Most drivers adjust their mirrors incorrectly. The correct answer might be surprising.

 When was the last time you adjusted your side mirrors? If you're like most drivers, you probably positioned them so you could see a small portion of your own car. It feels natural and gives you a familiar reference point.

But what if that common habit actually leaves more of the road hidden from view?

Take a look at the four side-mirror setups shown above. Each one displays a different angle:

A: A large portion of the car's own door is visible.

B: Even more of the car is visible.

C: Only a thin strip of the car can be seen.

D: No part of the car is visible, only the road and the lanes beside it.

So, which setup is the best choice?

According to the outward-adjusted mirror method described in this article, the answer is D.

Many drivers were taught to keep part of their own vehicle visible in the side mirrors. However, angling the mirrors farther outward can provide a wider view of the adjacent lanes and reduce the overlap between the side mirrors and the inside rearview mirror.

Let's look at why this adjustment matters and how to set your mirrors properly.

The Problem With Seeing Your Own Car

When your side mirror shows a large portion of your own vehicle, some of its viewing area is being used to display something you already know is there.

That space could instead be used to show more of the lane beside you.

The bigger concern is the blind spot: an area alongside and slightly behind your vehicle that may not be visible in your mirrors. Another vehicle can enter this area without being immediately noticeable, creating a potentially dangerous situation during a lane change.

This is particularly important on busy roads and highways, where cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles may approach quickly from behind.

Why Mirror D Works Better

In setup D, the side mirrors are angled farther outward to provide a wider view of the adjacent lanes.

The idea is to divide the viewing area between your mirrors:

Inside rearview mirror: Shows the traffic directly behind your vehicle.

Left side mirror: Covers the area alongside and behind you on the left.

Right side mirror: Covers the corresponding area on the right.

With this arrangement, the views from the mirrors overlap less, helping a vehicle moving from behind toward the adjacent lane become visible in the side mirror sooner.

This approach is commonly associated with the Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE) method. An outward adjustment can also reduce the amount of direct headlight glare reflected into your eyes at night.

However, no mirror arrangement eliminates every blind spot. Drivers still need to remain alert and check their surroundings before changing lanes.

How to Set Your Mirrors the Right Way