Blind Spot Mirrors

[yardman 49]

Hello Mary:

I've been driving since the 70's. Cars as well as motorcycles (but I stopped driving cycles quite a while ago when I realized my own mortality).

I've been using the small 2" blind spot "wide angle" mirrors for years. After getting used to them, I can't see going without them. They provide a much better view of near lane and far lane (two lanes over) blindspots than the mirror adjustment technique described by others here, IMO.

When I started driving, most cars only came with one side mirror (the drivers). Then eventually, manufacturers began offering them on the passenger side also. But at that point, not all the passenger ones had "wide angle mirrors" on the passenger side. So the usefulness was somewhat limited.

Eventually, all cars seemed to get the passenger mirrors with the wide-angled glass, the ones that say "objects are closer than they appear". When this happened, the passenger side mirrors became truly useful.

Because of this, you probably don't need a blind-spot mirror on the passenger side. At least I've never felt the need for them. But they could help with the far lane (2 lanes over) blind spot, I guess.

Most "big rig" trucks have the wide angle side mirrors, as well as flat mirrors. Why? Because they cover the blind spots much better than flat mirrors. That pretty much says it all.

I place my 2" round blind spot mirror on the outside lower edge of the driver's mirror (lower left hand corner). I adjust the driver's flat glass mirror and the passenger's mirror such that I can just see down both sides of my car without tilting my head to the sides. Coupled with my interior rear-view mirror and the blind spot mirror on the driver's side, I have a panoramic view of the area around and behind the automobile. And I can quickly assess all traffic around me with very little head movement.

Let us know what you end up doing.

Best wishes,

[BigDeal]

I have a question on blind spot mirrors.
I bought one at Walmart and am not sure how to install it. There's no directions with it. It is higher on one side than the other, so the mirror will be at a slight tilt when installed. I'm not sure which way I need the tilt to go. And not sure what corner of the car's mirror it should be installed.
Anyone have any suggestions?

Connie

[Tickwood]

Originally Posted by BigDeal

I have a question on blind spot mirrors.
I bought one at Walmart and am not sure how to install it. There's no directions with it. It is higher on one side than the other, so the mirror will be at a slight tilt when installed. I'm not sure which way I need the tilt to go. And not sure what corner of the car's mirror it should be installed.
Anyone have any suggestions?

Connie

If it wedge shaped as I think you mean, the higher (thicker) side should be away from the car on both sides. If you have only one get another. These are great and I have used them since I got the car. They should be mounted as far out (away from the car) and as low as possible on the mirror.

[Tickwood]

Originally Posted by tickwood

if it wedge shaped as i think you mean, the higher (thicker) side should be away from the car on both sides. If you have only one get another. These are great and i have used them since i got the car. They should be mounted as far out (away from the car) and as low as possible on the mirror.

i am an idiot. The thicker side should go toward the car. Sorry

[1SMUGLEX]

I've put those $3.00 or so blind spot mirros on my GS 430 and they are invaluable!! They have helped/saved me quite a few times. My car is black so the black plastic matches and does not bug me.

I always tell people to put them on all your vehicles!

[yardman 49]

Originally Posted by Tickwood

i am an idiot. The thicker side should go toward the car. Sorry

Thanks for the clarification. I was kind of wondering about that, but I've ever only used the round ones, so I don't have firsthand knowledge.

[BigDeal]

Originally Posted by Tickwood

i am an idiot. The thicker side should go toward the car. Sorry

Thanks for the correction. I'll probably install my blind spot mirror this weekend.

And I bet you're not really an idiot!