Removing Side Mirrors for Better Aerodynamics

[Gen 3 for me]

Has anybody besides me thought about removing the side mirrors for better fuel economy. I read the legal code in my state, IL, and to me (not a lawyer) the law is clear that side mirrors are not required, but a rear view mirror is. Side mirrors are required if you tint the side / rear windows, or if you have so much in the car as to block the view from the rear view mirror. I have not checked the law for all the states I would possibly drive to yet.

I do not have my Prius yet so I can't try this out myself at this time. I also would want to collect baseline mpg data on a standard route before doing this experiment.

Would have to remove door panels and unbolt mirrors and disconnect wiring harness and plug or fill holes in door panel. It seems that the shape of the interior trim would allow a small bracket holding a mirror to be attached in the ideal spot to replace the view of the factory side view mirror. It is also possible to place another mirror by the small triangular shaped window to get a view of the "blind spot". I saw an interior side view mirror used on a GM fuel economy show car in 1983 and got this idea there.

Opinions and other thoughts / considerations? Be honest. I can take it.

[cairo94507]

Let us know how that works out for you as you are driving down the road and changing lanes, making turns, etc.

[Paradox]

After removing them you'd still have visual presence theat they were there unless you spend further money to make the removal seem 'clean'.

I personally cannot see doing something like this for an increase in MPG's considering we're getting 50 already... It just wouldn't look 'clean' and to me, whether the state you are in allows it or not, the safety/convenience issues make it just not worth it. Again, this is all my opinion. I remember reading others on here who mentioned folding their in... I wouldn't do that either.

[jay_man2]

I wonder if a JDM Prius has a mirror up on the fender, and what impact that has on fuel economy.

[stream]

Originally Posted by Gen 3 for me

Has anybody besides me thought about removing the side mirrors for better fuel economy.

As John McEnroe would say...you can not be serious.

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by stream

As John McEnroe would say...you can not be serious.

Agree, totally. I can see it if you're planning a new land speed record. But can't imagine the mpg gain would be worth more than +1-2 mpg going 70.
But maybe fender skirts over all 4 wheel wheels (ala the original Insight)...

[Boo]

I don't care what the law is, the idea stinks.

Removing the mirrors unnecessarily and unjustifiably puts other people's lives at greater risk.

[yardman 49]

+1 to Boo's reply.

The trade off of safety versus performance is not worth it.

I started driving when almost no cars came with standard right-hand mirrors. I often wished that my first car had one.

And the first right hand mirrors were not "wide angle" like todays rh mirrors are. The wide angle rh's today are much better than the original flat-glass ones.

I recently read a story where some car manufacturer is integrating a wide angle lens into part of the left hand (driver's) mirror. This will be an even further improvement.

So please don't remove your side mirrors.

[Boo]

On the legality issue, I think this is the Federal law/regulation on rearview (includes side) mirrors:

Part 571: Motor Carrier Vehicle Safety Standards

[ZTrekus]

IMHO I reckon that removing the side mirrors would make one helluva difference. I reckon it would reduce the already remarkable coefficient of drag that much more.

It would surely have to be quieter on the freeway too. I reckon it would improve significantly mpgs as well since you are getting rid of those awful wind wings on an otherwise speeding bullet/missile.

Don't get me wrong though. I would rather drive a truck than not have them!