How To Correctly Adjust Your Side Mirrors

Properly adjusted side mirrors are essential for safe driving. They provide a wider field of view than your rearview mirror, allowing you to see what's happening behind and beside your vehicle. This is crucial for changing lanes, merging onto highways, and avoiding blind spots. While many drivers simply point their side mirrors outward, the correct adjustment ensures you can see as much as possible without having to turn your head excessively. This article will guide you through the proper steps to adjust both your driver and passenger side mirrors for optimal visibility.

The "Blind Spot" Myth

Many drivers mistakenly believe that their side mirrors should be adjusted to eliminate the blind spot. However, this is incorrect. The blind spot is a physical area behind and slightly to the side of your vehicle that cannot be seen directly through any mirror. Adjust your mirrors to see as much as possible, understanding that there will always be a blind spot. You'll be alerted to potential hazards in your blind spots by turning your head slightly before changing lanes.

Adjusting Your Driver's Side Mirror

Follow these steps to adjust your driver's side mirror: 1.

Sit in your usual driving position, with your seat adjusted for comfort and visibility.

Lean your head to the left, resting it against the driver's side window.

This position will allow you to see directly into the mirror without turning your head. 3.

Adjust the mirror until you can see the edge (the furthest corner) of your car in the mirror, extending to the point where it meets the edge of the mirror.

This creates a clear view of the lane directly beside you. 4.

Once the edge of your vehicle is visible, adjust the mirror slightly inward until you can see just a glimpse of the rear bumper of your vehicle.

This will be a small section of the rear bumper, but it will ensure that you can see the entirety of that lane in your mirror. Adjusting your driver's side mirror this way eliminates unnecessary head turns while driving, improving awareness and safety.

Adjusting Your Passenger's Side Mirror

Follow these steps to adjust your passenger's side mirror: 1.

Sit in your usual driving position with your seat adjusted for comfort and visibility.

Turn your head to the right just enough to see the right rear edge of your vehicle.

This position will allow you to see directly into the mirror without turning your head excessively. 3.

Adjust the mirror until you can see the edge (the furthest corner) of your vehicle in the mirror, extending to the point where it meets the edge of the mirror.

This creates a clear view of the lane directly beside you. 4.

Once the edge of your vehicle is visible, adjust the mirror slightly inward until you can see just a glimpse of the rear bumper of your vehicle.

This will be a small section of the rear bumper, but it will ensure that you can see the entirety of that lane in your mirror. Make sure to adjust your mirrors regularly, especially after carrying bulky items or passengers in the vehicle. This guarantees optimal visibility and enhances your safety on the road.

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