How to Adjust Your Mirrors to the Correct Position And Eliminate Blind Spots!
Posted in Bigbox Motoring Advice
Published Fri Aug 08 2025
How to Adjust Your Mirrors to the Correct Position And Eliminate Blind Spots!
When you get into a car, adjusting the mirrors is one of the first things you do. It seems simple enough, but did you know that most drivers adjust their side mirrors incorrectly, leaving themselves vulnerable to dangerous blind spots?
At Big Box Cars, we believe a safe driver is a happy driver. That's why we're sharing this simple, yet incredibly effective, technique to adjust your mirrors and give yourself a clear, continuous view of the road.
Step 1: Adjust Your Interior Rear-View Mirror
This is the easiest part. The goal here is to see as much of the rear window as possible.
- Sit comfortably in your normal driving position.
- Adjust your rear-view mirror so that it is perfectly centred, allowing you to see the entire back window from side to side. You shouldn't have to move your head to see everything behind you.
This mirror is your primary tool for seeing directly behind your car.
Step 2: The Trick to Your Side Mirrors
This is where you can make a huge difference in your safety. The goal for your side mirrors is to show you what's in the lanes next to you, not what's directly behind you (that's what your rear-view mirror is for!).
Follow these simple steps:
- For the driver's side mirror: Lean your head almost all the way over to the right, so it’s near the driver's side window. From this position, adjust your right side mirror outwards until you can just see the back corner of your car.
- For the passenger's side mirror: Lean your head towards the centre of the car (over to the passenger seat). From this position, adjust the left side mirror outwards until you can just see the back corner of your car.
Why This Method Works So Well
Once you're back in your normal driving position, you'll notice that the sides of your car are no longer visible in the side mirrors.
This might feel a little strange at first, but it's the key to eliminating blind spots!
The view in your rear-view mirror now seamlessly connects to the view in your side mirrors, creating a continuous "panorama" of the road around you. An approaching car will transition from your rear-view mirror to your peripheral vision, and then into your side mirror, all without a dangerous blind spot in between.
A Final Tip: Check Every Time You Drive
Make it a habit to quickly check your mirrors before you set off, especially if someone else has been driving the car. A quick adjustment can be the difference between a safe trip and a close call.
At Big Box Cars, we're here to help you find the perfect car for your lifestyle, and to help you drive it as safely as possible. Happy motoring!
Choose.Buy.Enjoy
A better way to buy and sell used cars.