How to Adjust Vehicle Rearview Mirrors?
4 Answers
Vehicle rearview mirrors can be adjusted as follows: 1. Left-side mirror: Position the horizon line at the center of the mirror, then adjust the car body edge to occupy one-fourth of the mirror's image. 2. Right-side mirror: Place the horizon line at two-thirds of the mirror's height, then adjust the car body edge to occupy one-fourth of the mirror's image. Precautions for using vehicle rearview mirrors include: 1. Monitor and promptly readjust mirror positions and angles that may shift due to vehicle vibrations during driving. 2. When changing driving routes such as parking, starting, overtaking, turning, or making U-turns, observe the rearview mirrors and provide appropriate signals.
I think adjusting the mirrors should start with the driving posture. First, adjust the seat to a comfortable position with your back firmly against the seatback and your wrists resting just on the top edge of the steering wheel. This posture ensures the most natural field of vision. Then, adjust the interior rearview mirror so that the entire rear window is fully visible in the mirror—avoid only capturing the roof or rear seats. Here’s a tip for adjusting the side mirrors: only a quarter of the car body should be visible. This way, you can maintain awareness of your position while maximizing the field of view. Adjust the left mirror so the horizon is in the middle, and the right mirror should be set slightly higher due to the larger blind spot on the right side. Remember to activate the anti-glare function when driving at night and use the defog button during rainy weather to maintain clarity. Finally, sit up straight and double-check to ensure there are no blind spots for safety.
Veteran drivers all know that improperly adjusted mirrors are a major cause of accidents. I prefer to start the car and power it on first—it's even more convenient if the mirrors are electrically adjustable. The left mirror should show just a tiny bit of the rear wheel, which gives confidence when reversing. The right mirror should be angled slightly lower than the left, with about two-thirds of the view showing the road, as electric scooters often dart out from sidewalks. Don’t just adjust them while stationary—it’s best to have a friend walk around to test for blind spots. If you frequently tow a caravan or carry cargo at the rear, consider adding convex mirrors to expand your field of view. Remember, rearview mirrors aren’t for vanity—the less of your own car you see, the better. The key is to monitor the dynamics of three lanes. After adjusting, test-drive for about two kilometers and readjust immediately if anything feels off.
Nowadays, new cars come with electric adjustment buttons, usually located on the door handle or center console. First, shift the gear to P (Park), then locate the toggle switch marked with L/R. I prefer adjusting the right side mirror first: position the car body to occupy one-fourth of the mirror surface, with the rear door handle just appearing at the bottom edge. This helps in clearly seeing the curb when reversing into a parking space. The left mirror is adjusted similarly but slightly higher, ensuring the horizon is at the center of the mirror. Finally, adjust the interior rearview mirror to directly view the rear window instead of the car roof. Remember to turn on the heating button to defog in rainy weather and activate the anti-glare function when driving at night. After completing the adjustments, always check the blind spot by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes for added safety.
