What is the optimal adjustment position for left and right rearview mirrors?
2 Answers
Here are the detailed instructions for adjusting the positions of left and right rearview mirrors: 1. Left rearview mirror: It can be adjusted up, down, left, and right via electric switch or manual adjustment. The optimal adjustment angle for the left rearview mirror is when the road environment occupies most of the mirror surface, with only 1/4 of the car body visible, and the road vanishing point positioned at the center of the mirror. 2. Right rearview mirror: Similarly, the optimal adjustment angle for the right rearview mirror is when the road environment occupies most of the mirror surface. Since the right rearview mirror is farther from the driver's line of sight, to maximize visibility of the road environment, the road vanishing point should be positioned at the upper part of the mirror, and again, only 1/4 of the car body should be visible.
After driving for so many years, I believe the core of adjusting the side mirrors lies in maximizing visibility for safety. The left mirror should be adjusted so that you can slightly see a part of your own car's rear—about one-quarter of the mirror should show the car body, while the rest is left for the road behind. This helps quickly position and avoid blind spots when changing lanes. As for the right mirror, the angle should be wider, showing just a tiny bit of the car body or none at all, with the focus on covering the blind spot area to the side and rear. This is because the right side has a larger blind zone, making it easier to miss motorcycles or bicycles. Always adjust the mirrors while seated in the driver's seat, maintaining a normal driving posture, and use the door or center console knob to fine-tune them slowly. Avoid letting the sky or ground occupy too much space, as it can obstruct your view. Regularly check the mirror positions, as road bumps might shift them—it's a good practice to glance at the mirrors before driving to ensure safe operation. If possible, test the visibility at different speeds in suburban areas to further reduce accident risks. In short, well-adjusted mirrors make lane changes and parking much smoother.
