How Do You Adjust Your Side Mirrors Correctly

How Do You Adjust Your Side Mirrors Correctly?

Properly adjusted side mirrors are essential for safe driving. They provide a wider field of view, allowing you to see more of what's around your vehicle and anticipate potential hazards. Incorrectly adjusted mirrors, on the other hand, can create blind spots, increasing the risk of collisions. This article will guide you through the process of adjusting your side mirrors for optimal visibility and safety.

Understand the “Blind Spot” Concept

Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen in your rearview or side mirrors. They are particularly dangerous because you may be unaware of other vehicles or objects in these areas. Properly adjusting your side mirrors aims to minimize these blind spots.

The goal of side mirror adjustment is to ensure that the mirror's field of view overlaps with the rearview mirror. This overlap eliminates the blind spot directly beside your vehicle. The key to achieving this is to adjust your mirrors outward, towards the side of your vehicle, rather than inward, as many drivers mistakenly do.

Adjusting Your Side Mirrors for Maximum Visibility

To adjust your side mirrors correctly, follow these steps:

Sit in your normal driving position. Ensure your seat is adjusted to a comfortable height and that your mirrors are properly positioned for optimal visibility.
Adjust your rearview mirror first. Make sure you can clearly see the road behind you, extending as far as possible without any obstructions.
Adjust the driver's side mirror. Lean your head slightly to the left, until your left cheek almost rests on the window. Adjust the mirror outward, toward the side of your vehicle, until you can just barely see the edge of your car in the reflection. The majority of the mirror view should be focused on what's behind you, not on your car.
Adjust the passenger side mirror. Repeat the same process for the passenger side. Lean your head slightly to the right, and adjust the mirror outward until you can barely see the edge of your car in the reflection. Focus on the view behind you, not on your car.
Double-check your adjustment. Once you've adjusted both side mirrors, check that the field of view of each overlaps with the rearview mirror. If you no longer see your car in the side mirrors, you've adjusted them correctly.
Practice in a safe environment. After adjusting your mirrors, drive in a safe area with minimal traffic, such as an empty parking lot, and practice turning your head and checking your mirrors to ensure the process is comfortable and effective.

Tips to Enhance Mirror Adjustment

Here are some additional tips to help you optimize your side mirror adjustment:

Consider your vehicle type. Different vehicles have different body styles and mirror placement, which can affect the best mirror adjustment. Be mindful of your specific vehicle and its characteristics.
Adjust your mirrors regularly. Your mirrors may need to be adjusted over time as you change your driving position, adjust your seat height, or even wear different glasses or hats. Make a habit of checking your mirror adjustment before each drive.
Use the "blind spot mirror" setting. Some vehicles have a "blind spot mirror" setting, which allows you to adjust the mirrors so that you can see vehicles in your blind spot. If your vehicle has this feature, learn how to activate and utilize it.
Utilize technology. Some newer vehicles come equipped with advanced features like blind spot monitoring systems, lane departure warnings, and rear cross-traffic alert. These technological aids can significantly enhance your awareness of your surroundings and reduce the risk of accidents.

Always remember, mirror adjustments are a personal matter. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you. Regularly checking your mirrors and understanding their limitations is crucial for maintaining a safe driving environment.