Why Can't the Rear Wheels Be Seen in the SUV Rearview Mirror?
4 Answers
SUV rearview mirrors cannot see the rear wheels because the wheelbase itself is too small. The following are the adjustments and functions of the rearview mirror: Adjustment of the rearview mirror: The central rearview mirror helps the driver quickly assess the road conditions behind and maintain a safe distance from the following vehicles. Adjust the central rearview mirror so that it is parallel to the horizon and positioned in the center of the mirror surface, slightly facing the driver to ensure a clear view of the vehicles directly behind. Since the left rearview mirror is closer to the driver's side, the driver's blind spot is smaller, providing a wider field of vision, and the adjustment angle is not as large as that of the right rearview mirror. Similarly, adjust the horizon to the center of the left rearview mirror while ensuring that one-quarter of the car body is visible in the mirror. If too little of the car body is visible, it becomes difficult to see vehicles close to the rear; if too much of the car body is visible, it becomes hard to clearly see vehicles that are already partially parallel. Function of the rearview mirror: Observe the road conditions behind. When needing to change lanes, first turn on the turn signal, then observe the situation of the following vehicles through the interior rearview mirror, and confirm safety before changing lanes. If you observe that the following vehicle has turned on its turn signal or shows an intention to change lanes, be sure to yield. Alternatively, if you notice a heavy-duty truck behind you in the rearview mirror, you can change lanes to avoid potential danger.
From my experience driving SUVs, this is quite common mainly because SUVs have a higher body height than sedans, and the rearview mirrors are also designed to be positioned slightly higher, making it normal not to see the rear wheels. Don’t assume that seeing the wheels is a good thing—it might actually mean your line of sight is too close, causing you to overlook more important vehicles or obstacles behind you, which could lead to accidents. When driving, I always make sure my rearview mirrors cover at least 50 meters behind me instead of focusing on the wheels. For reversing or turning, I recommend relying more on the side mirrors or the rearview camera to help check the wheel positions—this is both safer and more convenient. I remember once almost scraping a corner while reversing because I couldn’t see the wheels clearly, but thankfully the camera saved the day. In short, the design intention behind not seeing the rear wheels is to help us focus on the broader road dynamics. Once you get used to it, there’s no need to worry.
As an SUV owner, I've found this issue is related to the vehicle's body structure and rearview mirror angles. With SUVs having a higher chassis, the mirrors are typically mounted above the doors, naturally directing the view toward rear road conditions rather than beneath the wheels. When reversing, I sometimes manually adjust the seat and mirror positions, but most times still can't see the wheels since manufacturers prioritize providing a 150-degree rear view to eliminate blind spots. If you drive in cities with tight parking spaces, I'd recommend installing a parking sensor or backup camera - they're much more effective than straining to see through mirrors. From a comfort perspective, not seeing the wheels isn't a flaw; it actually simplifies driving focus. Maintaining safe distances matters more - don't stress over minor details. After years of driving, I've adapted to this design which helps reduce distracted driving risks.
In my opinion, this is related to the design standards of vehicle rearview mirrors. The height of an SUV's chassis results in the mirror's angle being unable to cover the area beneath the vehicle. The main focus is to reduce blind spots, allowing drivers to clearly see vehicles and the road behind them. Car manufacturers follow safety regulations during design, such as legal requirements that rearview mirrors must provide a certain range of reflective visibility, but this does not include the wheels themselves, as they are not considered critical observation points. When reversing, side mirrors or sensing devices can compensate to ensure accurate wheel positioning. Don't worry, this is for the sake of driving safety, and once you get used to the operation, it won't feel troublesome anymore.
