Driving a Tesla is an experience like no other, blending cutting-edge technology with exhilarating performance. But even with all the advanced features, some fundamental aspects of driving remain crucial for safety and comfort. One such aspect is properly adjusting your mirrors.
This guide will walk you through, step by step, how to adjust your mirrors in a Tesla, ensuring optimal visibility and a safer driving experience. We'll cover everything from the basic controls to advanced tips for maximizing your field of view.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – Are You Ready to Optimize Your View? ?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's get you comfortably seated in your Tesla. Make sure your seat is adjusted to your ideal driving position. This is crucial because your mirror adjustments should be made relative to your typical seating position. Got your seat just right? Great! Now, let's talk about those mirrors.
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| How To Adjust Mirrors In Tesla |
Step 2: Accessing the Mirror Adjustment Controls on Your Touchscreen
Unlike traditional cars with physical mirror adjustment knobs, Tesla integrates mirror controls into its sleek touchscreen interface.
2.1: Locating the Controls
Tap the Car Icon: On the bottom left of your Tesla's large central touchscreen, you'll see a car icon. Tap this to bring up the main controls menu.
Navigate to "Quick Controls" or "Controls": Depending on your Tesla model and software version, you might see a "Quick Controls" or simply "Controls" tab. Tap on this.
Find the "Mirrors" Section: Within the controls menu, look for a section specifically dedicated to "Mirrors". This is usually represented by a small icon resembling a side mirror.
2.2: Understanding the On-Screen Interface
Once you're in the mirror adjustment section, you'll typically see two virtual mirror icons, one for the left side and one for the right side. You'll also notice directional arrows (up, down, left, right) that correspond to the movement of the selected mirror.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
Step 3: Adjusting Your Side Mirrors for Optimal Field of View ️
Properly adjusting your side mirrors is vital for minimizing blind spots and enhancing situational awareness. We'll focus on the push-out method, which is widely recommended for reducing blind spots.
3.1: Adjusting the Driver's Side Mirror (Left Mirror)
Select the Left Mirror: On the touchscreen, tap the icon representing the left side mirror. It will highlight to indicate it's selected.
The "Horizon" Rule: Begin by leaning your head slightly towards the driver's side window. Now, using the directional arrows on the touchscreen, adjust the mirror outwards until the side of your car is just barely visible in the innermost part of the mirror. You want to see as much of the lane beside you as possible, not the side of your own vehicle.
Vertical Adjustment: Vertically, you generally want about 50% road and 50% sky in your mirror, with the horizon line roughly in the middle. Adjust this so you have a good view of the traffic behind you and the road surface.
3.2: Adjusting the Passenger's Side Mirror (Right Mirror)
Select the Right Mirror: Now, tap the icon for the right side mirror on the touchscreen.
The "Lean Over" Rule: For the passenger side, lean your head towards the center of the car (as if you were sitting in the passenger seat). Then, adjust the mirror outwards until the side of your car is just barely visible in the innermost part of the mirror. Again, the goal is to maximize your view of the adjacent lane.
Vertical Adjustment: Similar to the driver's side, aim for roughly 50% road and 50% sky vertically.
Why this method? By "pushing out" your mirrors, you create an overlap in your peripheral vision with your rear-view mirror, significantly reducing the size of your blind spots. This takes a little getting used to, but it's a game-changer for safety.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning Your Rear-View Mirror
While side mirrors cover your immediate flanks, the rear-view mirror provides a direct line of sight to what's behind you.
Manual Adjustment: Unlike the side mirrors, the rear-view mirror in your Tesla is typically manually adjusted.
Frame the Rear Window: Sit upright in your normal driving position. Reach up and physically adjust the rear-view mirror so that it frames the entire rear window of your Tesla. You should have a clear, unobstructed view of the traffic directly behind you.
No Blind Spots from Yourself: Make sure your head or any part of your body doesn't block any part of the view.
Step 5: Utilizing the Mirror Auto-Tilt Feature (If Equipped) ↩️
Many Tesla models come with an extremely convenient feature: auto-tilting mirrors when you shift into reverse. This helps you see curbs and obstacles more easily when parking.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
Enabling Auto-Tilt:
Go back to the "Mirrors" section in your car's controls.
Look for an option labeled something like "Mirror Auto-Tilt" or "Auto-Fold/Tilt".
Ensure this option is toggled On.
Customizing Tilt Position (Advanced):
While the car is in Reverse (R), the mirrors will automatically tilt down.
You can then manually adjust the tilted position using the touchscreen controls to your preferred view for reversing. Tesla will remember this position for future reverse maneuvers.
When you shift out of reverse into Drive (D) or Park (P), the mirrors will return to their normal driving position.
Step 6: Saving Your Mirror Profile
Once you've meticulously adjusted all your mirrors to perfection, you'll want to save these settings to your driver profile. This is especially useful if multiple people drive your Tesla, as each driver can have their own personalized mirror (and seat, steering wheel, etc.) settings.
Accessing Driver Profiles: On the main touchscreen, usually near the top, you'll see a small driver profile icon (often resembling a person's silhouette). Tap on this.
Saving to Your Profile: Select your existing driver profile (or create a new one if you haven't already). Once your profile is selected, your current mirror settings (along with other adjustments) will be automatically saved to that profile. The next time you select your profile, all your personalized settings will load.
Step 7: Regular Checks and Fine-Tuning ️
Even after the initial setup, it's a good practice to occasionally check your mirror adjustments, especially after:
Someone else has driven your car.
You've had your car serviced.
You've significantly changed your seating position.
A quick glance and minor adjustment can make a big difference in maintaining optimal visibility.
FAQ: How To Adjust Mirrors in Tesla
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about adjusting mirrors in a Tesla, with quick answers:
How to access mirror controls in a Tesla?
To access mirror controls, tap the car icon on your Tesla's touchscreen, then navigate to "Controls" (or "Quick Controls") and select the "Mirrors" section.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
How to adjust the driver's side mirror in a Tesla?
Select the left mirror on the touchscreen, then lean your head towards the driver's window and use the directional arrows to adjust the mirror outwards until the side of your car is just barely visible.
How to adjust the passenger's side mirror in a Tesla?
Select the right mirror on the touchscreen, then lean your head towards the center of the car and adjust the mirror outwards until the side of your car is just barely visible.
How to adjust the rear-view mirror in a Tesla?
The rear-view mirror is adjusted manually. Sit upright and physically move the mirror so it frames your entire rear window, providing a clear view behind you.
How to enable auto-tilt mirrors for reversing in a Tesla?
Go to the "Mirrors" section in your controls menu and toggle on the "Mirror Auto-Tilt" (or similar) option.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
How to customize the auto-tilt position of mirrors in a Tesla?
While in Reverse (R), the mirrors will tilt. You can then use the touchscreen controls to manually adjust them to your preferred reversing position, and Tesla will remember it.
How to save mirror settings to a driver profile in a Tesla?
Once your mirrors are adjusted, tap the driver profile icon on the touchscreen and select your profile; the settings will be automatically saved to it.
How to fold mirrors manually in a Tesla?
In the "Mirrors" section of the controls, there's usually a dedicated button or option to "Fold Mirrors" or "Unfold Mirrors."
How to clean the side mirrors in a Tesla?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the mirror housing or finish.
How to reset mirror settings in a Tesla?
While there isn't a direct "reset mirror settings" button, switching to a different driver profile and then back to yours, or performing a soft reset of the touchscreen (holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen restarts), might revert them to a default or previously saved state.
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