How to use and adjust side and rearview mirror of a car correctly
![How to use and adjust side or reaview mirror of a car correctly](https://ghanaeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/rearview-mirror-importance-body-b-250720211000-1024x640-min.jpg)
Knowing how to use and adjust side and rearview mirror of a car correctly can be a life saving knowledge that also helps ensure the safety of other road users.
There are several professional, experienced, and new drivers on our roads who do not know how to use the side mirror and rearview mirror correctly.
As if that is not enough, many do not know how to adjust the side mirror of a car correctly. Due to this, many drivers do not get the best from their side mirrors.
Such shortfalls can lead to accidents and wrong lane change timing among others.
Let us take a look at how to use and adjust the side and rearview mirror of a car correctly in this post as well as the safety issues and the importance of these mirrors.
There are two side mirrors. One is on the left and the other is on the right for most cars.
The side mirror and rearview mirror are two of the most important safety features in a car.
They help drivers see what is happening around their vehicle, including areas that are not visible through the windshield.
The side mirrors allow drivers to see the sides and rear of their vehicle, as well as the vehicles behind them. This is important for lane changes, merging, and backing up. Side mirrors also help drivers to avoid blind spots, which are areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen directly by the driver.
The rearview mirror allows drivers to see what is happening behind their vehicle. This is important for monitoring traffic, changing lanes, and merging. The rearview mirror also helps drivers to see vehicles that are approaching from behind.
Both the side mirrors and rearview mirror are essential for safe driving. Drivers should check their mirrors regularly, especially when changing lanes, merging, and backing up.
Here are some specific examples of how the side mirror and rearview mirror can help drivers to avoid accidents:
- Lane changes: When changing lanes, drivers should check their side mirrors to make sure that there is no traffic in the lane they are merging into.
- Merging: When merging onto a highway, drivers should check their side mirrors and rearview mirror to make sure that there is a safe gap in traffic before merging.
- Backing up: When backing up, drivers should use their side mirrors to see where their vehicle is going and to avoid hitting any obstacles.
- Blind spots: Side mirrors help to eliminate blind spots, which are areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen directly by the driver. This can help drivers to avoid accidents with vehicles that are in their blind spots.
Overall, the side mirror and rearview mirror are two of the most important safety features in a car.
Drivers should check their mirrors regularly to stay safe on the road.
How to use and adjust the side mirror of a car correctly
The correct way to adjust the side mirror on the left, for instance, is to keep turning the mirror until the edge of the mirror is in line with the door handle as shown in the image, or until the mirror and the door handle meet at the corner of the mirror as shown below. Any other setting of the left mirror is wrong.
Right side mirror
To adjust the ride-side mirror correctly turn or tilt the mirror until it aligns with the corner of the mirror as shown in the image below.
This will help you as a driver to have a better view of the cars, pedestrians, and all other happenings behind.
Once you have correctly adjusted your mirror, your view should look like what is shown in the image below if you are driving on a seemingly straight road.
Safety tips for using the side-view mirror when changing lanes
When trying to join oncoming traffic in another lane, experts suggest that you divide the mirror into two using an imaginary line.
Once you do that, the right side of the mirror which is coloured RED in the mirror below becomes the Danger Zone.
The section coloured GREEN is your safe zone.
If you want to change lanes, ensure that the car in the other lane you want to enter can be found in the GREEN Zone. If it is in the RED zone, do not enter the new lane. Any car in the red zone is so close and so, it is not advised that you take the step.
How to adjust rearview mirror of a car correctly
To adjust the rearview mirror in your car, follow these steps:
- Sit in the driver’s seat.
- Adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see clearly out of the back window.
- Lean towards the side mirror you want to adjust.
- Adjust the mirror so that you can see the edge of your car and just a sliver of the road behind you.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other side mirror.
The rearview mirror is not meant for seeing passengers who sit in your car. Its primary use is to help you see cars and objects behind you as you drive.
It can aid in very important decisions when driving, among others.
It is important to adjust your side mirrors so that you have a good view of the road behind you without having to turn your head. This will help you to avoid blind spots and make lane changes safely.
READ:Driving Automatic Cars Safely & Mistakes to avoid in 2023 to 2025
Make sure you do the following before you move your car.
- Adjust your side mirrors before you start driving, as it can be dangerous to try to adjust them while you are moving.
- If you have passengers, adjust your side mirrors again so that you can still see the road behind you.
- If you have a trailer or other attachment on your car, adjust your side mirrors to account for the extra width.
- Check your side mirrors regularly, especially when you are changing lanes or merging.
It is also important to note that different cars have different side mirror adjustment mechanisms. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to adjust your side mirrors.