Will the Rearview Mirror Be Affected If It Gets Knocked Backwards?

[LaConnor]

Normally, if the rearview mirror gets knocked backwards, it won't have much impact because the mirror is designed to be foldable. You can simply bend it back into place. However, if the collision is too severe, it may damage the bearing, requiring timely replacement. The rearview mirror is one of the important safety components of a motor vehicle, used to observe the road conditions behind the car during reversing and to monitor the surroundings while driving. Currently, most rearview mirrors use convex mirrors with a spherical surface, featuring varying radii of curvature. The reflected images appear smaller than actual size but provide a wider field of view. When adjusting the rearview mirror, first adjust your seating position properly before adjusting the mirror. For the left-side mirror, position it vertically so that the distant horizon is centered, and horizontally so that the car body occupies about 1/4 of the mirror's surface. For the right-side mirror, since the driver's seat is on the left, it's harder to accurately gauge the right side of the car. Additionally, frequent right-side parking necessitates a larger ground view in the right mirror—about 2/3 of the mirror's surface. Horizontally, adjust it so the car body occupies 1/4 of the mirror.

[MacIsabel]

A broken rearview mirror definitely has an impact. I just went through this myself, and it made driving nerve-wracking. Normally, I rely on it to check for vehicles and pedestrians behind me when reversing, but now there are more blind spots. I nearly scraped against bicycles parked by the wall several times, especially in tight parking lots or at night—visibility was drastically reduced. If not fixed promptly, it could even lead to traffic violations, and getting pulled over by the police means fines, not to mention the risk of potential accidents. I recommend going to an auto repair shop as soon as possible for an inspection. Sometimes, it’s just a cracked casing, and replacing it costs a few hundred bucks. Otherwise, continuing to drive increases safety hazards. Remember, safe driving comes first—don’t skimp on this small expense.

[McMatteo]

I understand the hassle of fixing a side mirror. Last time, my neighbor scratched my car's mirror in the neighborhood. At first, I thought it was no big deal and kept driving, but I kept making mistakes while reversing, hitting the curb several times, and even damaging the tires. Taking extra time to look back is one solution, but it's not reliable, especially on rainy days when visibility is poor—you might miss a child or obstacle in the blind spot. The repair cost isn't high; a new mirror usually costs around 200-300 RMB, plus a few dozen for labor. Just get it done properly at a reputable shop. If you delay too long, water might seep into the car's electrical system through the damaged area. In short, don't tough it out—small issues can turn into big headaches.

[MilesLee]

A broken rearview mirror has a huge impact on driving. As a novice female driver, I fear this the most. Every time I park, I have to lean out the window to check, afraid of hitting obstacles behind me. The sound of the reverse radar can't cover all situations. Over time, my muscles tense up, and after driving for a while, my shoulders and back ache. Blind spots multiply, especially at crowded intersections, making me nervous. Quickly find someone to tape it temporarily, then schedule a repair shop for a replacement—don't delay until it causes an accident. Safety is more important than convenience.