What is the proper position to adjust the rearview mirror?
2 Answers
The rearview mirror should be adjusted to a position where approximately one-third of the sky and two-thirds of the ground are visible. A car rearview mirror is a convex mirror that allows the driver, while seated in the driver's seat, to directly obtain external information about the rear, sides, and lower areas of the vehicle. For the convenience of the driver, to prevent traffic safety accidents, and to ensure personal safety, all countries mandate that vehicles must be equipped with rearview mirrors, and all mirrors must be adjustable in direction. For mirrors that do not provide a full field of view, a wide-angle mirror (small round mirror) can be added to the corner to ensure a broader view of the road conditions. Rearview mirrors have different reflectivity during the day and night, which is related to the reflective coating material on the inner surface of the mirror. The higher the reflectivity, the clearer the image reflected by the mirror. The angle of the rearview mirror also differs between day and night, so when replacing a rearview mirror, it is important to choose one with a reasonable curved design.
Adjusting mirror positions is a crucial safety habit. The interior rearview mirror should cover the entire rear window to ensure a clear view of vehicles behind you, without obstructing too much of your forward vision. For the side mirrors, it's best to have just a small portion of the car's body visible—about one-quarter—with the horizon positioned in the middle. This helps minimize blind spots effectively. When driving, I make it a habit to sit upright first and then slowly adjust the mirror angles to ensure clear visibility of side traffic when changing lanes or turning. Poorly adjusted mirrors can easily lead to side-swipe accidents, especially in low-light conditions at night. Regularly checking for loose or misaligned mirrors is also important, as it helps maintain confident driving in various road conditions.
