Hidden talents of car mirrors: Boosting your driving confidence
Every driver knows how essential car mirrors are when making manoeuvres and how much they increase our safety on the road. However, mirrors offer more functions than they might seem. Here are some tips that will make life even more accessible.
7 June 2024 16:38
Car mirrors can significantly ease road navigation, although not everyone realises how much can be seen in them. Maintaining good visibility through mirrors ensures greater driving comfort, particularly during difficult conditions like fog or rain. If you're wondering how to utilise car mirrors fully, these four tips are for you.
Hidden functions of car mirrors
Parking can be difficult, especially for beginner drivers. Side mirrors make assessing a vehicle's distance from the curb much easier. Look at the left mirror; you can safely brake when its bottom edge aligns with the curb line. This allows you to park exactly where you want, leaving about 10 centimetres of space in front of the vehicle.
Another little-known trick is to watch the mirrors while reversing. To back into a parking spot perfectly, spot the parking space's or garage's angle in the mirror. This will allow you to automatically align the car without correcting the position multiple times.
Rearview mirrors are also indispensable when pulling out of a parking spot. They help you precisely judge when to turn to avoid collisions with your car and others. If the mirror is level with another car's headlight, it's the right moment to manoeuvre.
How else to use car mirrors?
Side mirrors are invaluable when merging into traffic or changing lanes. Dividing the mirror into the right and left sides helps avoid the so-called blind spot, which can be difficult for beginner drivers to estimate. Looking at the right side of the mirror enables you to see an oncoming vehicle – if it's far away, you can safely merge into traffic; if it's already on the left side, it's better to wait until it passes.
Applying these simple tips will make driving easier and safer. Car mirrors will no longer be just accessories but crucial in enhancing our comfort and confidence behind the wheel.
Source: TikTok @evamats.pl.