Drive like a pro: advice from performance-driving instructor Ian Luff

The majority of drivers set their mirrors up so they can see the sides of the vehicle. This is done for a sense of perspective and to help with reversing. But given that you spend most of your time going forwards, you really don’t need to check up on your car during everyday motoring. Doing so means you’re effectively driving with blinkers on.

Try this three-step strategy and you’ll be amazed how much more clearly you’ll see the world. Stop in an area like a shopping centre, where a line of cars is parked left-to-right about 25 metres behind you. See which cars are in the centre mirror. Now check the driver’s side mirror.

I bet some of the same cars appear! Hmm, why view the same car twice? Now adjust the right mirror out more and hidden cars will come into view.

At no time should you ever see the side of your vehicle unless you tilt your head in that direction, for example, when reversing.

Do the same thing with the left mirror, making sure the vehicles in the centre mirror are not duplicated. Now you have minimised blind spots – an instant safety benefit.