How to Adjust and Use Your Mirrors Properly to Avoid Blind Spots

Content

• Rear View Mirror
• Side View Mirrors
• Setting Up Your Interior Mirror
• Setting up Your Side Mirrors
• What Are Blind Spots?
• How to Use Your Mirrors Properly
• FAQs

First, let's talk about why it's crucial to adjust your car mirrors. Think of them as your extra eyes in the back. They help you see what's happening behind and beside your car without twisting your neck like an owl. This is very important for a few reasons:

Parking: Imagine parking without checking your mirrors i.e. rear view mirror and side view mirror. Not a good idea! Mirrors help you see how close you are to other cars, walls, or things you might miss.

Changing Lanes: When you're on the road or highway and want to switch lanes, you need to know if there's another car in the lane you want to move into. Mirrors are your best friends here, helping you avoid accidents.

Staying Vigilant: Mirrors keep you informed about what's going on around your car. They let you know if a car is speeding up behind you or if a bicycle is coming up on your right side.

Now, let's talk about adjusting these mirrors:

Rear View Mirror

It's easy. Set it up so you can see as much as possible through your rear window.

Side View Mirrors

This is where people often make mistakes. Many adjust their side mirrors to see their own car's sides. Not entirely wrong, but not the best. You should set them so your car is just out of view. This way, you cover more of your blind spots – the areas your mirrors can't naturally see.

When you initially adjust your mirrors like this, it might feel strange. It's a change, and your instinct might tell you to tilt them back towards your car. But be patient. Take a short drive around the block or a brief trip to get used to it.

It will take some time to adapt to glancing at your side mirrors without seeing the side of your car. It's a bit like trying on a new pair of glasses – things might seem unusual at first. However, with time, you'll get used to it, and you'll realize that this mirror setup provides a broader and more helpful view. The goal is to ensure you can see as much as possible around your car, prioritizing safety for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Safety always comes first, after all.

Setting Up Your Interior Mirror

Step 1: Get Comfortable in Your Seat

Before you begin adjusting any mirror, ensure you're sitting in your usual driving position. The seat's position, the headrest angle, and your posture – all of these factors will impact what you can see in the mirror.

Step 2: Identify the Adjusting Mechanism

Your mirror is typically connected to your windshield with a small arm. On that arm, there will be a lever or a rotating piece that allows you to change the mirror's position. Locate this mechanism before making any adjustments.

Step 3: Adjust the Mirror

Adjust the mirror so that you can see your entire rear window while sitting in your usual driving position. The goal is to have a clear view of cars, pedestrians, cyclists, or any other objects behind your vehicle without needing to move your head significantly.

Importance

The significance of properly adjusting your interior mirror cannot be emphasized enough. It serves as your primary means of observing what's happening behind you while driving. If it's positioned incorrectly, you could overlook critical information, potentially resulting in hazardous situations.

Keep These Thing In Mind When You Set Up The Interior Mirror

Setting up your interior mirror properly is essential for a safe drive. Here are some important points to remember:

• Make sure the mirror provides a clear view of the entire rear window, not just a small portion of it.
• At night, flip the tab on the bottom of your rear-view mirror to avoid being blinded by headlights.
• Be cautious when your car's interior lights are on or if your sunroof is open, as these can affect your rear-view mirror's visibility.

Additional Tips:

• Regularly clean your mirrors to ensure they provide a clear view.
• If your mirror is electronic, explore additional options like automatic dimming or memory settings for different drivers, as mentioned in your vehicle's manual.

Remember that your interior mirror is just one aspect of your overall awareness while driving. Don't forget to use your side mirrors and manually check blind spots when changing lanes or turning.

Setting up your interior mirror correctly is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable drive. Always prioritize safety on the road!

Setting up Your Side Mirrors

Step 1: Find Your Comfortable Seat Position

Before adjusting your mirrors, sit in your driving seat comfortably, just as you would when driving. Your mirror settings depend on your seat position, so this step is crucial.

Step 2: Adjusting the Driver's Side Mirror

Gently rest your head against the driver's side window, then adjust the mirror until your car is barely visible on the right side of the mirror. It may feel unusual since many people adjust mirrors to see their own car, but this method reduces blind spots effectively.

Step 3: Adjusting the Passenger's Side Mirror

For the passenger's side mirror, sit normally in your seat or lean slightly toward the center of the car. Adjust this mirror until your car is just out of sight on the left side of the mirror.

The Importance of Properly Adjusted Side Mirrors

Correctly adjusting your side mirrors is essential for improving safety on the road. It significantly reduces blind spots and enhances your awareness of other vehicles, making informed decisions, especially during lane changes or while reversing. Points to Keep in Mind.

• After adjusting, sit back in your usual driving position and glance at each mirror. Ensure you have a clear view without needing to move your head too much.
• Keep in mind that mirrors have limitations and won't cover every angle. Always manually check your blind spots before changing lanes or making maneuvers.
• Adjust your mirrors in different lighting conditions. What works during the day might cause glare at night.

Additional Tips

• Keep your side mirrors clean to maintain visibility. Dust or smudges can hinder your view and obscure important details.
• Consider using blind-spot mirrors, small convex mirrors that attach to your side mirrors. They help you see into your blind spots.
• If your mirrors are electric, remember to return the control switch to the neutral position after adjusting. This prevents unintended movement if the switch gets bumped.

Remember, the goal of setting your exterior mirrors is to expand your field of vision and minimize blind spots. They are a vital part of your car's safety system, so take the time to adjust them correctly.

What Are Blind Spots?

Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you can't see when looking forward or using your rear-view and side mirrors. These spots are "blind" to the driver, meaning you need to turn your head to see them.

In a typical passenger car, there are usually two main blind spots – one on the left and one on the right, over your shoulders. If another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist is in these areas, they are in your blind spot.

For instance, when a car comes up beside you while driving, there might be a moment when you can't see it in your rear-view or side mirrors – that's when it's in your blind spot.

Blind spots can be risky, especially when you want to change lanes or make a turn. To stay safe, always physically turn your head and look into these areas before making any such moves. Some modern cars have blind spot detection systems to help drivers be aware of vehicles in their blind spots.

How to Use Your Mirrors Properly

Merging Lanes on the Interstate: Safe Steps

When changing lanes, follow these steps for safe merging:

• Check your rearview mirror for trailing cars.
• Signal your intention to change lanes.
• Examine the side mirror on the side you're shifting to. For instance, if moving from the left lane to the right lane, check the right side mirror for oncoming traffic.
• Keep scanning between your rearview and side mirrors during the merge.

Stay Safe While Driving

Safety experts advise maintaining a continuous check of all your car's mirrors while driving. Every five seconds, briefly look at one mirror, beginning with the driver's side mirror.

Parallel Parking Made Easy

When parallel parking, all three mirrors play a crucial role in your success. For detailed instructions on how to use your mirrors to skillfully maneuver your vehicle into a tight parking spot, check our guide on "How to Parallel Park."

Towing a Trailer? Mirror Check is Vital!

When towing a trailer, always keep a close eye on your mirrors. While making turns, pay special attention to the mirror on the side of the turn to prevent the trailer's wheels from hitting the curb.

FAQs

How Often Should You Check Your Mirrors?

You should check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds while driving to maintain situational awareness and monitor your surroundings.

What Is The Purpose Of A Rearview Mirror In A Car?

The purpose of a rearview mirror in a car is to provide a clear view of the road behind, helping the driver make safe lane changes and navigate traffic.

Is It Illegal To Drive Without A Side Mirror?

It can be illegal to drive without a side mirror in some jurisdictions, as they are essential for safe driving and visibility.

How To Fix Rear View Mirror?

To fix a rear view mirror, clean the glass, reattach it using a mirror adhesive kit, and adjust it to the desired position.

When Making A Lane Change In Front Of A Car, Where Should That Car Be In Your Mirrors?

When making a lane change in front of a car, the car should be clearly visible in your rearview mirror and your side mirror before changing lanes to ensure safety.