What is the standard for adjusting rearview mirrors when reversing into a parking space?
2 Answers
The standard for adjusting rearview mirrors when reversing into a parking space is: The right rearview mirror should be adjusted to see the right rear wheel as much as possible, because during right-side reversing, you need to confirm the distance between the car body and the side line through the right rearview mirror, especially to check if the right rear wheel will press against the corner of the parking space. The left rearview mirror should be adjusted to see as far as possible while ensuring the car body is visible. Below are the methods to adjust the rearview mirrors to the optimal position: 1. Adjusting the central rearview mirror: Adjust the left and right positions so that the left edge of the mirror just cuts off your right ear in the reflection, meaning that under normal driving conditions, you cannot see yourself in the central rearview mirror. For the up and down positions, place the distant horizon in the center of the mirror. 2. Adjusting the left rearview mirror: For the up and down positions, place the distant horizon in the center, and for the left and right positions, adjust so that the car body occupies 1/4 of the mirror's range. 3. Adjusting the right rearview mirror: For the up and down positions, leave a larger ground area, about 2/3 of the mirror. For the left and right positions, adjust so that the car body occupies 1/4 of the mirror's area.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized adjusting the rearview mirrors properly before reversing into a parking space, with the core standard being to eliminate blind spots. The left mirror should be adjusted so that about a quarter of the car's rear is visible, with the rest showing the road conditions; the right mirror is similar but needs to be tilted a bit more to ensure you can see the right tire or the corner of the parking space. The interior rearview mirror should cover the entire rear window, providing a full view. Never rush into reversing—take a few seconds to fine-tune the mirrors and check if the rear wheels align with the parking lines. Failing to adjust them properly can easily lead to hitting corner posts or obstacles. When I first started, I scraped my neighbor's car because my mirrors weren't set right. Now it's a habit—I always glance at the mirrors before parking to confirm their position, ensuring safety and peace of mind.