Are your mirrors set properly? Check this!

[75Carrera]

This movie demonstrates some tips on mirror settings you may not be aware of. If you're not you will appreciate this. Track guys all know this already (or should)

Areyourcarmirrorsadjustedcorrectly~Lorr~3-03-2010.wmv (paste and open with your browser)


Moderator... Can this be kept at top of list so everyone sees it? It is a really valuable tip... I've never posted anything like this before. Hope the copy/paste gets it done. Please advise.
Donny

[scottb]

Link didn't work.

[snbush67]

[75Carrera]

Thank you for posting that snbush76
This is something everyone should know... We learn about it at the track but many don't know how to do this. For our little, low to the ground cars this information can save lives!

[HarryD]

Great Video! Thanks for posting.

About 5 years ago I had to take a DoD Driving class and they spent some time on this topic. I thought it was silly but after trying it, I cannot drive without these proper adjustments.

I will also point out that when you first start using this method, you will not feel right as you will not see the side of your car anymore. Get used to it.

[Danny_Ocean]

Two new inventions that have saved my azz many times:

1) Turning your head.

2) Blind spot mirrors.

[WIL84911]

Cool.. let me try that.. after 32 years.. funny I even took off those grandpa blindspot mirrors PO had on.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by WIL84911

...funny I even took off those grandpa blindspot mirrors PO had on.

I have them on my work trucks, not on the 911...no side windows to see out of on a work van. Regardless of mirror adjustment, there is no safer way to change lanes than by looking over your shoulder(s).

[Flat Six]

Nice -- simple, easy to follow directions.

But assumes the primary/only purpose of side mirrors is to see what's in L/R blind spots without turning or otherwise moving your head.

I keep mine adjusted less "wide" because:

a) I either turn to look over my shoulder or move my head to one side to see what's in my blind spot(s) when changing lanes; and

b) I don't rely on just the interior rear view mirror to see what's behind me -- I use all three to scan trailing cars, on-ramps, and frontage roads for highway patrol. Especially the two-wheeled variety, which are hard to spot.

[Brother]

Cool. Thanks for posting.

[HarryD]

You guys, if you adjust the mirrors as stated and use all three mirrors you will have 95% + coverage of all areas around your car to track your surroundings.

Try it for two weeks and see if it is not really better.

[schumicat]

they mention this on Car Talk also. my SC has a flat (not wide angle/convex) pass side mirror. every other car I've owned had a convex pass mirror. I had to swap it with a convex one (ebay, $15 and just sticks on) because it would freak me out when I'd look and see what appeared to be a car bearing down inches from my bumper ...when in fact they were like 2-3 car lengths back. On my M3 I bought an OEM convex driver side mirror (convex mirrors came standard on both sides in Germany at the time). they make adjusting to limit blind spots easier.

[gtc]

I subscribe to the first-a rule of italian driving.

[dw1]

Good post. This is the same technique as was shown in the driver training class I took awhile back to get some points off my license (and save a bit on my car insurance). It is unfortunate how many drivers have their side mirrors adjusted too far inward.

However, there is also a technological solution. (Of course German engineers are to thank.)

M-B active blind spot assist:
Mercedes-Benz USA

I saw this in action when driving next to a new S-class in highway traffic and I thought it both great idea and hilarious.

It has the look of something the Feds may eventually mandate.

BTW, I've put the blind spot convex mirrors on most of my cars, and visibility is one reason why I've kept the flag mirrors on my '87 911 instead of downsizing to smaller and more aerodynamic ones.

[pksystems]

um.... Shoulder check.

[Oh Haha]

I've been doing this for several years(heard it on car talk). I drive a commercial rig so I am used to checking my mirrors every 10-15 second.

[m110]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

Regardless of mirror adjustment, there is no safer way to change lanes than by looking over your shoulder(s).

I was just reading a study that concluded that whether or not someone shoulder checked made no difference in accident rates. ie: In the general population there are other factors that are more important...like being a dunce.

[Sirius Driver]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

Two new inventions that have saved my azz many times:

1) Turning your head.

2) Blind spot mirrors.

Those r worth the money but you have it in the wrong place. The best place is the edge of the OEM mirror thats closer to the inside of the cabin. This allows you to still use the remainder of your OEM mirror to its full potential. Putting it on the side its currently on, has diminished the length of usable OEM mirror.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Sirius Driver

Those r worth the money but you have it in the wrong place. The best place is the edge of the OEM mirror thats closer to the inside of the cabin. This allows you to still use the remainder of your OEM mirror to its full potential. Putting it on the side its currently on, has diminished the length of usable OEM mirror.

Not my mirror....

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by m110

I was just reading a study that concluded that whether or not someone shoulder checked made no difference in accident rates. ie: In the general population there are other factors that are more important...like being a dunce.

Oh, cool...good to know. Now I don't have to look over my shoulder anymore...thanks.