When Should You Adjust The Outside Mirrors Of Your Vehicle

One of the most overlooked aspects of safe driving is properly adjusted outside mirrors. You might think it's trivial, but incorrect mirror positioning creates dangerous blind spots that can lead to accidents. Knowing when to adjust your mirrors and how to adjust them correctly is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and avoiding collisions. Neglecting this seemingly small detail can have significant consequences. Let's explore when and why mirror adjustments are essential for your safety and the safety of others.

Identifying the Need for Mirror Adjustment

How do you know if your mirrors need adjusting? The signs aren't always obvious. Here are some key indicators that your current mirror setup might be compromising your visibility:

Significant blind spots: This is the most common symptom. If you find yourself frequently craning your neck to check your blind spots before changing lanes, your mirrors are likely not providing adequate coverage.
Seeing too much of your own car: While a sliver of your car is helpful for reference, if your mirrors are dominated by the side of your vehicle, they're not effectively showing you what's beside you.
Difficulty judging distances: Improperly angled mirrors can distort your perception of how far away vehicles are, making it difficult to merge safely or maintain a safe following distance.
Glare issues at night: If you're constantly adjusting your mirrors to combat headlight glare, it might indicate that they're not optimized for your seating position or that the auto-dimming function (if equipped) isn't working correctly.
After someone else drives your car: This is a common scenario. Family members, friends, or mechanics might adjust your mirrors to their preferences, leaving them misaligned for you.
After changing your seating position: Adjusting your seat height or angle can significantly alter your line of sight and necessitate mirror adjustments.
Feeling uncomfortable or strained: If you find yourself constantly tilting your head or leaning to get a better view, it's a clear sign that your mirrors are not properly positioned for you.
New car or rental car: Every vehicle has slightly different dimensions and mirror placement. Always adjust the mirrors before driving a new or unfamiliar car.
After a collision, even a minor one: Even a small bump can knock your mirrors out of alignment.

The Root Cause: Improper Mirror Alignment

The problem stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of how outside mirrors are designed to work. Many drivers incorrectly believe that mirrors should primarily show the side of their own car. This outdated approach leaves massive blind spots where other vehicles can disappear completely. The ideal mirror setup minimizes overlap between what you see in your rearview mirror, your side mirrors, and your peripheral vision. The goal is to create a seamless, panoramic view around your vehicle.

Specifically, the root cause is often a combination of these factors:

Traditional (and incorrect) teaching methods: Many driving schools still teach drivers to adjust their mirrors to see a significant portion of their own vehicle.
Habit and comfort: Drivers often stick with familiar mirror positions, even if they're not optimal, simply because they're used to them.
Lack of awareness: Many drivers are simply unaware of the extent of their blind spots and the importance of proper mirror adjustment.
Forgetting to adjust after seat adjustments: A simple seat adjustment can throw off your entire field of vision, and the mirrors need to be re-adjusted.

Consequences of Ignoring Misaligned Mirrors

The consequences of driving with improperly adjusted mirrors can be severe, leading to:

Increased risk of accidents: This is the most significant risk. Blind spots can hide motorcycles, cars, and even pedestrians, leading to collisions when changing lanes, merging, or turning.
Near misses and close calls: Frequent near misses can be a warning sign that your mirrors are not providing adequate coverage.
Difficulty merging onto highways: Judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles is crucial for safe merging, and misaligned mirrors can make this task much more difficult.
Stress and anxiety: Constantly worrying about blind spots can increase stress and fatigue while driving.
Increased insurance premiums: Accidents caused by blind spots can lead to increased insurance premiums.

Recommended Fixes: The Blind Spot Reduction (BSR) Method

The most effective solution is to adopt the Blind Spot Reduction (BSR) method, which involves adjusting your mirrors outwards to minimize overlap and maximize your field of vision. Here's how to do it:

Adjust your rearview mirror first: Position it so you have a clear, unobstructed view of the road directly behind you.
Adjust the driver's side mirror: Lean your head to the left until it almost touches the driver's side window. From this position, adjust the mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car.
Adjust the passenger's side mirror: Lean your head to the right until it's centered in the car. From this position, adjust the mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car.

Important Considerations:

Practice in a safe environment: Find an empty parking lot or quiet street to practice changing lanes and merging with your newly adjusted mirrors.
Be patient: It may take some time to get used to this new mirror setup. Don't revert back to your old habits too quickly.
Consider blind spot monitoring systems: Many newer vehicles come equipped with blind spot monitoring systems, which can provide an extra layer of safety. However, these systems should not be used as a substitute for properly adjusted mirrors.
Adjust for specific driving conditions: In some situations, such as when towing a trailer, you may need to temporarily adjust your mirrors to provide a wider field of view.

Addressing Glare:

Use the day/night switch on your rearview mirror: Most rearview mirrors have a manual switch that reduces glare from headlights at night.
Check your side mirror auto-dimming function: If your vehicle has auto-dimming side mirrors, make sure the function is working correctly. A faulty sensor or wiring can cause these mirrors to malfunction.
Clean your mirrors: Dirt and grime can exacerbate glare issues. Clean your mirrors regularly with a glass cleaner.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

Fortunately, adjusting your mirrors is a free and simple task that you can do yourself in a matter of minutes. No special tools or equipment are required.

However, if you are experiencing issues with:

Power mirrors that are not adjusting: This could be a sign of a faulty motor, wiring problem, or switch.
Auto-dimming mirrors that are not working: This could be due to a faulty sensor, wiring problem, or the mirror itself.

Then you may need to visit a mechanic. Here's a rough cost estimate:

Diagnosis: Most shops charge an hourly rate for diagnostic work, typically ranging from $100 to $150.
Power mirror motor replacement: The cost of a new mirror motor can range from $50 to $200, plus labor, which could add another $100 to $200.
Auto-dimming mirror replacement: Auto-dimming mirrors are more expensive than standard mirrors, and the replacement cost can range from $200 to $500, plus labor.

Shop Advice:

Get a quote from multiple shops: Prices can vary significantly between different repair shops. Get quotes from at least three different shops before authorizing any repairs.
Ask about warranty: Make sure the repair shop offers a warranty on their work and parts.
Check online reviews: Look for reputable repair shops with positive online reviews.

Credibility and Additional Resources

While there aren't specific TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) related to mirror adjustment techniques, the importance of proper mirror positioning is emphasized in numerous driver education materials and safety guidelines. Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) stress the need for minimizing blind spots and maintaining situational awareness. Furthermore, online forums and communities dedicated to driving safety often discuss and promote the Blind Spot Reduction method.

Many modern vehicles are being equipped with blind spot monitoring systems which are an added safety measure. However, do not rely on technology solely. Correct mirror adjustment is still necessary.

By taking the time to adjust your mirrors properly, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and improve your overall driving safety. It's a simple adjustment that can make a world of difference.