How to Adjust Your Rear View Mirrors

Poorly adjusted rear view mirrors and the blind spots they cause are more than just an annoyance. They can mean the difference between getting home safely and not getting home at all. Learning how to properly adjust your car’s mirrors is essential for providing a good view of what’s going on behind you. The best part is that you can make these adjustments in less than a minute.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Interior rear view mirror
• Left and right side rear view mirrors
• Assistant (optional)

1. Assume your normal driving position behind the wheel. Buckle your seat belt and adjust the seat until you are comfortable. The car should be parked on a flat level surface.

2. Adjust the inside rear view mirror so that you can comfortably see the view behind you without stretching or straining. The mirror should be set to see as much of the road and as little of the rear of your car, as possible.

3. Adjust the left-side exterior mirror until the image in the mirror picks up where the interior mirror leaves off. If you do this correctly, you should see very little, or none of the left rear fender of your car.

4. Adjust the right-side exterior mirror in the same fashion as step 3. If your mirrors are not powered electronically, you may have to unbuckle your seatbelt, reach over and make the change, then buckle up again to see how you did. For larger cars, you may have to exit the vehicle to make the right side adjustments.

5. Sweep your view from the far edge of the left side mirror across the center mirror and over to the right side mirror. You should have the fullest panoramic view possible.

6. With powered mirrors, you can make any additional changes once you’re on the road. Scan all three of your mirrors periodically as you drive.
   
   Drive with more confidence knowing you've got the best view possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend to adjust the right-side mirror for you if you can’t adjust it electronically.
• If you share your car with others, always perform a mirror check before taking to the road.
• You may still have minor blind spots, so it’s still a good idea to glance over your shoulder from time to time.