Why Can't I See the Rear Wheels in the SUV Rearview Mirror?
2 Answers
If you can't see the rear wheels in your SUV's rearview mirror, it may be due to the wheelbase being too short or the SUV's waistline being more pronounced than that of regular vehicles. Here are the specific standards for adjusting SUV rearview mirrors: Center Rearview Mirror: The center rearview mirror helps the driver quickly assess road conditions behind and maintain a safe distance from following vehicles. Adjust the center mirror so that it is parallel to the horizon and centered in the mirror surface, with the mirror slightly angled toward the driver to ensure a clear view of vehicles directly behind. Left Rearview Mirror: The left rearview mirror is closer to the driver's side, resulting in a smaller blind spot and a wider field of view, requiring less adjustment compared to the right mirror. Similarly, adjust the horizon to the center of the left mirror while keeping one-quarter of the vehicle's body visible in the mirror. Showing too little of the vehicle may obscure cars close to the rear, while showing too much may make it difficult to see vehicles partially alongside. Right Rearview Mirror: The right side has a larger blind spot, so the adjustment differs from the left mirror. Adjust the horizon to two-thirds of the right mirror's height, with one-quarter of the vehicle's body visible.
I've been driving an SUV for over a decade, and the main reason the rearview mirror can't see the rear wheels is due to the high body height, which increases blind spots. This is an inherent design issue with SUVs. If the position and angle of the rearview mirror aren't adjusted properly, you won't be able to see the bottom wheels. I recommend adjusting the mirrors before driving, tilting them downward as much as possible, or installing wide-angle mirrors for assistance. When reversing, don't rely solely on the rearview mirror—use the backup camera or radar system more often to avoid hitting obstacles. SUV safety indeed depends on these details. I check them every day before driving to build good habits. If the rearview mirrors are small or worn out, it's best to replace them with larger, anti-glare models for clearer visibility.