A Beginner’s Guide to Using Truck Mirrors for Maximum Safety
One of the first rules you learn when you start driving a vehicle is to always check your blind spots. However, that’s easier said than done when it comes to driving a truck, as they are larger than commuter vehicles, such as a car or an SUV. Understanding how to properly use your truck mirrors is important as it can make the difference between a safe trip and an avoidable accident. Keep reading to learn more about how to properly adjust your mirrors to get the widest point of view to keep you safe on the road.
If you’ve any questions, get in touch with us at RWC Group at one of our locations in Arizona, Alaska, California, and Washington. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you and give you a complete tour of what we have in stock right now.
Why Are Mirror Checks Important?
Since it is much easier to see dangerous objects and situations when you have a clear field of vision, frequent mirror checks will help prevent accidents.
Doing frequent mirror checks can:
- Allow for a greater field of vision with multiple mirrors
- Greatly reduce any possible blind spots while you’re driving your truck
- Minimize the chances of backing into people or other cars
- Prevent the sideswiping of parked vehicles
How to Adjust Truck Mirrors?
Start by adjusting the seat and wheel to the position that will be most comfortable. Once you’ve settled in, you can adjust the flat and convex mirrors so that you have the best view of your surroundings.
The flat mirrors on your truck are used to monitor traffic on the sides of your vehicle but are more focused on the lane closest to you.
To Adjust Flat Mirrors:
- Rotate both flat mirrors side to side until the inside edge picks up the left and right rear corners of the truck.
- Tilt both flat mirrors up or down until the rear corner targets are visible in the bottom edge of the mirror.
- You should be able to see the rear corner area of the truck along with the horizon in the background.
To Adjust Convex Mirrors:
- Adjust the convex mirrors as far down and far out from the truck as possible.
- Make sure you can see the side of the vehicle along with the entire view of the lane adjacent to you.
- Once convex mirrors have been adjusted, you should have a viewing angle that runs down the side of the truck and gives you a full view of the adjacent lane.
Getting the Best Truck Mirror Set Up
When driving a truck, you need to set up the mirrors to eliminate the blind spot on the sides of the vehicle. There is an easy way to test this. Find a large parking lot and bring along a buddy. Park your truck and have them drive by your vehicle as if they were passing you. Keep an eye on their passing car by looking at your side mirrors. The moment they disappear from your flat mirror, they should be within sight of your convex mirror. This will let you know that you’ve eliminated the blind spot.
We hope that this guide has been useful. Remember that if your truck needs some professional attention before you head out on your next trip, you can always get in touch with us at RWC Group to schedule an appointment with our mechanics. We have locations throughout Arizona, Alaska, California, and Washington, so contact us today!