Instructions for Adjusting Car Rearview Mirror Correctly

Rearview mirror are an indispensable part of every vehicle, playing a key role in ensuring traffic safety. Proper adjustment and maintenance of these mirrors can significantly improve the level of safety and comfort when driving.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the importance of rearview mirrors, how to adjust them correctly, and maintenance techniques, backed by expert insights and statistical data.

The important role of rearview mirrors

Rearview mirrors, also known as wing mirrors or door mirrors, have the following essential functions:

• Eliminate blind spots
• Safe lane change assist
• Assistance during parking
• Increase overall awareness of the surrounding situation

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSC), properly adjusted rearview mirrors can reduce blind spots by up to 85%, potentially preventing thousands of accidents each year.

Correct rearview mirror adjustment: BGE method

The Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE) method, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), is considered the gold standard in rearview mirror adjustment:

Driver side mirror:

• Lean your head against the driver's side window.
• Adjust the mirrors until you can only see a small portion of the car body.

Passenger side mirror:

• Lean towards the center of the car
• Adjust the mirrors until you can only see a small portion of the car body.

Center rearview mirror:

• Adjust to cover entire rear window
• Expert Tip: This method can reduce blind spots by up to 70% compared to traditional adjustment techniques.

Advanced mirror technology

Modern cars are often equipped with advanced mirror technology:

Maintenance and care

Regular maintenance of your rearview mirrors is important to ensure optimal performance:

• Regular cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to remove dirt.
• Check for damage: Check for cracks or breaks that may affect visibility.
• Tighten loose mirror: Make sure the mirror is securely attached to avoid shaking
• Lubricate moving parts: Use silicone oil on electric mirror mechanism annually

Did you know? A study by the Vietnam Insurance Institute for Road Safety (VIBA) found that vehicles with well-maintained side mirrors were 12% less likely to have an accident when changing lanes than vehicles with poorly maintained mirrors.

When to replace rearview mirrors

Consider replacing your rearview mirror if:

• Mirror surface is cracked or badly scratched
• Broken or loose mirror housing
• Electric or heating control function not working
• The reflective layer of the mirror is peeling off.

Replacement costs can range from 500.000 to 5.000.000+ VND depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Professional installation is recommended for complex mirror systems.

Instructions for replacing rearview mirrors yourself

For those with basic car maintenance experience, here is a step-by-step guide to replacing a side mirror:

• Prepare necessary tools (screwdriver, socket set, case removal tool)
• Disconnect the vehicle battery
• Carefully remove the door panel.
• Disconnect power (if applicable)
• Remove the old mirror assembly
• Install new mirror assembly
• Reconnect electrical components
• Reattach the door panel
• Reconnect the battery and test the new mirror.

Safety Warning: Always consult your vehicle owner's manual before attempting any DIY repairs. If unsure, seek professional help.

Properly adjusted and well-maintained side mirrors are essential to safe driving. By following the BGE method, keeping mirrors clean and in good working order, and staying informed about advanced mirror technology, drivers can significantly improve their safety and confidence on the road.

Remember, your rearview mirrors are your “eyes” on the road – treat them with the care and attention they deserve.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why do some cars have the right side mirror smaller than the left?

The right mirror is usually designed to be smaller and have a greater curvature for two main reasons:

• Reduce blind spots: Curved mirrors help expand the viewing angle, reducing blind spots by 15-20% compared to flat mirrors.
• Distance assessment: The image in the curved mirror is smaller than the actual image, helping drivers estimate the distance more safely when changing lanes or overtaking.

However, this reduction ratio is not more than 1:1.3 according to the regulations of many countries, ensuring that the image is still clear enough.

2. How to fix the problem of water condensation on the rearview mirror?

To solve the problem of condensation on the mirror, you can:

• Use specialized anti-fog agent for car glass, which helps create a hydrophobic layer, preventing 85-90% of moisture from sticking to the mirror surface.
• Install heated mirrors (if your car doesn't have one yet): This technology can evaporate condensation within 30-60 seconds at temperatures below 0°C.
• Use silica gel desiccant bags: Place a small bag containing 10-15g of silica gel in the mirror box, it can absorb up to 40% of its weight in water vapor.

3. What are the advantages of digital rearview mirrors over traditional mirrors?

Digital rearview mirrors have many outstanding advantages:

• Wider View: Provides up to 50 degree viewing angle, compared to 20 degrees of conventional mirrors.
• Eliminate blind spots: Reduce blind spots by up to 80% compared to traditional mirrors.
• Low-light visibility: Camera sensors capture light better than the human eye, improving night vision by 300%.
• Information integration: Can display data such as speed, collision warnings directly on the screen.

However, the installation cost is 3-5 times higher than that of conventional mirrors, which is a limitation to consider.

4. Is a right side rear view mirror mandatory?

According to Circular 41/2018/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam:

• Passenger cars (up to 9 seats) are required to have a left rearview mirror and an interior rearview mirror.
• The right side mirror is optional, but recommended for added safety.
• Trucks and passenger cars with more than 9 seats must have both left and right mirrors.

Although not mandatory for all vehicles, installing a right-side mirror reduces the risk of accidents when changing lanes or turning right by 22%, according to research by the Vietnam Road Safety Insurance Institute (VIBA). Read the article now: Note when adjusting the electric folding rearview mirror of the car The safest and most effective products are shared on the website.

5. Reputable car rearview mirror repair center?

If you do not have time to repair your car's rearview mirror, you can take the car to a reputable garage. And we - Thanh phong is a suggestion not to be missed. Here, you will be consulted by staff to share rearview mirror models suitable for the car's exterior as well as personal financial capabilities.

Installing a mirror / rearview mirror at Thanh Phong, the driver is committed to:

• Install firmly, in accordance with the technical requirements of each vehicle model.
• Genuine replacement mirror, quality assurance, aesthetics and visibility.
• Competitive prices compared to the general market.

The above has been shared related to repair/replace car rearview mirror. Thereby, when the car's rear glass is broken, you need to replace them to ensure the safety of everyone in the car and easier on the road.