Keeping your car mirrors properly positioned will keep you safe on the road and prevent auto accidents. Your side and rearview mirrors are essential safety features on your vehicle, and you must use them correctly to maintain visibility. Whether you’re a new driver or could use a refresher, the simple guide below will explain how to optimize your mirror position. 

4-Step Guide to Mirror Adjustments

1. Adjust the Rearview Mirror

Once you’re comfortably seated in your vehicle, carefully maneuver the rearview mirror so that you can see straight out of the back windshield. If the mirror is positioned correctly, you should be able to view what’s going on behind you without having to turn your body or move your head. Defensive driving professionals recommend glancing at the rearview mirror every five seconds while you’re driving, in addition to checking before merging, shifting lanes, or turning. If it’s correctly adjusted, you should have no trouble following these guidelines.

2. Balance the Driver Side Mirror

Most newer model cars have electronic buttons on the driver side door that allow you to position the driver side and passenger mirrors. Take time to get comfortable mastering these controls. First, set both mirrors at 15 degrees on either side, so they start at the same point of adjustment. Then move the buttons on the driver side. Make sure that you can see the road behind you, as well as a small area of the rear side of your car.

3. Shift the Passenger Window

While adjusting the passenger window, again ensure that you can see the road behind you and a small area of the side of your vehicle. This will help you avoid auto accidents by reducing blind spots. You should now have full coverage of everything that is to the side and behind.

4. Remove Obstructions

Get rid of potential obstructions to your vision. Items kept along the shelf under your rear windshield or along your dashboard could block your view. Although it may seem harmless to hang beads, air fresheners, or decorative objects from your rearview mirror, these are potentially distracting. What’s more, such obstructions are technically illegal under New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375, subparagraph 30, meaning you could receive a ticket. 

When you need quality collision repair services after an auto accident, contact the professionals at Panorama Collision in East Rochester, NY. Their experienced team has specialized in auto body repair and dent removal for over 30 years. To schedule an auto repair estimate, call (585) 381-8667 today or visit them online to learn more about their collision and loaner car services.