Tips for Properly Using Your Rearview Mirrors

Your car has rearview mirrors for a very good reason. These mirrors greatly increase your visibility when driving and maneuvering your car, and without them, you could not really drive your car to any safe extent. Strangely enough, this still does not seem to deter some drivers from largely ignoring them, but as every driving instructor will tell you, using your mirror should become second nature. Here are four simple tips from our team at Sheehy Nissan of Glen Burnie to ensure that you use your rearview mirrors safely and effectively.

Keep them clean. It may seem obvious, but your rearview mirrors are only useful if you keep them clean. The side-view mirrors are likely to get very dirty, especially during wet, wintry weather. Ensure that you give your mirrors a good wipe before you set out, and you might want to try keeping a packet of wipes in the driver's door to help you remember. Even though it is inside, your rearview mirror can get grubby too, so give that a good wipe from time to time as well.

Use them all the time – even when driving straight. When you are driving in a straight line, it is easy to become complacent and to become less alert about the road. It is vital that you continue to use all your mirrors to keep a full perspective of what is going on around you. Check for vehicles approaching you from behind, so that you can see if somebody is about to overtake you, or so that you can spot any other unexpected hazards.

Keep using mirrors when passing. Some drivers will simply check their mirror once before passing, assuming that a quick glance will ensure that it is safe to maneuver. In fact, you should check your mirrors, signal that you intend to move out, check your mirrors again and only then finally pull out. Keep checking your mirrors while you are passing and then check the appropriate side-view mirror to check that it is safe to pull back in.

Use all your mirrors at roundabouts. When approaching a roundabout, many drivers focus entirely in one direction, and that is simply to check for a gap to join the roundabout. It is, however, really important to use all your mirrors. Check for vehicles in the lane beside you, particularly as the cars will be further back. If the car next to you decides to pull out, you need to be aware that it is there. Check for vehicles approaching you from behind on the roundabout and ensure that your exit really is clear before your maneuver by checking your mirrors once again.