Modern Mirrors Settings

You need to know…

how to adjust the inside and outside mirrors

what space can & can’t be viewed with mirrors

exactly where the blind spots on either side are located

First, adjust your inside mirror to see straight out the rear window and get the best view of the zones behind you.

Next, sit up straight and adjust both outside mirrors to see a bit of the side of the vehicle & the horizon near the center.

Traditional Setting

Traditional Setting

Inside and outside views overlap. The outside mirrors add height and width to the inside mirror view.

Right outside mirror is slightly convex to further widen that view.

Use outside mirrors to see the rear if the inside view becomes blocked.

Traditional Setting Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

DisadvantagesLarge blind spots on both sides of your car. Lots of cars can be hidden there.

If you don’t see something in the mirror, the blind spot can be occupied.

Significant glare from passing vehicles at night.

Every lateral move requires a blind spot check. Turn your chin-to-shoulder and roll eyes back.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

Modified SettingWidens your view to the sides

As a vehicle disappears from the inside mirror, it becomes visible in an outside mirror.

If the inside view becomes blocked, a slight tilt of your head provides a view to the rear zone.

DisadvantagesYou still have blind spots on both sides of your car.

If you don’t see something in the inside or an outside mirror, the blind spot may be occupied.

Every lateral move requires a blind spot check. Turn your chin-to-shoulder and roll eyes back.

Adjust the side mirrors out slightly

Tilt your head to the left & move the mirror outward to see the same bit of your car.

Modified Setting

Follow the same sequence to adjust the right outside rear-view mirror: tilt head, see a bit of the car, then sit up straight.

Adjust the side mirrors out slightly

Modified Setting

Modified Mirror Setting

When you sit up, you won’t see the sides of your car. The smaller overlap widens your view, reduces the size of the blind spots on both

sides of the car, and reduces nighttime glare.

Blind spots are smaller, but a lot can still be hidden!

Look over your shoulder to know if the blind spot is occupied or not!

Left blind spot Right blind spot

What parts of the car could block your view of the left or right blind spots?