, reach out with my left hand to adjust the left mirror so that a small portion of my car's body is visible—about 10% of the view—with the distant horizon centered. The right mirror is more critical; it needs to be adjusted further outward, leaving just a sliver of the car's side visible to cover more of the blind spot. This is especially important when turning or changing lanes, as it allows you to see the side and rear without turning your head, reducing the risk of accidents. Don't underestimate this—regularly check the mirror positions, especially when switching cars, as different models have different heights (e.g., SUVs have higher sightlines, sedans lower). Always readjust. In short, taking a few minutes to get it right makes driving much more reassuring, especially on the highway where it feels much more stable.

[DeAlexis]

As someone who drives to work every day, comfort and convenience are my top priorities when adjusting the mirrors. During rush hour, with heavy traffic and congestion, sitting for long periods can strain the neck, so properly adjusted mirrors minimize neck strain. My routine is to first adjust the seat to the most comfortable position before setting the mirrors: the left mirror is adjusted so I can just glimpse the outline of the rear of the car and the distant street horizon, making lane changes effortless without turning my body. For the right mirror, I angle it slightly outward to reduce blind spots while keeping the view from becoming too scattered and affecting visibility. A handy tip is to use the interior rearview mirror in combination for a seamless, all-around view, making driving worry-free. After adjusting, take a test drive—if you can scan your surroundings just by moving your eyes without turning your head, you’ve nailed it. Occasionally forgetting to adjust can be frustrating, especially when seasons change, but spending a few minutes on it can enhance the whole day’s driving experience, keeping you calm even in traffic jams.

[McJohn]

I've been into cars for decades, and adjusting rearview mirrors requires some technical details but shouldn't be complicated. After sitting upright in the car, set a standard for the left mirror angle: the car body should occupy no more than 15% of the view, with the distant sky and road evenly splitting the mirror surface. The right mirror should be slightly wider, showing just a corner of the car body, focusing on covering the side blind spot to avoid accidents. Compared to the car's blind spot monitoring system, manual adjustment is still fundamental—don't rely solely on electronic devices. Simply put, show less of the car body for a wider view, and adjust regularly, like taking a few seconds to tweak when parked. Different cars, like coupes or SUVs, may have slightly different mirror positions—try them out to find what feels right.