Rear View Mirrors: Watch Your Back!

Posted on July 13, 2010 | Category: Automotive Trivia

The automobile industry has grown substantially over the years. Different makers and models have sprout out with unique inventions and style. The market competition has been so vast that prices were also very competitive.  Owning a car no longer became a luxury but a necessity. Private cars paraded the streets and in the long run congested them. Even if anyone can own a car, not everyone can drive it. You must be of legal age to be able to drive one. You also had to pass a driving test to get your license. All of these were implemented to ensure that the roads were safe for all. Safety driving is a top priority.

The introduction of rear view mirrors to the car design was one of the steps taken to ensure safety driving. It was only first seen though in 1911 during the Indianapolis 500. It is most commonly utilized as an overhead rear view mirror. The mirror is hooked to the windshield and provides a wide rear view. This can be moved in any four directions as preferred the driver. It can also be seen as a side rear view mirror. This is mounted near the front door on each side. This gives an image of what is beside and behind the car as well. These mirrors are so vital in safety driving that it has become imperative in car manufacturing and design.

Just as driving should be like human nature, using rear view mirrors should become a habit. When looking at rear view mirrors, it should be just a quick glance and never at anytime take your eyes off the main road. Also, take note of the cars that are beside and behind you. Make yourself familiar of your surroundings. This will help you when you take a turn. Blind spots are always present in any car. So do not fully rely on your mirror. Before taking any lane changes or turns, make sure you turn your head a bit to get your own view. Adjust the rear view mirror as needed but take a stop when this has to be done. Never adjust its position when driving. There is a tab that you can use to slightly tilt it. At night, this angle allows the headlight of other cars to bounce off reducing the glare.

But what happens when you suddenly realize that your rear view is missing or broken? Driving without a rear view mirror is extremely dangerous. You can get pulled over and fined for this. When you find yourself in this situation, do not fret.  Just go to any hardware store to get one. Make sure to find out what type of vehicle you have. Each rear view mirror packaging has a specific vehicle type that is compatible with. Choose a rear view mirror that has an anti glare mode. This will help minimize blinding light reflected from another car’s headlight. Do not forget to buy the tools needed to install the mirror. There are standard tool kits available for this.  Never hesitate to ask assistance from your friendly hard ware man. It never hurts to be sure.

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