Where to Stick the Small Round Mirror on the Rearview Mirror?
4 Answers
The small round mirror should be stuck on the inner side of the rearview mirror. Rearview mirrors can be categorized by their installation positions: central rearview mirror, left rearview mirror, and right rearview mirror. The functions of the small round mirror are introduced as follows: Reduce Blind Spots: During daily driving, due to certain blind spots in the line of sight, it is often impossible to see some situations on adjacent roads, such as when a vehicle behind overtakes or makes a U-turn. These situations can create blind spots. Installing a small round mirror can expand the field of vision and reduce blind spots on the right rear side of the vehicle. Expand Field of Vision: When the driver sits in the cab, they generally cannot see the situation on the sides and rear of the vehicle. After installing a small round mirror, the driver's viewing angle can be increased, allowing clear visibility of the rear wheels when reversing.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the placement of small round mirrors is quite particular. It's best to stick them on the outer lower corner of the rearview mirrors—the left mirror on the bottom left corner and the right mirror on the bottom right corner. This way, you can clearly see the position of the rear wheels and the roadside curb. If placed too low, it may block your normal view, while placing it too high makes it hard to see the wheels. After sticking them, remember to sit in the driver's seat and adjust the angle so that the edge of the rear wheel just appears in the small round mirror. During rush hour traffic jams, this small angle helps me easily avoid curbs, makes parallel parking a breeze, and gives me extra confidence when navigating narrow alleys.
As a new driver who got my license six months ago, blind spot mirrors are truly a godsend. I went through three sets before figuring out the perfect placement: bottom left corner for the left mirror, and bottom right corner for the right mirror. Initially, I placed them too close to the center which blocked my view while reversing, but when positioned too far out, visibility was poor. Now I always check the mirrors before driving to ensure they're adjusted just right to see the rear tire edges. Installing them at night even helps prevent wheel rim scratches from curbs, saving me a lot on touch-up paint. I've even gained confidence to reverse in rainy conditions without worrying about crossing lines anymore.
The placement of small round mirrors directly affects the field of vision. The upper left corner is suitable for observing distant oncoming vehicles but is almost useless when reversing; the lower left corner can monitor the trajectory of the rear wheels, essential for parallel parking. The upper right corner can expand the rear view, while the lower right corner specifically tackles the right-side blind spot. Most people choose to place them on the lower left and lower right: the left side allows visibility of the rear tire contact position, and the right side can avoid the blind spot for electric vehicles. Misplacement renders them ineffective, so it's recommended to first simulate the position with a handheld mirror before sticking, ensuring no overlap or obstruction of the field of vision when seated in the driver's position.
