How to Fold the Rearview Mirrors?
2 Answers
Different car models have different methods for folding the rearview mirrors. Generally, pressing the automatic folding button or rotating the button to the automatic folding position will cause both exterior rearview mirrors to fold simultaneously. The folding of rearview mirrors can be categorized into manual and electric types. Electric rearview mirrors are typically folded automatically via an operation button located on the driver-side door or the center console. There are two types of folding rearview mirrors. The first is manual. When folding is required, the driver must reach out the window or exit the vehicle to fold them, which is inconvenient and unsafe. Nowadays, manual folding mirrors are rare. The other type is electric, which is the more common one. Its advantage is that the driver can fold them from inside the car, and the mirrors will automatically unfold when the vehicle starts. Industry Standards and Features of Car Rearview Mirrors Car rearview mirrors are important safety components, and their mirror surfaces and designs are quite particular. Therefore, the quality and installation of rearview mirrors are subject to corresponding industry standards and cannot be altered arbitrarily. The exterior rearview mirrors reflect the rear side of the car, the lower mirrors reflect the front and bottom of the car, and the interior rearview mirror shows the situation behind and inside the car. Mirrors for different purposes have varying structures. Rearview mirror surfaces generally come in two types: one is a flat mirror, which, as the name suggests, has a flat surface, indicated by an "infinite radius of curvature R." Like ordinary household mirrors, it provides an image that matches the visual size. This type of flat mirror is often used as the interior rearview mirror.
Folding the side mirrors is actually quite simple, and the specific method depends on the vehicle model. For manual folding, you generally push the mirror inward from the outside until you feel it click into place. Electric folding is even more convenient—just locate the mirror icon button on the driver's side control panel or door, press it, and the mirrors will retract automatically. Be gentle to avoid damaging the motor. I remember last time when I parked my friend's Toyota in a narrow alley, manually pushing the mirrors saved space and prevented scratches—it worked great. If your car is a newer electric model, you can even set the mirrors to fold automatically when locking the car via the onboard menu, making it even more hassle-free. However, be cautious with manual mirrors in winter—if frozen, don’t force them to avoid damaging the bearings; warm up the car or gently tap them first. Most cars support this feature, but German models like Volkswagen offer a wider folding angle, making parking even easier.
