How to Retract Car Side Mirrors?
2 Answers
For manually adjustable exterior mirrors, simply push the mirror backward to retract it. Here are some related details: 1. For models equipped with automatic mirror folding, locate the control switch on the driver's side door armrest and press it to automatically retract the mirrors. 2. The power-folding mirror function allows both side mirrors to fold inward when necessary, available in manual or electric versions. During driving, minor collisions are inevitable, and side mirrors—being the widest components on a vehicle—are most susceptible to impact in side-swipe scenarios. The folding feature minimizes potential damage. 3. Foldable mirrors improve vehicle clearance when passing through narrow spaces. When parked, folded mirrors protect the reflective surface while reducing parking space requirements, effectively preventing scrapes. Generally, automatically folded mirrors will reopen upon the next vehicle startup.
The method to fold the side mirrors back is actually quite simple, depending on what kind of car you drive. For my old Volkswagen, it's manually foldable—just reach behind the mirror and give it a gentle push to fold it in, which saves space and avoids scratches when parking. If it's an electric version, like many newer cars, there's usually a dedicated button on the driver's door that automatically folds or unfolds the mirrors with a press. Having driven for over a decade, I always use this trick when parking in crowded streets to protect the mirrors from damage. If the button malfunctions, don’t rush to repair it—first check the power or restart the vehicle; this habit has saved me many trips to the repair shop, saving time and hassle. The key is to develop the good habit of folding mirrors when parking, improving safety and making daily driving smoother.
