So, still curious about backing? Do you just not use side mirrors when backing, say, a CCLB like my F350?
How to adjust your side mirrors
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
I feel like factoring in "modern" conveniences like power mirrors (or rear view cameras) is disingenuous.
Was not this rule of thumb in place long before such things? Or did it just become "the rule" around the time power mirrors became commonplace? If so, I would personally judge that time to be roughly '92 to '98 for pickups -- based upon my wrenching experience, my life experience and what knowledge I have of body styles (point being, YMMV)
What about vehicles without a "central mirror"? This would largely (but not exclusively) include trucks with a topper, trucks with a water tank in the bed (common in my area), RVs, box vans, cargo vans, and of course semis with a trailer attached.
Again, my understanding is that this was supposed to be the rule of thumb long before BUCs, so using modern technology to justify an old rule doesn't work for my logic pattern.
Backing - in what sense?
For a trailer - I answered that - I angle the mirrors inward to see the trailer.
But I back into a parking space with a car, or even the pickup, which I do all the time - by looking over my shoulder. Works just as well as it did 45 years ago, though my ability to twist my neck around is somewhat diminished…I leave the mirrors the same (blind spot target).
I love the back-up camera on the Tundra - so helpful, but I don’t rely on it. I have better SA looking over my shoulder and cross-checking the camera, which sees objects that are below my line of sight.
I added a back-up camera to the 2002 Volvo XC70 (shown here before adjusting the camera and the reticle) because it is so useful.
But, again, better SA looking over my shoulder, and using the camera to see potentially hidden objects.
Ok, so one vote for looking over shoulder to back = good. How do you see exactly where the edge of a long pickup is when backing into a parking spot? I guess you just guesstimate from looking over your shoulder? What about cars that are below bed height?
It seems looking over shoulder only works on trucks with an unobstructed bed? Or are you able to do this with a topper, pallet of concrete, water tank, etc?
Again, I thought I answered that - with an obstructed view out the back, I pull the mirrors in so that I can see the sides of the car to know where I am in relation to other objects. That is true for a wagon as well as the truck. I have a back-up camera, so between the two, I can back right in without looking over my shoulder.
On the S-class, there is no back-up camera, nor do I need one.
I have the mirrors adjusted to the blind spot, flanks not visible, always, but the car itself lowers the mirror aim when I select reverse, doing the same as above automatically, bringing the flanks in view. When I select park, or drive, they go back to their previous adjustment.
Clearly, MB engineers adjust their mirrors as I do (blind spot, flanks not visible) and clearly, they made the adjustment for parking automatic as a matter of convenience on their flagship car over 20 years ago.
I have my mirrors adjusted the "wrong" way so I barely see the sides of my car. It assures me I'm centered in my seat correctly if I exit and reenter. It provides a baseline. If I had them sticking out, well, how far out? Nobody has any idea.
I've got convex blind spot mirrors stuck to my flat OE ones. It's the dumb outdated law that the driver's mirror has to be flat that causes the issue. I also mentally track upcoming vehicles behind me-- there is a blind spot, but I account for their presence/ absence. Plus there's always the option of a neck swivel head check to see if they're still there with their car.
I've got convex blind spot mirrors stuck to my flat OE ones. It's the dumb outdated law that the driver's mirror has to be flat that causes the issue. I also mentally track upcoming vehicles behind me-- there is a blind spot, but I account for their presence/ absence. Plus there's always the option of a neck swivel head check to see if they're still there with their car.
My Father taught me to adjust the mirrors for blind spots when I was 15 years old. It's a well-known practice among truck drivers, though semis have a second set of mirrors to aid in backing. In my daily driving, I adjust to see the side of my car only when I move my head to the extreme left or right.
Ok, so so long as you have power mirrors and/or BUCs you're in good shape? Am I understanding that correctly?
So, when you learned to drive and your dad taught you this technique as you've stated, what did you do before power mirrors and BUCs?
I'm sorry questions upset you
I don't know why you are asking me this. As I stated earlier, I just learned about this new technique today, I gave it a try, and I liked it. You should try it too and judge for yourself. Or don't if you don't want to.
The CarandDriver article posted by the OP is about adjusting 3 mirrors to remove blind spots, so I did that. Beyond that I have no comment. Also having just learned the technique myself, I have no knowledge of its history, so I can't comment on that either.
Notice I didn't post about it first. I tried it first, before I passed judgement. But now that I've tried it, I like it a lot and will continue to use it. If with more experience, I happen to change my mind, then I will simply readjust my mirrors.
I would suggest the next step for you is try it yourself, and focus on its effectiveness rather than its history. Then make your own decisions about your own mirrors.
I’ve been adjusting my side mirrors this way for years, after a friend showed me the proper way.
Other people who have driven my car (including the wife) hate it and always change it.
Some people will refuse to do it even when shown the proper way.
Other people who have driven my car (including the wife) hate it and always change it.
Some people will refuse to do it even when shown the proper way.
More driving today, in my other car, using the new mirror setup in my second car. Yes I still like it, much more situational awareness.
I was on a multi lane road and I looked at the mirrors of other cars and trucks as we passed each other while driving in the same direction. A surprising number of people were doing it the “correct / new” way. As I could clearly see their face in their mirror when I was in a traditional blind spot.
This included larger trucks, a 4WD with trailer, older people in smaller sedans, and one nervous learner (with a steering wheel death grip) as she sped up and merged onto the highway.
Why did it take me so long?
I was on a multi lane road and I looked at the mirrors of other cars and trucks as we passed each other while driving in the same direction. A surprising number of people were doing it the “correct / new” way. As I could clearly see their face in their mirror when I was in a traditional blind spot.
This included larger trucks, a 4WD with trailer, older people in smaller sedans, and one nervous learner (with a steering wheel death grip) as she sped up and merged onto the highway.
Why did it take me so long?
I've been following this thread and been driving, so I decided to see how my mirrors are set. Yep just as recommended in OP, in fact in all seriousness, I've always adjusted my mirrors like that.
