Why is the right rearview mirror lower than the left?

[McArianna]

The reason why the right rearview mirror is lower than the left rearview mirror: Since the driver sits on the left side of the car, the view from the driver's perspective of the left and right rearview mirrors will differ. To restore the actual scene as much as possible and ensure that the driver sees consistent images in both rearview mirrors, the right rearview mirror is set lower than the left. Methods for properly adjusting the rearview mirror angles: 1. Left rearview mirror: The left side has better visibility, with a smaller blind spot and a larger observable range. Position the horizon in the middle of the mirror. Ideally, the view should cover the rear of the car, making driving and reversing more convenient. Adjust the distant horizon reflection to the center of the mirror and the reflection of the left side of the car to occupy the right 1/4 area of the mirror. 2. Right rearview mirror: The right side of the car has a larger blind spot, and the rearview mirror is farther away with a smaller observable range. It can be adjusted slightly lower than the left side, with the horizon positioned above the middle of the mirror. The ground observation range should occupy about 2/3 of the mirror, while the reflection of the right side of the car should occupy the left 1/4 area of the mirror. 3. Central rearview mirror: From the driver's seat, the entire rear window should be centered in the mirror, with the distant horizon aligned exactly with the middle line of the mirror.

[LaManuel]

I've been driving all my life, and I've always noticed that the right rearview mirror is set a bit lower than the left one. This isn't a quality issue—it's designed that way. In left-hand drive vehicles, the driver's position is on the left, creating a larger blind spot when looking at the right mirror. Setting it slightly lower helps better cover the blind spot on the right side of the lane, such as spotting nearby bicycles or small obstacles, reducing lane-changing accidents. I remember when I first started driving in my youth, I always thought the mirror was broken. Later, after asking a mechanic, I learned it was a standard design. Nowadays, new cars come with camera assistance, but this basic setting remains unchanged. Every time I hit the highway, this adjustment makes for a safer view—it's really not something to casually raise. For safety's sake, it's best not to tamper with the factory position.

[LaMatteo]

Just the other day, I was chatting with my neighbor about this. His car's right rearview mirror was also positioned lower than the left one, which initially made him think he had adjusted it incorrectly. I explained to him that this isn't an isolated issue but actually a common design principle: when the driver's seat is positioned more to the left, having the right mirror slightly lower helps us see road details and the curb more clearly, preventing us from missing small objects. The left mirror being higher is more beneficial for observing the overall traffic behind. From a safety perspective, this setup is quite reasonable. Personally, when driving in the city, I find the slightly lower right mirror helpful for checking blind spots. Preferences might vary from person to person, but it's generally best to stick with the factory design. Don't worry about damaging the vehicle—just drive as normal.

[Jasper]

As a car enthusiast, I know the right rearview mirror is designed lower to optimize the viewing angle: in left-hand drive layouts, the driver's perspective is asymmetrical, so the right mirror is set lower to expand road coverage and reduce blind spot risks. The left mirror focuses more on the overall rear view. This isn't a mistake, but rather based on ergonomics. Simply put, this setup makes driving more practical and efficient on the road.