What is the appropriate position for adjusting rearview mirrors when reversing into a parking space?

[HazelRose]

First, adjust the right rearview mirror: The upper edge should allow visibility of the rear door handle, while ensuring the front door handle is centered in the mirror (vertically). The car body should occupy 1/4 of the mirror's area (the less, the better; too small may cause the ground lines to appear differently compared to the left mirror). This allows for better visibility to the right. Left rearview mirror adjustment: Refer to the right mirror, but the left mirror has an additional function—during parallel parking, you need to see the left rear wheel. Therefore, you must ensure that you can see the left rear wheel by leaning forward slightly. No matter what, you must be able to see the left rear wheel for easier parallel parking (turning the wheel fully when the left rear wheel aligns with the line ensures successful parking, but pay attention to the car's angle, which should be around 40 degrees). Reversing into the parking space: Sometimes, the parking lot lacks the front line, so you can only rely on the rear line. In this case, observe the left rearview mirror with the front handle centered vertically. While reversing, watch the left rearview mirror, and when the front door handle aligns with the rear line, stop. However, individual height and seat position may vary slightly, but the door handle and mirror positions remain consistent.

[DelJames]

When I first started driving, my mentor told me that the most important thing for parallel parking is to adjust the rearview mirrors properly, which greatly improves safety and accuracy. Usually, I adjust the left mirror so that the car body takes up about one-third of the mirror width, allowing me to see the rear wheel and ground lines—this way, I can clearly observe parking lines and roadside obstacles while reversing. The right mirror is similar; it should cover as much of the rear view as possible to minimize blind spots, but not too low to lose the overall rear perspective. Remember, everyone’s height and seat position differ, so before parking, it’s best to test-drive a few times and gradually adjust the mirrors until you can comfortably glance and clearly see the garage corners. If the mirrors aren’t set right, you might scrape walls or other cars while reversing, and repairs can be costly—so spending extra time adjusting mirrors is far better than reckless attempts. In practice, I’ve also found that combining the backup camera and engine sounds improves precision, but independently adjusting mirrors remains the fundamental skill.

[VonMaximus]

When I was learning to drive, I was particularly nervous about parallel parking. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that the position of the rearview mirrors was crucial. Now, I’ve developed the habit of adjusting the left mirror so that a small portion of the car’s side is visible, with the focus on showing the rear wheel and the edge of the parking space—this makes it easier to judge whether the tires are aligned with the lines. The right mirror is adjusted similarly, allowing me to see both the vehicles behind and the ground. During regular parking, I always ensure the mirrors are angled to cover a wide range, avoiding blind spots that could lead to accidents. As a beginner, I initially set the mirrors too high and couldn’t see the wheels, nearly hitting a pole as a result. It took more practice to get it right. I recommend checking the mirrors before every drive—once it becomes a habit, it’s no trouble at all. Simply put, with the mirrors properly positioned, reversing becomes smoother and safer, saving a lot of hassle.

[Patel]

I think the key to adjusting mirrors for reverse parking is achieving a balanced field of view. I usually set the left mirror so the car body occupies one-third of the view, allowing visibility of the rear wheel and the road behind to monitor tire alignment. The right mirror is adjusted similarly to cover the side and rear areas, minimizing blind spots. Incorrect positioning can easily lead to accidents, such as wheels crossing lines or scraping, so it's essential to manually test the visibility before reversing. Seat height also affects this, so it's recommended to adjust to a comfortable position before fixing the mirrors. If beginners are unsure, practicing positioning in an open area multiple times is advisable.

[OEmmett]

Safety comes first when reversing into a parking space, and the position of the side mirrors can be a great help. I usually adjust the left mirror so that a small part of the car body is visible, with the focus on displaying the rear wheel and the ground line, which allows for precise control while reversing. The right mirror is adjusted similarly to ensure no blind spots, combined with turning my head to confirm the rear view, avoiding the mistake of relying solely on the mirrors. In practice, I’ve found that positioning the mirrors too high can easily lead to misjudging distances, while positioning them too low loses the overall view, so it’s essential to try a few times to find your optimal position. If the mirrors aren’t adjusted properly, it can waste parking time and even cause unnecessary stress. In daily driving, developing a fixed habit of adjusting the mirrors to ensure clear visibility is fundamental to preventing accidents.