Looking for better “blind spot” mirrors for my side mirrors
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pluton
Senior Member
Standard small, flat mirrors are pathetic, useless, even dangerous.
I decided to make both of my side mirrors wide angle, full size.
I measured the dimensions of the stock 4Runner mirrors, then found glass wide angle mirrors on Amazon that came close in size and shape.
Attached them right on top of the existing power mirrors, using black RTV.
And yes---objects in both mirrors are closer than they appear.
Added benefit: Headlights of following vehicles are not as brightly reflected.
No pics handy, but can take tomorrow if it's of interest.
I decided to make both of my side mirrors wide angle, full size.
I measured the dimensions of the stock 4Runner mirrors, then found glass wide angle mirrors on Amazon that came close in size and shape.
Attached them right on top of the existing power mirrors, using black RTV.
And yes---objects in both mirrors are closer than they appear.
Added benefit: Headlights of following vehicles are not as brightly reflected.
No pics handy, but can take tomorrow if it's of interest.
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4Runner4Leon
Senior Member
That's interesting, I actually find the mirrors on the 4Runenr to be incredibly good compared to my other cars. They are huge in comparison, and I can see a much wider range - I actually can see the curb when backing up into a parking spot, it's like having a free backup camera 
.
One thing I always do with my side mirrors is adjust them further out than what you are taught in driver's ed (i.e. place them so you can see your quarter panel). Instead, I adjust mine further out, so that the inner part of the reflection just barely overlaps the rear view mirror. That makes the outer part of the reflection so wide that it essentially overlaps your peripheral vision. So first you see an object in your rear view mirror, then it moves to the side mirror, then you can see it without the mirrors. Instant "blind spot" elimination. It takes some getting used to, but once you do that, you'll never go back.
.One thing I always do with my side mirrors is adjust them further out than what you are taught in driver's ed (i.e. place them so you can see your quarter panel). Instead, I adjust mine further out, so that the inner part of the reflection just barely overlaps the rear view mirror. That makes the outer part of the reflection so wide that it essentially overlaps your peripheral vision. So first you see an object in your rear view mirror, then it moves to the side mirror, then you can see it without the mirrors. Instant "blind spot" elimination. It takes some getting used to, but once you do that, you'll never go back.
That's interesting, I actually find the mirrors on the 4Runenr to be incredibly good compared to my other cars. They are huge in comparison, and I can see a much wider range - I actually can see the curb when backing up into a parking spot, it's like having a free backup camera
One thing I always do with my side mirrors is adjust them further out than what you are taught in driver's ed (i.e. place them so you can see your quarter panel). Instead, I adjust mine further out, so that the inner part of the reflection just barely overlaps the rear view mirror. That makes the outer part of the reflection so wide that it essentially overlaps your peripheral vision. So first you see an object in your rear view mirror, then it moves to the side mirror, then you can see it without the mirrors. Instant "blind spot" elimination. It takes some getting used to, but once you do that, you'll never go back.
So I normally adjust them so I just barely see the edge of my own car. Like in the mirror space... 20% my car, then 80% not. Maybe I should adjust them out further?
Cree
New member
I align the inside edge of the mirror with the side, so I see nothing of the truck unless I move my head to one side or the other. You don't need to look at your rear quarter panels going down the road..... it takes getting used to, but after you've done it awhile you'll wonder why you ever did it any other way.
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phattyduck
Elite Member
You should adjust them WAYYYY out from there. The 'correct' way is so they just overlap the rear view mirror, like Leon said.
I do it by leaning near to the door, then adjusting the driver's mirror to just see the car. Lean the same amount towards the center, and adjust the passenger mirror so you can just see the car. When sitting in the normal driving position, you will see the nose of the car right next to you when it finally disappears from the side mirrors. If you need to see straight behind you, that's what the rear view mirror is for. The side mirrors are for checking your sides - and why would you want to see any part of your own car? You know where it is already!
Always still check your blind spots before changing lanes, of course. There is no need for extra mirrors in a 3rd gen 4Runner - they are huge for the size of the vehicle!
-Charlie
RunningForNow
Member
I put these on both side mirrors, and they work great. Cheap alternative and they don’t look out of place if you mount them on the bottom outer corner. I gotta be honest, the 3rd gen 4Runners have very minimal blind spots, if at all. Out of all the cars I’ve driven (I rent cars all the time for work, so I’ve driven quite a few), these trucks have pretty clear line of sight. Worst has got to be the Camaro and the Challenger. I have self doubt whenever I change lanes in those cars.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Dri...MIk_nL76r23gIVwB-tBh1SbQI3EAQYBSABEgLNlvD_BwE
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Dri...MIk_nL76r23gIVwB-tBh1SbQI3EAQYBSABEgLNlvD_BwE
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I ordered some small glass HD mirrors last night, before all this great advice today. One thing I do like tho, because of my chronically sore neck, is that with the added mirrors you don't have to ever check your blind spot. If there isn't a car in that little mirror, it's not there. And if there is a car there, you better believe it's next to you in the blind spot. Absolutely no guessing about it.
I drive an 18 Camry as a company car and it's got those yellow warning blind spot lights in the side mirrors. They worked great for a while...no need to crane my neck to change lanes. Now they are malfunctioning and completely NOT trustworthy. Time to take it in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CV4ANCC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I drive an 18 Camry as a company car and it's got those yellow warning blind spot lights in the side mirrors. They worked great for a while...no need to crane my neck to change lanes. Now they are malfunctioning and completely NOT trustworthy. Time to take it in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CV4ANCC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4Runner4Leon
Senior Member
Here's a good overview of the adjustment method we're recommending above.
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots
pluton
Senior Member
Here are photos of the glued-on wide angle mirrors, shot from the drivers position. It takes a short while to learn to judge distances but I'm very happy with the greatly increased coverage. I love being able to see my rear tire (on both sides of the car) while backing up or parallel parking.
Attachments
That's the exact same thing I bought a year ago. It's adjustable but they stay in position unless I go move it with my fingers Or go to the car wash.
I totally agree. It made my life easier. If it's not showing up in that little mirror, then there's no car and you can quickly merge (w/ turn signals on of course)
jgue467
Senior Member
Nothing but nothing beats this idea for effectiveness! Regardless of mirrors, always turn your head.... :COWBOY:
rangermenace
New member
After everything to improve car safty the rear view mirror has never changed, why? It would be easy to concave the mirrors to cover all blind spots but nothing :sniper:
phattyduck
Elite Member
You can thank the DOT for that. Car makers have to put a flat driver's side mirror on the car, no exceptions.... (though I have heard of a few that have the outer portion of the mirror convex to help) Any cameras, blind spot monitors, etc. are in addition, but cannot replace the mirror (yet).
-Charlie
i have the small adjustable convex mirrors on the sides but i also use a wide angle rear view mirror that shows my blind spots. bought it a couple years and and i have had one on every one of my vehicles after that
StreetCreeper
New member
I have my mirrors pretty much turned all the way out as far as they go, just as Leon and others have described earlier in this thread. No more blind spots indeed!
I also have little convex mirrors up in the useless parts of our mirrors. It’s that top inner corner where there’s nothing to see but the sky. It’s useless space for me, so might as well fill it with something.
I also have little convex mirrors up in the useless parts of our mirrors. It’s that top inner corner where there’s nothing to see but the sky. It’s useless space for me, so might as well fill it with something.
My HD glass mirrors arrived today and they’re installed. I tried y’alls method for adjusting the mirrors and it’s great for blind spots, but since I back up my rig into parking spots I couldn’t stand not seeing the white lines as I backed up. They’re pretty useful and with the mirrors turned so far out I just couldn’t see them. Thanks for all the great advice though!
