how are convex rear view mirrors not standard equipment on vehicles?

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funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,368
418
126
You know you can buy little ones that stick onto your mirrors for $2 right?

Walmart, or any number of auto parts places sell these things. I stick them on every car I buy as one of the first things I do to it.
 

LordMorpheus

Diamond Member
Aug 14, 2002
6,871
1
0
The previous owner of my car put two small little convex mirrors in the inside corners of the side view mirrors. It's actually really helpful, especiall with a boat like a town car.
 

Midlander

Platinum Member
Dec 21, 2002
2,456
1
0
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Because if you have half a brain and know how to adjust your side mirrors properly you can eliminate your blindspots already, even if neither side mirror is convex.

The problem is that most morons adjust their sideview mirrors so that both sideview mirrors duplicate the field of view of their center rearview mirror.

ZV

:thumbsup: Thank you.

I changed to the correct method of adjusting mirrors years ago. I won't drive a car with them in the redundant position. Once you get this one right, you'll never go back. :beer:
 

Eos

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2000
3,463
17
81
You 4-wheelers (trucker code for the rest of the country's drivers) need to learn to not rely on that rearview mirror. I somehow managed to drive nearly a million miles and never sideswiped anyone or anything. I also did plenty of backing up without a rearview mirror and never hit anything or anyone. I used to back up gravel trailers around corners while controlling the rate of dump of the gravel in the box. There could only be 3-6 inches of gravel on the ground, not 10.

I do believe there are blind spots, but by paying more attention, you can always know who is coming up on you or who is near you already.

I have a small spot mirror on my flat driver's side mirror. Works great. Upper left corner, for those who care.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Because if you have half a brain and know how to adjust your side mirrors properly you can eliminate your blindspots already, even if neither side mirror is convex.

The problem is that most morons adjust their sideview mirrors so that both sideview mirrors duplicate the field of view of their center rearview mirror.

ZV

sorry, my 04 camry has a nasty blind spot on the drivers side and if i adust the mirror to cover that area i create another. To solve this i bought a small round fish eye mirror that i stuck on the drivers side mirror. Easy $1.00 fix.
 

ZippyDan

Platinum Member
Sep 28, 2001
2,141
1
81
Originally posted by: PaNsyBoy8
i know you mentioned you didn't like the clip on types, but if you can get over that, what you want is a broadway mirror

http://search.ebay.com/broadway-mirror_W0QQfromZR40

you can get them in different lengths, convex or flat, tinted or clear, i had one that i loved till someone stole it when they broke into my car.

i tried out a flat broadway and it was completely useless for seeing more OUTSIDE the car. i was able to see more of my face and more of the rear window framing... maybe the convex is better
 

ZippyDan

Platinum Member
Sep 28, 2001
2,141
1
81
Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
The previous owner of my car put two small little convex mirrors in the inside corners of the side view mirrors. It's actually really helpful, especiall with a boat like a town car.

anyone have any recommendations where on the side mirror you would put the convex addons?
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
I just stick adjustable fisheyes on my side view mirrors. Problem solved. I rarely ever use my rearview mirror.

They can suck in the rain/snowy season when they get covered with moisture/sludge and really aren't viewable.
 

jtvang125

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2004
5,399
51
91
I think that a lot of the accidents are not because of blindspots but people just not using their mirrors or even looking at all. A quick glance at your rear view, side mirror and a look over your shoulder could prevent so many accidents.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,588
986
126
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
All cars are slightly convex, and you are an idiot if you cannot adjust your mirrors so you do not have a blind spot, you have to line them up correctly.

Like I said they are slightly convex, but they cannot make them too convex or idiots would change lanes into other cars because of how a convex mirror makes a smaller virtual image, hence the "objects in mirror are closer than they appear."

You are completely wrong about this. Some cars are have smaller blind spots than others but most, if not all, cars have a blind spot even with the mirrors properly adjusted. You'll still have to turn your head slightly before making lane changes with your mirrors adjusted properly.

Here's a tip: If you can see the sides of your car in your side view mirrors, then they aren't adjusted correctly.

I used to have those the small stick on convex mirrors on my old car, as they are extremely effective, but I do not have them on my current car. You can pick them up at any auto parts store for a couple bucks for a pair of them.

BTW-That Lotus Elise I rented had horrible blind spots.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
You are completely wrong about this. Some cars are have smaller blind spots than others but most, if not all, cars have a blind spot even with the mirrors properly adjusted. You'll still have to turn your head slightly before making lane changes with your mirrors adjusted properly.

Not only are blind spots getting worse in cars (huge, rounded out C-pillars in the back windows) but they are making side mirrors odd shaped and/or microscopic in size reducing your effective viewing area for the sake of style.

My wife had an '07 Maxima for a week as a rental and it was kind of rough to get used to. You sat really low to the ground and the top half of the mirror is cut off to make a wedge shape. It just really reduces how much you can see at a time. Plus it had the afore mentioned giant C pillars making for over the shoulder checks hard.