The Right way to adjust your car mirrors to avoid the blind spots

June 17, 2022 2:03 pm

Adjusting a car’s mirror is most likely one of those first things to be taught while learning how to drive. Probably, you would also be made aware of the blind spots on each side of the car; which you should always check, before changing lanes or making a turn.

However, it is also possible to adjust the car’s mirror in such a way that it eliminates these blind spots. This means you would only be required to take a quick glance before changing lanes or making a turn.

Pal Auto Garage, one of the best auto garages in Dubai will help you with the trick of the trade of The right way to adjust your car mirrors to avoid the blind spots:

• Adjusting the mirrors

Basically, you just need to start by adjusting the side and center rear view mirrors of your car and then confirm that they overlap properly.

1. Bend your head over to the left and adjust the mirror

Bend your head to the left and try to rest your head on the driver’s window or almost touch it with your head. In the conventional way of adjusting the mirror, it’s the side of the car that takes up almost the whole mirror.

Whereas, if you want to avoid the blind spots, you can try adjusting the mirror until you can just see the rear quarter panel (the rear end of your car). The correct way of doing it will only show the car as occupying less than a third of the mirror.

1. Bend your head over to the right and adjust the side mirror

Bend your head to its right side and bring it as close to the center as possible, without having to leave your seat. Once you are there, try positioning the right-side mirror so that you can just see the rear quarter panel of the passenger side in the mirror and ensure that it only takes up less than a third of the mirror’s view.

1. Come back to your driving position and adjust the center rearview mirror

Come back to your driving position in the driver’s seat, sit comfortably and position the center rearview mirror in such a way that you can see as much of your rear window as possible.  As the center mirror should compensate for what the side mirrors can’t show to you, you shouldn’t try tilting the mirror to get a better view of the traffic on either side.

• Confirming the elimination of blind spots

1. Check the adjustment of the mirrors from the normal driving position

Once you’ve adjusted the mirrors following the above steps, you shouldn’t be able to see your car at all on either side mirrors, which thus gives you a much wider view.

However, if you can still see the side of your car in either mirror, you can try adjusting them again, following the same steps carefully.

1. Confirm the additional view provided by the side mirrors

Readjusting the side mirrors, they should now be showing more of the lanes right next to your car. Now you will be able to keep track of the vehicles behind your car to the side and also follow them visually as they approach your vehicle.

Even though your car’s blind spots could be eliminated following the above methods, it’s always advised to perform a quick shoulder check for extra safety while changing lanes or making a turn.

1. Check to ensure objects to the rear transition to the side mirrors as they pass your car.

Now that both the side mirrors are set to their correct position, take a drive and pay attention to the vehicles passing you.

When a vehicle approaches your car, you should first spot them in the center rear view mirror. As they gain momentum and start to pass you, they’ll move laterally through your center rear view mirror until appearing in the corresponding side mirror.

This transition from the center rear view mirror to the side mirror should be smooth and the vehicle is supposed to be reflected on your side mirror as soon as it leaves the center mirror. This smooth transition is what confirms the successful elimination of your car’s blind spots.

Hence if there is a pause during this transition, it could mean that there’s still a blind spot left and you will be required to re-adjust the mirrors until it eliminates it.

Pal Auto Garage, is one of the top vehicle garages in Dubai. We are equipped with the right expertise and technology to restore your car to its best standards. Learn more about our car services in UAE : https://www.palautogarage.com/