Properly adjusting your car’s side and rearview mirrors can be a bit tricky, but learning how to do it the right way will give you a good view of the road behind you while also helping to minimize collisions caused by blind spots.
Since distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, it’s never a good idea to adjust your mirrors while you’re driving. Instead, you’ll want to get into the habit of taking a quick glance at all your mirrors before you set off to make sure they’re set up for optimal safety.
How to Adjust Your Rear-view and Side-view Mirrors
If you’re driving someone else’s vehicle or have recently let someone borrow yours, you may need to re-adjust the mirrors before you hit the road. Sometimes, your mirrors can also fall out of adjustment due to bumps and vibrations while you drive.
Ideally, you’ll want to be able to look into your rear-view mirror and see directly out the middle of your rear windshield without having to move your head. The side mirrors should show a clear view of the road behind you and a small sliver of the side body of your car. If your view isn’t quite right, adjust the mirrors by following these simple steps.
Step 1: Get Comfortable
Before you start adjusting your mirrors, sit in the driver’s seat and make sure you’re in a comfortable driving position. If necessary, adjust your seat so you can easily reach the gas pedal, brakes, gear shifter, and steering wheel.
Step 2: Adjust Your Rear-View Mirror
To adjust your rear-view mirror, keep your head as stable as you can and manually move the mirror until you have a clear view that's centered and level. Many vehicle rear-view mirrors also have a tab you can adjust for nighttime driving.
When you flip the tab in the opposite direction, you’ll notice that the reflection is dimmer, and it’s difficult to see anything besides headlights. This helps minimize glare, which can be especially helpful for people with astigmatism. Just put it back in daytime mode when you’re driving during the day. If your mirror doesn’t have this tab, your vehicle may have an auto-dimming feature.
Step 3: Locate Your Side Mirror Adjustment Controls
Many newer vehicles have electronic controls with buttons that move the mirror up and down and side to side. These controls also have a switch that moves the control between the driver’s side and the passenger’s side mirror. Older vehicles may require you to make manual adjustments using a lever or by moving the mirror itself.
Step 4: Adjust the Driver’s Side Mirror
Start by leaning towards your left and resting your head on the driver’s side window. Look at the mirror and adjust it side-to-side so you can just barely see a sliver of the side of your vehicle. This will ensure you have the best possible view when you change lanes or merge.
Then, adjust your mirror vertically so you have a clear view of the road behind you. Make sure you don’t see too much sky or too much road. Instead, try to position the mirror so you can see traffic clearly and see curbs while you’re parallel parking.
Step 5: Adjust the Passenger Side Mirror
To adjust the passenger side mirror, lean to the right toward the center console. Then repeat the process above. If the controls are on the passenger side, you may need to have someone help you or move back and forth until the mirror is positioned correctly. When you’re done, double-check the adjustments you’ve made.
Learn How to Navigate the Roads Like a Pro
Knowing how to deal with blind spots is just one of the many skills you need to handle the roads like a pro. Taking a driver’s education course doesn’t just help you pass your test, it also teaches you how to be a safe and confident driver. DriversEd.com offers self-paced, fully online driver’s ed courses that let you choose when and where you learn. Start exploring your options now!
Updated 3/21/23