Adjusting your rear view mirror at night depends on whether your vehicle has a manual or a power mirror. This simple adjustment helps prevent the glare from headlights of vehicles behind you from blinding you, significantly improving safety during nighttime driving.
Nighttime Rear View Mirror Adjustment
The method for adjusting your rear view mirror for optimal nighttime visibility varies by the mirror type installed in your car.
- Manual Mirrors: If your vehicle has a manual rear view mirror, you will find a small tab located at the bottom of the mirror casing. To dim the lights of cars approaching from behind, simply flip this tab. This action changes the angle of the mirror slightly, using a dual-surface design to reflect a dimmed image instead of the full bright reflection.
- Power (Automatic Dimming) Mirrors: Many modern vehicles come equipped with power mirrors that feature an automatic dimming function. These mirrors use sensors to detect bright light sources, such as headlights, and automatically adjust their reflectivity to reduce glare without any manual input from the driver.
Reference Information:
- Set the rear view mirror for nighttime driving.
- Manual mirrors have a tab at the bottom you can flip to dim the lights of the cars charging up behind you.
- Power mirrors enter nighttime mode automatically to help prevent headlights from blinding you while you drive.
Practical Tips for Night Driving Safety
Beyond adjusting your rear view mirror, consider these additional tips for safer driving after dark:
- Ensure your headlights are clean and properly aligned.
- Reduce your speed, as visibility is limited.
- Increase following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.
- Avoid looking directly into the headlights of oncoming traffic; glance towards the right edge of the road.
- Keep your windshield clean, both inside and out, to minimize streaks and glare.
Manual vs. Power Mirror Adjustment Table
Here's a quick comparison of how to handle each type of mirror at night:
| Mirror Type | How to Adjust for Night | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Rear View Mirror | Flip the tab located at the bottom. | Uses a tab to switch between day/night modes |
| Power Rear View Mirror | No manual adjustment needed; it happens automatically. | Automatically dims based on light levels |
Understanding how your specific mirror works ensures you can quickly and effectively reduce glare, making your nighttime journeys more comfortable and safer.
