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Car's Side Mirrors

Automobile safety should always be your priority. Whether you’re a new driver, or you’ve had your license for many years, it never hurts to take a refresher course on how to properly use your car’s side mirrors. The mirrors in your car are placed so that you can see behind you and to the side of you, but it’s up to you to adjust them so that you’re not getting limited visibility.

Not utilizing your car’s mirrors can lead to accidents that may harm other drivers and their passengers. It’s also important that you keep your car’s mirrors in top shape, as any scratches or damage can impair your vision. It may be time for new mirrors if they have not been replaced in a long time. Keeping your glass up-to-date contributes to your safety while out on the road.

How to Properly Use Your Car’s Side Mirrors

First, make sure that your car’s mirrors are clean, free of scratches, and haven’t been damaged. If you were in a fender-bender that blemished or broke your car’s side mirrors, get them fixed or replaced before you drive the car again. Also, make sure that you’ve adjusted the mirrors properly on all sides. Failure to do either of these things can create large blind spots, which can cause a collision on busy roads.

Adjust Your Driver’s Side Mirror

The best thing to do is to sit down in the car and make sure your side mirrors are all adjusted to your needs. The driver’s side mirror should always go first. The driver should make sure the side mirror reflects the road and only a tiny sliver of the car. The mirror should show the road next to you. Make minor adjustments where necessary to remove any blind spots. For taller or shorter drivers, this task is harder - you can always ask an expert if you just can’t get rid of blind spots.

Adjust the Passenger’s Side Mirror

From the center console, adjust the passenger’s side mirror so that it shows the road next to it. A small portion of your own car should be visible, but the focus is to show the area next to you without any blind spots. Your front mirror will already show cars behind you, so when adjusting the side mirrors, make sure they are actually showing what is happening to the left and right of your vehicle.

Using the Mirrors for Better Driving

When merging, rely on your front mirror to show you if there are any cars behind you. Use the driver’s side mirror to keep an eye out for any oncoming vehicles when your car changes lanes or merges with traffic.

You should glance at all of your mirrors intermittently while driving just to make sure that other vehicles aren’t too close. Experts recommend taking a scan of all mirrors every five seconds.

It’s vital to use all of your mirrors when parallel parking to make sure that you’re able to get into a space without damaging other cars or striking a curb. Many new models have blind-spot cameras that will help guide the driver into a parking spot, but for those with older cars, the mirrors are the trick.

Replacing a Car’s Side Mirrors in Virginia

If your car’s side mirrors have been damaged in an accident, or simply need an update, take your car to Smiley’s Glass in Richmond, Virginia, or call us with any questions at 804-320-7172. Smiley’s has served the community since 1963 and remains a family-owned business. Utilizing the latest glass technology and hiring only the most experienced technicians, Smiley’s can help you fix your car’s glass no matter what the problem is. Smiley’s Glass upholds the strictest standards when it comes to materials, installation, and service, adhering to the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) and earning an A+ from the Better Business Bureau.

 

Sources:

https://seniordriving.aaa.com/improve-your-driving-skills/prepare-drive/how-use-adjust-your-mirrors/

https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/mirrors-how-to-adjust/

https://glassdoctor.com/blog/adjust-your-car-mirrors-for-maximum-visibility-and-safety

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