Omari Gates
Properly adjusted car mirrors are crucial for road safety as they provide drivers with an extended field of view, helping them see vehicles that aren't in their direct line of sight. This is especially important when parking, changing lanes, or pulling over. Before adjusting your mirrors, ensure your seat and steering wheel are in a suitable position. Adjust your mirrors so that you can see the entire rear window with minimal car interior visible, and so that the horizon is centred in the side mirrors. Your vehicle should only take up 10% of the side mirror's field of view. Remember to readjust your mirrors if someone else has driven your car, if you change your seat position, or if your mirrors have shifted due to vibrations or bumps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rear-view mirror position | The rear-view mirror should be mounted on the upper part of the windscreen, with the entire rear window visible and minimal interior of the car showing. |
| Side mirror position | The side mirrors should be adjusted so that the car is barely visible, with a clear view of the road and traffic behind. The left side mirror should be angled slightly lower to see the kerb when pulling over. |
| Mirror angle | The horizon, or the furthest point visible, should be centred in the mirror. |
| Blind spots | Blind spots are areas around the car that are not visible through the windscreen or mirrors. Properly adjusted mirrors can reduce blind spots, but they cannot eliminate them. Always look over your shoulder when changing lanes or turning. |
| Mirror controls | Modern cars have electric controls with buttons for adjusting side mirrors. Older cars may have manual controls with joysticks, levers, or knobs. |
| Seating position | The driver's seat should be adjusted to a comfortable position before mirror adjustment. Changes in seating position may require mirror readjustment. |
| Lighting conditions | Mirrors should be adjusted in different lighting conditions, as settings that work during the day may be glaring at night. |
| Towing a trailer | Towing a trailer creates additional blind spots. Adjust side mirrors to see the trailer and ensure enough space for manoeuvring. |
| Nighttime driving | Manual car mirrors have a tab to dim the lights of cars behind, while power mirrors enter nighttime mode automatically. |
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What You'll Learn
Adjusting the rear-view mirror
Adjusting your car mirrors is paramount for your safety and that of your passengers. Before adjusting the rear-view mirror, ensure that your seat and steering wheel are in a suitable position.
The rear-view mirror is mounted on the upper part of the windscreen, and it gives you a clear view of what's happening behind you. When adjusting the rear-view mirror, sit in your normal driving position. This is important because leaning to adjust the mirror won't give you the best visibility of the road behind you.
The goal is to be able to glance quickly from the road in front of you to the road behind you without having to move or turn your body. Adjust the mirror until you can see the entire rear window with minimal viewing of the car's interior. Try not to touch the glass when adjusting the mirror, as this can leave fingerprints and obstruct your view of the road behind you.
If you are 6 feet or taller, you may want to reposition the rear-view mirror upside down. This raises the bottom of the mirror by 1 to 2 inches and can significantly reduce a major blind spot that many taller drivers experience.
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Adjusting the driver's side mirror
Adjusting your driver's side mirror is a crucial step in ensuring maximum visibility while driving in Australia. Here are the steps to properly adjust this mirror for optimal safety and awareness:
Sit in the driver's seat and ensure your seat position is comfortable and typical for your driving posture. It's important to adjust the mirrors based on your usual seating position for the most accurate alignment. Lean slightly forward, mimicking your posture when driving, as this will impact your field of vision.
Place your left hand on the driver's side mirror and adjust the mirror's angle so you can just barely see the edge of your car's bodywork, or 'side' of the car. The mirror should be positioned so that, at the edge of your peripheral vision, you can see a small portion of the car's side. This ensures the mirror is capturing the correct field of view and not overlapping with your peripheral vision or that of the rear-view mirror.
Next, adjust the vertical position of the mirror. You want to ensure the mirror provides a clear view of the entire rear side window and a portion of the rear door or quarter panel. This will vary depending on the make and model of your car, so take the time to assess the correct vertical position for your vehicle.
Some vehicles have a convex or 'blind spot' mirror attached to the standard driver's side mirror. If your car has this feature, ensure it is adjusted correctly. It should show a portion of the rear window and the blind spot area alongside your car. This mirror type will have a slightly distorted view due to its curvature, but it is designed to show objects in your blind spot, so ensure it is positioned correctly to capture this area.
Finally, check for blind spots. Move your head slightly to the left and right to simulate the movement of your head while driving and checking mirrors. Ensure there are no areas where an object, like a car or motorbike, could be hidden from view. If there are blind spots, make slight adjustments to the mirror until these are eliminated.
Remember, the goal is to maximise your field of vision and eliminate blind spots as much as possible. Take the time to adjust your mirrors correctly, and always perform a quick check of your mirrors when entering your vehicle to ensure they are in the optimal position for safe driving.
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Adjusting the passenger's side mirror
Adjusting your car mirrors is a crucial step in ensuring your safety and that of other road users. Here is a detailed guide on how to adjust the passenger side mirror for maximum visibility:
Firstly, ensure you are sitting in the driver's seat in your normal driving position. It is important to be in a comfortable position with your seat adjusted to a suitable height and depth. This is because your viewing angle is influenced by your seating position. You should feel like your feet rest gently on the pedals, and you can comfortably see over the front of the car.
Next, position your head in the middle of the vehicle, roughly aligned with the rear-view mirror. Now, adjust the passenger-side mirror by moving it outwards. You want to do this until you just barely see the passenger side of the vehicle in the mirror. This method helps eliminate blind spots by ensuring only a minimal amount of the car's interior is visible, maximising visibility of the road and traffic behind you.
It is important to note that you may need to make minor adjustments to the mirror position when your head is in its natural driving position. Additionally, remember to always physically check over your shoulder when changing lanes or turning, as mirrors alone may not eliminate all blind spots.
Finally, remember that every time you change your seating position, you will need to readjust your mirrors to maintain maximum visibility.
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Reducing blind spots
Adjust Your Mirrors Properly:
Ensure your driver's seat is in the correct position before adjusting your mirrors. Position your side mirrors so that only a small portion of your car is visible, while maximising the view of the road and traffic behind. The horizon, which is the furthest point you can see, should be centred in the mirror. For the left side mirror, angle it slightly lower to improve your view of the kerb when pulling over or manoeuvring. As for the rear-view mirror, adjust it until you can see the entire rear window with minimal obstruction from the interior of your car.
Be Aware of Blind Spots:
Always remember that mirrors alone cannot cover all blind spots. When changing lanes, turning, or performing manoeuvres, physically look over your shoulder to check for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists that may be in your blind spots. This simple action can help prevent accidents and ensure safer driving.
Account for Different Conditions:
Adjust your mirrors according to varying lighting conditions. What works during the day may cause glare at night. Additionally, if you're towing a trailer, be aware that it creates additional blind spots. Adjust your side mirrors to accommodate the trailer's width and ensure you have sufficient space to manoeuvre.
Familiarise Yourself with New Mirror Settings:
If you adjust your mirrors significantly, it may feel disorienting at first. Park your car and observe how other vehicles move through your rear and side mirrors. Test your new settings by driving in traffic and always remember to check your blind spots before changing lanes.
Utilise Your Mirrors for Parking:
Your mirrors are invaluable for parking, especially in tight spots. Use your mirrors to gauge the distance to nearby cars, walls, or obstacles. The side mirror closest to the kerb can help you judge the proximity to the kerb, and you can even adjust it downwards for a clearer view.
Remember, adjusting your mirrors correctly is a critical step in reducing blind spots and improving your overall visibility on the road. Stay safe, and happy driving!
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Mirror adjustments for different scenarios
Before you start driving, it is important to check your mirror positions and adjust them to account for changes in seating position, passengers, or different driving conditions. Here are some scenarios where mirror adjustments are necessary:
When changing lanes
Check your rearview mirror to see if any cars are following you. As you signal your intention to turn, check the side mirror on the side you plan to merge to. For example, if you plan to merge from the left lane to the right lane, check your right-side mirror for traffic approaching in that lane. Continue to glance between your rearview and side mirrors as you complete the merge.
When pulling over or making a manoeuvre
The left side mirror should be angled somewhat lower than the right side mirror. This will give you a much better view of the kerb when pulling over or making a manoeuvre.
When driving with a trailer
When making turns, watch the mirror to the inside of the turn to ensure that the trailer's wheels do not hit the curb.
When parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces
Use your mirrors to check for obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles to ensure a safe and precise parking experience.
When driving on busy roads or highways
Good mirror positioning enhances your awareness of other vehicles, helping you make safer driving decisions and boosting your confidence.
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