How to Use Rearview Mirrors When Reversing?

[Mario]

The method for using rearview mirrors when reversing is as follows: 1. When the car image occupies the entire rearview mirror, the distance is 3 meters; 2. When the car image occupies two-thirds of the rearview mirror, the distance is 5 meters; 3. When the image occupies half of the rearview mirror, the distance is 9 meters; 4. When the car image occupies one-third of the rearview mirror, the distance is 12 meters; 5. When the lower edge of the front windshield aligns with the upper edge of the rear bumper of the car in front, the distance is 1 meter; 6. When the lower edge of the front windshield aligns with the lower edge of the rear bumper of the car in front, the distance is 2 meters; 7. When the lower edge of the front windshield aligns with the lower edge of the rear tire of the car in front, the distance is 3 meters. Rearview mirrors are located on the left and right sides of the front of the car and at the front of the car body. They are important safety components, and their function is to allow the driver to indirectly see the conditions behind, beside, and below the car, thereby expanding the driver's field of vision.

[VonStephanie]

When reversing, I rely on the rearview mirrors. With more driving experience, I've learned the key lies in adjusting the mirrors and posture properly. First, after getting in the car, adjust the seat to a comfortable distance where you can easily see the rearview mirror, and set the side mirrors to show the corners of the rear. I usually glance at the left mirror first when reversing slowly, then check the right, and finally the center one—this gives a full view of the surroundings. Don’t fixate on one spot; watch out for blind spots, like hidden kids or small objects behind the car. Honestly, combining a quick turn of the head for a direct look adds extra confidence—even with backup cameras nowadays, the old-school method still matters. There have been times when the mirrors saved me from hitting obstacles, teaching me to reverse slowly in neighborhoods or parking lots, staying calm and prioritizing safety. Making it a habit to check and fine-tune the mirrors before driving, like a quick adjustment each time, makes reversing much smoother.

[McRuby]

When I was learning to drive, I found reversing to be the most challenging part, especially when checking the rearview mirrors—I was always in a fluster. At the beginning of my practice, the instructor taught me to adjust the mirrors to a suitable angle so I could see the rear wheels and the ground area, which helped me judge distances. I tried reversing in garages or by the roadside, often missing objects like trash cans or poles. Later, with gradual practice, I learned not to lean too much while reversing, sitting naturally upright, glancing at both mirrors with peripheral vision, and adjusting the direction as I reversed. It's important to do it in stages: first check the width with the left mirror, then scan for obstacles with the right one. I realized staying relaxed was crucial—taking deep breaths and not panicking, controlling the speed to be extremely slow, which made reversing more accurate. After actually driving, when playing with my kids in the yard at home, I always double-checked while reversing, afraid of running over something. Now, I make it a habit to clear the parking spot in advance to reduce risks. With practice, reversing isn’t as scary anymore.

[MacElle]

When reversing, safety must always come first when using the rearview mirrors. I need to ensure the mirror angles are correct to cover the rear environment—for example, adjusting the mirrors to clearly see ground lines and moving objects. The step-by-step process involves checking left and right blind spots, then gently reversing the vehicle while continuously scanning all three mirrors. The most common mistake is neglecting blind spots, so I supplement with a quick glance over the shoulder, especially in crowded areas. A reminder to everyone: be extra cautious when reversing in rain or snow, as wet rearview mirrors can impair visibility and lead to accidents. Using a reversing camera as an aid can reduce risks, but always rely on your own judgment. The key is not to rush, stay focused, and stop immediately if you hear the parking sensor alarm or sense anything unusual. Developing this habit long-term can prevent fender benders.