Why Can't the Rear Wheels Be Seen in the SUV Rearview Mirror?
2 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.
