During your first driving lesson, you are typically taught to adjust the rear view mirrors while the engine is still off. The instructor warns you of the presence of blind spots on each side, which you should always check before turning or changing lanes; however, it is possible to change the position of the mirrors to eliminate these invisible areas, which means that a quick glance is all it takes before changing lanes. To start, change the position of the center and side mirrors, then make sure they are aligned correctly to reflect all the space behind you.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Adjust the Side Rearview Mirrors
Step 1. Tilt your head to the left and move the driver's side mirror
Your head should almost touch the window. If the mirror is adjusted in the traditional way, the left side of the car should occupy almost the entire field of vision; correct this by moving the mirror until you see the last panel on the left of the body. If you have done this correctly, the image of the rear of the car should not take up more than 1/3 of the mirror.
Step 2. Tilt your head to the right and change the position of the right mirror
You should bring your head towards the center of the cockpit as much as possible, but do not lift yourself off the seat; at this point, adjust the right side mirror until you are able to see the last body panel on the passenger side. Again, make sure the car image takes up less than 1/3 of the mirror.
Step 3. Get into your normal riding posture and adjust the position of the center mirror
Rotate it so that it gives you the view of the largest possible portion of the rear window; you have to be able to see what is exactly behind the car. Avoid tilting the mirror to better observe traffic close to one side; this control unit is intended to show what the side mirrors cannot show you and not to compensate for incorrect adjustment of the latter.
Part 2 of 2: Verifying that the Blind Spots are Gone
Step 1. Check the layout from the normal driving position
You shouldn't see portions of the vehicle in any of the mirrors, so you have a wider rear field of view. If you still see body parts, repeat the operations described in the first part of the article; move the side mirrors so that they are directed outwards.
Step 2. Check the zones you can now see thanks to this new setting
You should have a larger view of the lanes on the sides of your vehicle; in this way, not only can you see the vehicles that are behind you and to the sides, but you can also follow them as they approach, without having any blind spots. While it is always necessary to quickly look behind you for added safety before changing lanes, this modification gives you a better view of the cars and objects to the sides.
Step 3. Check for vehicles approaching from behind as they pass you
Pay particular attention to overtaking cars. You should first see them in the center mirror as they approach; later, when they are next to you, their image moves sideways and then appears in the corresponding external mirror. This transition should be pretty smooth; the image should be visible in the side mirror as soon as it disappears from the central one; this detail confirms the absence of blind spots.
If you notice the vehicle image "disappearing" as it moves from the center mirror to the side mirror, you need to change the setting again, because it means there is still a blind spot
Advice
- This type of adjustment forces you to turn your head when you have to perform "S" parking, because you cannot see the sides of your car in the mirrors.
- Look in the mirrors often and not just when you need to change lanes. Combining this type of adjustment with frequent use of rear view mirrors allows you to have greater awareness of the vehicles and objects around you.
- It takes some time to get used to driving with the mirrors set in this way; give yourself at least a week before you feel completely comfortable.
Warnings
- Do not change the position of the mirrors while you are driving.
- Always check behind you before changing lanes! While this adjustment method allows you to eliminate blind spots and see most vehicles, it is still possible that there is a motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian that you cannot see.
