Side View Mirror Add-On
 

I am considering adding a small stick-on mirror to my driver's side outside mirror to minimize the blind spot. Has anybody done this on their TCH yet? Does the heated mirror affect the stick on mirror or vice versa?

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

I did this on my former car, an Avalon, also with heated mirrors. Never had a problem with stickiness.

I have not got around to doing this on my TCH yet, but probably will. I prefer the little round ones (about 2" ??) over the little rectangular ones, but I am open to either I guess.

I believe they really help. I have an ongoing disagreement with my wife about positioning of the mirrors anyways: I think they should pick up where your center mirror leaves off, and NOT show any part of the side of your car (why do I want to see a bunch of *stationary* sheet metal?). She needs to see the side of the car for a reference against other vehicles.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

My wife is the exact same way. I cannot convince her that she's better off minimizing the size of her blind spot. She wants to see the side of her own car....

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

Consumer Reports published a simple procedure for adjusting side view mirrors.

Lean slightly to the left and adjust the left mirror so you can "just" see the left side of the car.
Lean slightly to the right and adjust the right mirror so you can "just" see the right side of the car.

Works for me.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

Put one on mine. Great little rectangle that catches those sneaky creepers in the left lane at times. I set it on the inside lower part of the mirror. I believe the heating element is around the center of the mirror so you should have no issues if the tape is good.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

I refuse to cover up a portion of my mirror with another one. If the side view mirrors are adjusted correctly, you should not need a spot mirror at all.
Tom & Ray Magliozzi brought this to my attention. Many people tend to use the side view mirrors as rear view mirrors. The mirrors should be positioned so you see things that are not seen in the rear view mirror.
Check out the instructions for positioning your mirrors. If this procedure is followed, you don't need a stick on mirror!


http://www.cartalk.com/content/featu...ors/step1.html

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

I have already positioned my mirrors correctly, and I have for years. Nonetheless, I notice that I still have a blind spot that I didn't have in my previous car ('99 Passat). So I am considering a small extra mirror for the first time in 25 years of driving.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

I've found that the passenger side mirror IS a blind spot! While sitting at a stop sign, I can't see oncoming traffic to the right because the mirror is in the way.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

During a recent trip from Raleigh, NC to Boston, I almost hit another car while changing lanes. When I got home, I promptly went to Advance Auto and got a stick on mirror for about $2.00. I find it a big help...

Hasn't been cold enough to use the heated mirrors, but I don't anticipate any problems.
https://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fi...4/IMG_0141.JPG

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

The mirror adjustment works well. But.... it doesn't take into account the other "NASCAR" drivers that want to hug your draft.

Even this little mirror has been a saving factor a time or two. I'll keep it on just for those "instances" where I can't relay solely on my own good judgement.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

MickeysPal,

I see that you attached them towards the inside of the mirror, as opposed to the outside. I am curious if you did any comparisons with placement locations.

In my previous car, I had round ones, and they were on the outside of the mirrors. I dont remember if I played around with location or not.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

Mine is the same location as MickeysPal and I found that works just fine. I tried to place it first in a few different spots and found that too far out gives me more of the lane I can already see with my periphrial vision. Having it on inside gives me from the side of my car to the area right next to my where my side vision begins. (does that make sense?)

It fit better on the lower portion of the mirror rather than the top, i thought.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

Folks, thanks for the great tips... I've tried the mirror adjustments and still notice blind spots.

Add me to the list of people seriously considering getting similar mirror add-ons soon!

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

Ditto... I also found the inside/bottom location to give me the the best results. Placing the add-on toward the outside, interferes too much with the side view mirror's normal field of vision.

Re: Side View Mirror Add-On
 

I really do miss the aspherical mirrors that were available on my Passat.

Basically, those mirrors have the far outside edge bent a bit, and makes for a broad view. Took a bit of getting used to, but once accustomed they worked nicely.

They're sometimes called non-planar mirrors. Studies show they're effective at preventing accidents (beyond just being useful).

Not seeing anything for the Camry, though. I do recall that the Passat's were produced for the European market (which I added subsequent to delivery).