Full Size Blind Spot Mirrors
- Thread starter Mafster
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Mafster
New member
Actually I first saw them at Performance but their website didn't show the newer 4Runner listed. The first link that was in my thread links you direct to the company's site which I found after doing some Google searching. I received them in about 4 days after placing the order. It sort of cut out the middleman.
Mafster
New member
Yes the passenger mirror does have a greater field of view. Their website shows the degree of vision from their mirror vs. the factory "objects in mirror are closer than they appear". I think it is like 10*-more. You don't have to replace that one, but I did, and personally am glad I did.
The ONLY thing that one may have to get use to is backing up using the mirrors (alone) as they don't have the 1:1 straight vision (drivers side) as standard mirrors do. They do have a bit of a curve and are probably more like 1:1.25 or so.
For me and most people though, the danger lie in passing motorists and you hopefully aren't in reverse when that occurs. They are solid glass, not plastic or some other cheap material. I don't know how the company makes them, but I am impressed that they are cut so precisely.
And no, I don't work for the company.
Be sure to post your impression of them when you get them! And they do offer a money-back satisfaction guarentee.
http://www.safetymirrorsonline.com/html/technology.htm
The above link shows the field of vision using the mirrors.
The ONLY thing that one may have to get use to is backing up using the mirrors (alone) as they don't have the 1:1 straight vision (drivers side) as standard mirrors do. They do have a bit of a curve and are probably more like 1:1.25 or so.
For me and most people though, the danger lie in passing motorists and you hopefully aren't in reverse when that occurs. They are solid glass, not plastic or some other cheap material. I don't know how the company makes them, but I am impressed that they are cut so precisely.
And no, I don't work for the company.
Be sure to post your impression of them when you get them! And they do offer a money-back satisfaction guarentee.
http://www.safetymirrorsonline.com/html/technology.htm
The above link shows the field of vision using the mirrors.
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TeryT
New member
Again, adjusting the mirrors out for the blind spot, I see little problem with the stock mirrors. For towing a larger trailer - then something else is certainly needed.Koz said:
BTW: My wife says she always adjust the mirrors for the blind spot, and has always done so. Maybe it's just something us "old" farts do!
MicaBlue03
Member
The adjustment of the original mirrors to cover the blind spots works pretty well, but I'm tempted by these aftermarket multivex mirrors, especially for the driver's side. The more complex curvature really looks nifty, and significantly better than a simple convex mirror of whatever size.
I remember hearing that US regs require a flat mirror on the driver's side (from the factory, at least), and that seems like a less-than-optimal approach. A friend retrofitted a convex (or some sort of wide-view, anyway) mirror to his BMW on the driver's side and likes it a lot. The mirror is sold by BMW for cars in Europe, but not normally available here, at least as original equipment.
This reminds me of one thing I liked about Honda's Pilot when I drove it. The visibility was exceptionally good, especially given the size and width of the vehicle (it's really more of a raised AWD Odyessy minivan than a traditional SUV). Honda always seems to do a good job on visibility, and it makes for more comfortable driving.
Nonetheless, I liked the 4Runner a lot better overall than the Pilot and have gotten used to driving with the mirrors in the wide-coverage position.
I remember hearing that US regs require a flat mirror on the driver's side (from the factory, at least), and that seems like a less-than-optimal approach. A friend retrofitted a convex (or some sort of wide-view, anyway) mirror to his BMW on the driver's side and likes it a lot. The mirror is sold by BMW for cars in Europe, but not normally available here, at least as original equipment.
This reminds me of one thing I liked about Honda's Pilot when I drove it. The visibility was exceptionally good, especially given the size and width of the vehicle (it's really more of a raised AWD Odyessy minivan than a traditional SUV). Honda always seems to do a good job on visibility, and it makes for more comfortable driving.
Nonetheless, I liked the 4Runner a lot better overall than the Pilot and have gotten used to driving with the mirrors in the wide-coverage position.
JB.
New member
Well, I've lived with the mirrors for a few days. Wasn't overjoyed at first, but they're growing on me. I definitely like 'em better than oem, it's just that I'm not sure I like them better than oem with round, stick-on spot mirrors. Unfortunely, I hadn't gotten around to the spot mirrors yet so I can't directly compare as far as the 4runner goes.
Three key points: 1. You have 90 days to decide, gotta love that. 2.The outside half of the mirror that bends and expands field of view is out of focus. Vertical lines are doubled up. You can't tell that from the pics. They're better used by focusing on the inside half and noticing, peripherally, what may be on the outside part. A closed eye will easily let you focus on an object in the outer half. 3. They don't cover as much field as the round stick-ons, but they cover all blind spots while letting me reference the edge of the vehicle.
Sorry, all you get are garage photos. Drivers side first. OEM on the left.
Three key points: 1. You have 90 days to decide, gotta love that. 2.The outside half of the mirror that bends and expands field of view is out of focus. Vertical lines are doubled up. You can't tell that from the pics. They're better used by focusing on the inside half and noticing, peripherally, what may be on the outside part. A closed eye will easily let you focus on an object in the outer half. 3. They don't cover as much field as the round stick-ons, but they cover all blind spots while letting me reference the edge of the vehicle.
Sorry, all you get are garage photos. Drivers side first. OEM on the left.
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Mafster
New member
You do have to adjust to using them. Once you do, at least for my wife and I, we would never think of using anything else. It did take a couple of days to adjust. I still don't like them for backing up, but they shine on the road. Yes, there is a curve at the end of them (that is how you can see into your blind-spot) and they aren't a 1:1 viewing ratio, but they (IMO) are much better than those stick on discs. Plus the company stands behind their product, which is nice.
Were they easier for you to install as well?
Were they easier for you to install as well?
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JB.
New member
Mafster said:
Sorry, didn't see the above question before. Yeah, they're cake to install and a little fishing line gets 'em right off. I ended up going with this setup on the passenger side. I tried a couple of other, smaller spot mirrors which were too small. I took this one off of my old pickup which I hardly drive now.
The multivex on the drivers side is a godsend. I constantly enjoy the new view. Had it been only between OEM and multivex on the passeger side, I would have stayed with multivex, but I'm real happy with the setup now. Thanks for posting the find.
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JManAlexVA
New member
mirrors
I have an '05 Sport V-8. My side mirrors are very dark - almost appear dirty. They can be difficult to see out of at night or under reduced visibility conditions such as rain. The dealer tells me the color on the mirrors is normal. I bought the 4" fish-eye blind spot mirrors with the adhesive backing and put them on the lower, outisde corners. They look somewhat cheesy, but actually work fairly well. It is much easier to merge or change lanes in traffic, and they are great to use when backing into a parking space.
I have an '05 Sport V-8. My side mirrors are very dark - almost appear dirty. They can be difficult to see out of at night or under reduced visibility conditions such as rain. The dealer tells me the color on the mirrors is normal. I bought the 4" fish-eye blind spot mirrors with the adhesive backing and put them on the lower, outisde corners. They look somewhat cheesy, but actually work fairly well. It is much easier to merge or change lanes in traffic, and they are great to use when backing into a parking space.
jeober
New member
As mentioned earlier a convex driver's side mirror is not within FMVSS 111 specification -- that's why the driver's mirror is flat of a certain minimum size. It's likely that persons are unable to properly judge distance through these and this is a problem. Sorry to be a party pooper. Just be aware.
I personally don't have an issue with a convex driver's side mirror. In fact when I first looked through the 4runner side mirror it seemed to be slightly convex in the horizontal plane -- but now I'm used to it. Anyone else think so?
The out of focus comment about a mirror indicates a low quality reflective surface of the mirror - send it back.
Regarding blind spots - has anyone mentioned turning the head to look over the left shoulder. I do the turn out mirrors but I find my wide angle eyeball to be the most secure way especially when things are too busy on a freeway to keep track of one car behind you. The B-pillar isn't too obstructive for this.
I personally don't have an issue with a convex driver's side mirror. In fact when I first looked through the 4runner side mirror it seemed to be slightly convex in the horizontal plane -- but now I'm used to it. Anyone else think so?
The out of focus comment about a mirror indicates a low quality reflective surface of the mirror - send it back.
Regarding blind spots - has anyone mentioned turning the head to look over the left shoulder. I do the turn out mirrors but I find my wide angle eyeball to be the most secure way especially when things are too busy on a freeway to keep track of one car behind you. The B-pillar isn't too obstructive for this.
Mafster
New member
Owning both OEM and these aftermarket ones, I have to say these are much much nicer, hands-down. Yes they take a little getting use to, but once you live with them for a week, I could never imagine anything else. No more close calls or "where did that car come from". My spouse, who is "anti-mod", speaks highly of them too-- which really is something if you knew her! 
I have them on her Honda Accord Coupe also and she loves 'em.
I agree, comparatively, we have large OEM mirrors~though I still had a problem with blind spots prior to these. Many people are happy with stick-on mirrors--something I also tried, but couldn't get use to re-focusing when doing quick lane change glances. I realize I need to always check over my shoulder (the best blind spot fix there is), but knowing somebody is playing stealth wingman to you can be a surprise at times.
I have them on her Honda Accord Coupe also and she loves 'em. I agree, comparatively, we have large OEM mirrors~though I still had a problem with blind spots prior to these. Many people are happy with stick-on mirrors--something I also tried, but couldn't get use to re-focusing when doing quick lane change glances. I realize I need to always check over my shoulder (the best blind spot fix there is), but knowing somebody is playing stealth wingman to you can be a surprise at times.
