Learning More About Cars

If you are just learning how to drive, then it may be best to learn the skills you need from a dedicated professional at a driving school like Push pam Driving School. Before you go to the school, there are a few basics that you should learn. One of these basics involves adjusting the mirrors properly so you can see all around the vehicle. Many people adjust their mirrors incorrectly, so keep reading to learn about a few mirror adjustment mistakes you should avoid.

Mistake - Adjusting So Your Own Car Is Seen

One of the most common mistakes that you can make involves adjusting the side mirrors in a way that your own car is seen in the mirror. Your mirrors are meant to provide you with the greatest view of the road and the vehicles around you; in other words, they help to reduce blind spots so obstacles can be seen clearly. This means that your own vehicle does not need to be in view. You do not need to see a large portion of the road or the sky, either. You want more of a middle view of the road.

When you adjust your side mirrors, you want to start with the mirror tilted towards the car so you can see the side of your vehicle. Slowly move the mirror away from your vehicle and stop as soon as the side of your car is just out of view. After you make this adjustment, you'll want to adjust the mirror vertically so you have a clear view of objects just behind your car.

If you have trouble adjusting your mirrors at first, ask a friend to stand just behind your bumper on the left side. Use your friend as a focal point to adjust your mirrors. 

Mistake - Moving Your Head Around

When you first adjust your mirrors, you may move your head around to make the adjustments; however, this leads to improper positioning of the mirrors. You want to see clearly when you drive, and this does not involve cocking your head to look into your mirrors. 

Start by sitting in the driver's seat with your eyes looking forward and your hands on the two and ten position of the wheel. Keep your head in this position and use your hands to adjust the rearview mirror and left side mirror. When you are done, make sure you can see clearly by simply glancing at the mirrors.

The right mirror is a bit tricky to adjust. You will need to lean to the right with your head positioned over the center console. With your head in this position, adjust the mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle. When you sit back in the driver's seat correctly, the side of the car should no longer be seen.

If you have questions about how to adjust your car's mirrors correctly, make sure to ask your driving school instructor for more tips.