What is the optimal adjustment for the right side mirror?
2 Answers
Adjust the horizon to occupy two-thirds of the right side mirror's view, while keeping one-quarter of the car body visible. Center rearview mirror: The center rearview mirror helps drivers quickly assess rear traffic conditions and maintain safe following distances. Adjust it to be parallel with the horizon, positioned at the center of the mirror surface. Tilt it slightly toward the driver to ensure clear visibility of vehicles directly behind. Left side mirror: Since the left mirror is closer to the driver, blind spots are smaller and the field of view is wider, requiring less adjustment than the right mirror. Similarly, position the horizon at the center of the left mirror while showing one-quarter of the car body. Showing too little of your vehicle makes it hard to see cars close to your rear, while showing too much obscures view of parallel vehicles.
When adjusting the right-side rearview mirror of the car, I believe safety comes first. Sit properly in the normal driving position and adjust the mirror angle so that it shows a small portion of the rear bumper or the edge of the car body, but the main view should cover the lane behind. This helps reduce blind spots and ensures you can clearly see vehicles approaching from behind, rather than just focusing on your own car. If adjusted too far inward, it may completely block the lane view, making it difficult to spot approaching vehicles when changing lanes. Many accidents occur due to poorly adjusted rearview mirrors, so I always take time to calibrate it before driving, especially checking repeatedly during rainy or nighttime conditions to prevent enlarged blind spots. It’s also important to develop the habit of using the side mirrors in combination, which expands the field of vision and enhances driving safety, ensuring peace of mind on every trip.
