How to adjust the side mirrors

Side mirrors play a crucial role in ensuring safe driving by providing a clear view of the road and surroundings. However, many drivers overlook the significance of properly adjusting their side mirrors, resulting in blind spots and potentially hazardous situations on the road. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to adjust your side mirrors effectively, maximizing your visibility and enhancing your driving experience.

First and foremost, sit in your vehicle’s driver’s seat and make sure you are comfortable and have a clear view of both the side mirrors and the rearview mirror. Remember, proper adjustment is key to eliminating blind spots and expanding your field of vision.

Starting with the driver’s side mirror, reach out and use the adjuster handle or buttons to orient the mirror. Begin by tilting the mirror downwards, giving you a view of the road behind your vehicle. Make sure the bottom edge of the mirror frames the horizon or is slightly above it. This downward tilt minimizes the blind spot directly behind your vehicle.

Next, adjust the side-to-side positioning of the mirror. Lean your head towards the window and adjust the mirror so that you can just barely see the side of your vehicle. Again, this ensures that the blind spot adjacent to your vehicle is minimized. While adjusting, keep in mind that you should not have to move your head to see the side mirror; it should be visible with minimal head movement.

After adjusting the driver’s side mirror, sit back in your natural driving position and take a moment to observe the mirror’s field of view. Ideally, you should see a combination of the rear side of your vehicle and the road behind you. If you see too much of your vehicle’s side, adjust the mirror outwards. On the other hand, if you see more of the road than your vehicle, adjust the mirror slightly inwards.

Now, let’s move on to the passenger side mirror. Follow the same procedure as the driver’s side mirror, starting by tilting it downwards to minimize the blind spot directly behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to frame the horizon, ensuring you have a clear view of the road. Then, adjust the mirror side-to-side so that you can see just a tiny portion of the side of your vehicle with minimal head movement.

Once both side mirrors are adjusted, sit back in your driving position and assess the overall view. You should be able to see a seamless view – from the rearview mirror to the side mirrors – with minimal overlap. If there is excessive overlap, you may need to readjust one or both mirrors.

Remember that mirrors alone cannot eliminate all blind spots completely. Always check your blind spots by turning your head and using your vehicle’s side windows before changing lanes or making a turn. However, properly adjusting your side mirrors significantly expands your field of vision and reduces blind spots, making your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

In conclusion, taking the time to adjust your vehicle’s side mirrors correctly can greatly enhance road visibility and safety. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can eliminate blind spots and have a clear view of the road behind you. Remember, mirrors are one of the essential tools for safe driving, so ensure they are properly adjusted before hitting the road. Happy driving!