Mirror, Mirror on the Car:
How to Adjust Your Side Mirrors for No More Blind Spots (With Bonus Rear-View Wisdom)
Let’s face it: most people are convinced they’re above average drivers. But if we took a poll, most of us are accidentally perfecting the art of adjusting car mirrors by guesswork and hope. The result? Blind spots big enough to hide a giraffe—possibly two if they’re feeling sociable.
Today, Beame is here to save you (and unsuspecting giraffes) from mirror mishaps with a no-nonsense guide to setting up your mirrors like a motoring champion.
Why Blind Spots are Sneaky and Dangerous
Blind spots are those mysterious zones around your car where even your side mirrors turn traitor and refuse to reveal nearby vehicles. Cue the drama—lane changes become white-knuckle adventures and parking feels like a game of “Where’s Waldo.” Not ideal for safety (or for your nerves).
Before you embark on the mirror-tweaking journey, remember: your mirrors are not for checking your hair, admiring your sunglasses, or confirming your children’s snack choices. They’re for seeing actual cars, bikes, and hooligan squirrels who want to join you on the road.
The Golden Rules of Mirror Adjustment
Let’s tackle the three mirrors crowned rulers of visibility: the interior rear-view mirror, the driver’s side mirror, and the passenger’s side mirror. Adjusting all three correctly gives you the superhero power to conquer blind spots.
1. The Interior Rear-View Mirror: Your Command Centre
This mirror is not a time-travel device, nor is it a toddler TV. Its main job is to give you an unobstructed view through the middle of your rear window.
How to adjust:
- Sit in your normal driving position (no hunching, slouching, or pretending you’re backing up a Formula One car).
- Move the mirror so you can see as much of the rear window as possible—centred, with minimal head movement.
- You shouldn’t be able to see your own face (however beautiful) or the car’s interior roof.
- Invisible magic: If you spot your air freshener more than traffic, it’s time to readjust.
Beame Tip: Quick glance checks! Make rear-view mirror peeks a habit every 5–10 seconds, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
2. The Driver’s Side Mirror: Your Right-Hand Wingman
Most people have their side mirrors set so they can see the side of their own car. Admittedly, it’s nice to confirm your door is still attached, but it won’t keep you safe. To minimise blind spots, get ready to see the road, not your paint job.
How to adjust:
- Lean your head until it almost touches the driver’s side window.
- Adjust the side mirror outward so you can just barely see the edge of your car in the reflection.
- Sit back to your normal driving position: now, you should see the lane next to you—not a third of your own car.
Beame Tip: Side mirror should capture passing vehicles as they leave your rear-view mirror’s field. Smooth transition means no blind spot drama.
3. The Passenger’s Side Mirror: Your Ally on the Left
Repeat after us: symmetry is key! No need to use reverse psychology—if your passenger’s side mirror is showing a glorious view of your car’s left door, it’s time for a tweak.
How to adjust:
- Lean toward the centre of the car (as if sneaking a peek at the passenger’s snack).
- Adjust the mirror outward until you can just see the side of your car in the reflection.
- Return to your driving position: now you should mostly see the adjacent lane, not your car’s glamour shot.
Beame Tip: Use your passenger side mirror often when merging, turning, or conquering multi-lane roundabouts.
Putting It All Together: The Double-Check Test
Once you’ve performed the above adjustments, do this quick test:
- Park in a safe area, like your driveway or a shopping centre car park.
- Ask a friend to walk around your car and watch their movement in your mirrors. If they disappear from one mirror but don’t appear in another, you’ve got a blind spot—re-adjust accordingly!
Extra Mirror Magic: Advanced Tips
Because at Beame safety is a key priority, here are next-level tricks to maximise your safety and confidence:
- Cleanliness counts: Smudges, fingerprints, and inspirational stickers reduce visibility. Clean mirrors weekly for a clear, unobstructed view.
- Night glare combat: Angle mirrors slightly downward at night to reduce glare from headlights behind you—goodbye, impromptu laser light show!
- Adjust for load: If your car is loaded with family, pets, and last week’s supermarket run, do a quick mirror check—they might block the rear-view mirror, so rely more on your sides.
- Use mirror dimming feature: Many cars have an anti-glare button on the rear-view mirror. Find it and use it!
- Backup safely: If reversing, supplement mirrors with a quick look over your shoulder. Mirrors show a lot, but not that sneaky tricycle or wayward shopping trolley.
Adjusting Mirrors is Actually Cool
Not only does correct mirror adjustment keep you safe, but it also boosts your confidence behind the wheel. You’ll make smoother lane changes, nail your parking, and avoid awkward dance-offs with impatient taxis.
So next time you’re about to head out, channel your inner fairy tale hero, look into your mirrors (“Mirror, mirror on the car… am I the safest driver by far?”), and remember: visibility is key.
If your mirrors are clever enough to keep you from bumping into poles, posts, or giraffes, imagine how confidently you will handle the road’s many challenges.
Drive safe, adjust well, and give blind spots the boot—because every Beame driver deserves a full and fearless view!
