How Do You Adjust Your Side View Mirrors

How Do You Adjust Your Side View Mirrors?

Properly adjusted side view mirrors are essential for safe driving. They provide a wider field of vision, helping you anticipate potential hazards and make safer decisions on the road. While it might seem like a simple task, there's more to it than just pointing them outward. This article will guide you through the process of correctly adjusting your side view mirrors, ensuring you have optimal visibility for a safer driving experience.

The "Blind Spot" Myth: Understanding the Goal

Many drivers believe the goal of side mirror adjustment is to eliminate the "blind spot" – the area behind and to the side of the car that can't be seen in the rearview mirror. However, this approach is flawed. Eliminating the blind spot entirely is impossible with mirrors alone, as the shape of the car inherently hinders visibility. Instead, the focus should be on maximizing your overall field of vision, not on completely eliminating a specific area.

Think of your side view mirrors as an extension of your rearview mirror. They should work in tandem to create a complete picture of what's happening around you. As you'll see in the following steps, the ideal adjustment allows you to see the sides of your car in both the side and rearview mirrors, creating a continuous, wide view.

The Correct Adjustment Technique

Adjusting your side view mirrors correctly is a two-step process:

1. Initial Adjustment:

Sit in the driver's seat and adjust the driver's seat to your usual driving position. Make sure you are sitting upright and comfortable. Now, follow these steps:

Lean your head towards the driver's side window, looking at the side of your car. You should be able to barely see the edge of your vehicle in the mirror.
Adjust the mirror inward until you can no longer see the edge of your vehicle. This initial adjustment ensures that the mirror's field of vision is primarily focused on the area behind and to the side of your car, where potential hazards might appear.

2. Final Adjustment:

Repeat the initial adjustment process for the passenger side mirror. Now, return to the driver's seat and look straight ahead. The key here is to ensure you have an uninterrupted view of traffic behind you, without any gaps in your vision. If you find a blind spot, adjust the mirrors slightly to ensure you can see the whole area.

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate the blind spot entirely, but to minimize it by creating a seamless field of vision across all three mirrors. This adjustment helps you easily track vehicles behind and to the side, allowing you to react quickly and safely.

Benefits of Correct Side View Mirror Adjustment

Properly adjusted side view mirrors offer several benefits:

1. Enhanced Situational Awareness:

By maximizing your field of vision, properly adjusted mirrors allow you to perceive your surroundings more effectively. You can see approaching vehicles, objects in your blind spot, and even potential hazards further away, giving you more time to react.

2. Improved Lane Changes:

With a wider view, lane changes become safer and more confident. You can easily track vehicles in adjacent lanes and avoid potential collisions when merging.

3. Reduced Risk of Accidents:

By providing a more complete picture of your surroundings, properly adjusted mirrors reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by blind spots or late detection of hazards.

While technology is increasingly available to mitigate blind spots, such as blind spot monitoring systems, it's essential to master the manual adjustment technique. It provides you with a crucial skill that remains valuable even with advanced safety features.