AlphaSnacks

The first problem is that you shouldn't have to be inching forward to get a good view of the cars in the next lanes. You don't have your mirrors configured correctly if you're hunching over to change the angle of your view in the mirror before a merge or lane change.

For driver's side: you're supposed to angle your mirror out until you can either no longer see your car or just BARELY see your car. The point of this is to reflect directly what's to the side of you, including the other lane - which will help you see if some jerk is switching into the same spot and lane as you.

For passenger side: same. Adjust your mirrors until you can just barely see the side of your car. And by barely, I do mean barely. I personally add an extra little push, you'll be able to see at least 2 lanes, as well as cars and even bikes that would normally be in your blind spots.

The bottom line is, you don't really need a reflection of your car in your mirrors. You should have them setup in a way that you'll only see your car and its wheel well when you're parallel parking - which normally involves you sticking your head toward the center of the car and looking into the passenger mirror.