Introduction
Adjusting your car mirrors correctly is crucial for safe driving, providing you with the best possible view of the road and your surroundings. Proper mirror adjustment minimizes blind spots, which are areas around the vehicle that the driver cannot see through the mirrors or peripheral vision. This guide will walk you through the steps to check and adjust your car mirrors for optimal visibility.
Checking and Adjusting the Rearview Mirror
Step 1: Sit Properly
Before adjusting any mirrors, ensure you're seated in your normal driving position. Your back should be against the seatback, and you should have a clear view of the dashboard and out of the windshield.
Step 2: Adjust the Rearview Mirror
The rearview mirror is designed to give you a clear view of the road behind you. To adjust it:
- Hold the mirror at the edges to avoid fingerprints.
- Move it so you can see the entire rear window and as little of the interior as possible.
- Ensure the horizon line you see in the mirror is about in the center of the mirror.
Checking and Adjusting the Side Mirrors
Step 1: Adjust the Driver's Side Mirror
To adjust the driver's side mirror for optimal visibility:
- Lean your head until it almost touches the driver's window.
- From this position, adjust the mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car.
This positioning helps ensure that the mirror's view overlaps as little as possible with the rearview mirror, expanding your field of vision.
Step 2: Adjust the Passenger's Side Mirror
For the passenger's side mirror:
- Lean to the right, positioning your head above the center console.
- Adjust the mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car from this position.
Again, this minimizes the overlap with the rearview mirror and helps cover more blind spots.
The BGE Method
The Blindspot and Glare Elimination (BGE) method described above is a widely recommended approach for setting your side mirrors. By reducing overlap between the mirrors, you significantly decrease blind spots, which enhances safety on the road.
Final Checks
After adjusting your mirrors:
- Sit back in your normal driving position.
- Check that you can see the road behind and to the sides with minimal head movement.
- Remember, while properly adjusted mirrors significantly reduce blind spots, they don't eliminate them. Always perform a shoulder check before changing lanes.
Conclusion
Properly adjusted mirrors are a key component of safe driving, offering you the best possible view of your surroundings. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your mirrors are set up for optimal visibility, reducing blind spots and enhancing your driving safety. Remember, it's a good practice to check and adjust your mirrors regularly, especially if multiple people drive the same vehicle. Safe driving starts with clear visibility.