Will the rearview mirror break if folded forward?
2 Answers
Folding the rearview mirror in reverse will not cause damage. Rearview mirrors are designed with a reverse folding function, allowing them to be folded backward. The rearview mirror is a tool that enables the driver, seated in the driver's seat, to directly obtain external information about the rear, side, and lower areas of the vehicle. To facilitate driver operation, prevent traffic safety accidents, and ensure personal safety, countries worldwide mandate the installation of rearview mirrors on vehicles, and all rearview mirrors must be adjustable in direction. Rearview mirrors can be categorized into two types based on adjustment methods: 1. External Adjustment: This method involves manually adjusting the position of the mirror frame or mirror surface while the vehicle is parked to achieve the desired viewing angle. This approach is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to complete conveniently in one attempt. The driver must reach out of the window to adjust the mirror while seated, which is inconvenient during driving or rainy conditions. Generally, large vehicles, trucks, and low-end buses use external adjustment to reduce costs. 2. Internal Adjustment: This method allows the driver to adjust the rearview mirror while driving, providing more convenient conditions for observing the rear view. Most mid-range and high-end cars adopt internal adjustment. This method is further divided into manual adjustment (using cable transmission or a handle) and electric adjustment.
I've been driving for over a decade, and my side mirrors often get bumped by others or accidentally folded forward by myself. To be honest, most of the time it's fine. The joint of the mirror is designed for this purpose—it can bend forward or backward to avoid damage in tight parking spaces. The key is not to use brute force, as that can loosen the joint or even destabilize the mirror's mounting. I usually fold them in when parking on the street to prevent others from hitting them when opening doors, and this habit has kept my mirrors intact. Remember, for older models, the joints may have aged and become brittle, so regular checks for looseness are important to avoid sudden detachment, which could affect safety. If it does break, repairs aren't expensive, but it's a hassle to visit the repair shop, so handle them gently—think of it as protecting your wallet.
