How to Use and Adjust Your Car Mirrors Properly

Although various carmakers have started offering blind-spot detection systems with their cars' side mirrors, but this feature is still within the reach of only a few percentage of car drivers. So how does the majority of drivers in the country avoid getting bumped from behind? Since generations - from grandfather to father, to us, we have been setting our side-view mirrors in a way that give us a clear view of the back corner of our cars. 

The correct positioning of the rear and the side view mirrors is one of the most important safety aspects of the car. The mirrors are an important visual as well as a safety aid to avoid the blind spots and to change the lanes with quite an ease. With the help of inside mirror aka rear view mirror, you can come to know what is behind your car. On the other hands, the side mirrors can make you aware of the parallel running traffic. With properly adjusted mirrors, you don’t need to turn your head to look out for the blind zones, in fact, a short glance at both the mirrors is enough. So, before starting your car, make sure that both the rear and side view mirrors have a clear visibility. Below are the recommended adjustment settings to change the lanes or merge your car into the traffic safely:

Positioning the Rear-View/Inside Mirror:

1. Once you are seated in your normal driving position, maneuver the rear view mirror, so that you can view the entire rear windscreen distinctly. Once adjusted, you need not move your head, but the eyes only, for the quick glance at the rear while driving.

2. The taller driver might need to readjust the mirror-inverted to get the best possible rear eyeshot without moving the head. The upside-down repositioning consists of 1-2 inches only, but it can be a savior for a tall driver with regards to the blind areas.

Positioning the Side-View/Outside Mirror:

1. To adjust the driver’s side exterior mirror, place your head against the driver side window so that you can hardly view the driver’s side. Now sit back to ensure that you can see the road behind the vehicle and a humble side of your car as well.

2. Next, you need to adjust the co-driver side mirror for a manifest vision. For the same, you will have to move your head in the center of passenger’s and driver’s seat. Now, make the required adjustment, so that you can barely see the passenger’s side.

To ensure the correct positioning of the mirror which you have adjusted, observe one vehicle overtaking in an adjacent lane. The car should reflect in your outside (side view) mirror right after leaving the inside the (rearview) mirror. And before leaving the outside mirror, the car should appear in your peripheral sight. The updated settings can also be checked while the vehicle is parallel parked on a street. You can see how the running vehicles pass through the mirrors and come in your peripheral vision.

Not to forget that only the properly adjusted mirrors can’t repel all the blind areas, but you should also check the sides properly before changing the lane.