10 Tips on How to Adjust Your Car Mirrors
Every car on the road today seems to have different shapes of mirrors with different controls.
Not only can the controls be confusing, you may need to figure a way to adjust your car’s mirrors depending on the design of the vehicle so you can see all the angles you need to.
Here are 10 tips on how to adjust your car’s mirrors:
- If you purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle, before you leave the dealership, ask the salesperson to go through how all the mirror controls work so you won’t be looking for them in the dark or while you’re driving. A good salesperson will take the time to do this, especially if they want you to give them an excellent recommendation. If they don’t offer, ask them to show you how the mirror controls work.
- You can find the right location for your driver’s side mirror by leaning your head against the driver’s side window. Keep adjusting the mirror back until you see the edge of the vehicle.
- For the passenger side mirror, place your head in the center area of the vehicle and keep adjusting until you see the edge of the vehicle on the passenger side. Remember this mirror should be adjusted so you can see the traffic in the lane beside you and don’t adjust it to be the same as your rear view mirror.
- Next, return to a driving position that feels comfortable and if you see the sides of your vehicle, you need to adjust the mirrors so you just see the edge of the vehicle. This is a good test to see if your mirrors are adjusted correctly.
- Think of the perspective you are trying to achieve when you sit in the driver’s seat. You don’t want the mirrors to all point to the same place.
- A great tip, especially if you are new to the mirror controls is once you have adjusted the mirrors, and you think you have them right, ask someone to walk from behind the car slowly. You will know you have your mirrors adjusted correctly if you can see the person from every angle of the mirror’s view.
- Blind spots can be dangerous so have the person walk from all angles, back, left, and right to ensure you can see them approaching.
- Keep in mind that when you are driving, your arms will move in the same direction that your eyes do. Try to control this if you can and rely more on your mirrors. Use them correctly.
- Adjust your rear view mirror so you have a clear view of what is traveling behind you. Make sure to not just adjust it left or right, include up or down as well to get it just right to fit the height and position of where you sit in the car.
- Many rear view mirrors in newer vehicle models have all sorts of controls on them that may include lights, dimmer controls, or other manufacturer controls. Understand what they all mean before you leave the dealership and read your owner’s manual to gather insight on how to adjust your car’s mirrors.
Never drive a vehicle that has mirrors adjusted to someone else’s height or seating position. To be safe, follow these tips and take the time to adjust your car’s mirrors to ensure not only your safety, but everyone else’s safety on the road.
Not only do you want to be a safe driver, you want your car to be safe to drive. An extended auto warranty means you can keep your car’s wear and tear issues repaired without having to come up with a lot of money every time something happens.
Rate this article
(1 votes)
Loading ...
Filed under: Safety
This is great information. I always wondered how to get my mirrors adjusted right.