LPT: How to remove virtually all blindspots from the majority of autos. Most people “gun sight” their side mirrors which is only ok if you have convex (aka bubble) mirrors also, otherwise it leaves massive blind spots at your 4:00 and 8:00. Read on for instructions.

Submitted by Sapphire580 t3_11bakmw in LifeProTips

Step 1 set your rear view mirror centered on the rear glass.

Step 2 see what object you can see on the furthest left edge of the rear view mirror. Then position the left side mirror to where the right side of it barely sees the same object as the left side of the rear view.

Step 3. Repeat step two but with the right mirror and the right edge of the rear view.

When done correctly A. you won’t see down the side of your car in the side mirrors and B. a car in your rear view mirror can move to either lane beside you, and as it pulls alongside you and passes you and it will move to be in both the rear view and a side mirror then just a side mirror, then just before it leaves the side mirror it will appear in your side window, therefore you’ll always have some part of the car in either one or two of your mirrors and/or the side window.

This works in reverse for you passing a car. But the point remains there will be nowhere in 360° around your vehicle a car can be that you can’t see some part of it to know it’s there.

And yes if you’re used to gun sighting your side mirrors it may be a bit disorienting at first to not see your car in the mirror.

If you’re in a vehicle that you can’t use the rearview mirror, then lean your head against the driver window, and gun sight the drivers side mirror, then lean your head to the center of the vehicle and gun sight the passenger side mirror, this will give you a look into the lanes beside you all the time while still allowing you to see directly behind you (which is the least useful information while driving IMO) by just leaning your head a bit. Your mirrors should be “timed” so that a car leaving your side mirror instantly appears in your side window.

Remember blindspots behind you don’t really affect you but blindspots in the lane next to you affect you when changing lanes.

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Volcan_R t1_j9wx3p9 wrote

It is easier to put your head against the window and move the mirror so that you just see the edge of the car and put your head over the center console and do the same for the other side. It absolutely boggles my mind that 95% or more people set their side mirrors wrong. How do I know? I can see all your damn faces in the side mirrors when I'm behind you. You should always still check your blind spot when you change lanes. Extra safety is good, some cars still have a bit of a blind spot, and a car can easily move from your rear to your side mirror in the time it takes to check them.

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Sapphire580 OP t1_j9wy9t1 wrote

Yes I described that technique in the second to last paragraph for people that can’t use their rearview mirrors.

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SmokeOne1969 t1_j9wv0gv wrote

Great tip! Going to give it a try.

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keepthetips t1_j9wurzs wrote

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MissionCandidate3417 t1_j9wwy1r wrote

This technique eliminates those blindspots.

By following the instructions provided, drivers can eliminate the majority of blindspots around their vehicle. It is important to note that this technique is especially beneficial when it comes to blindspots in the lane next to you, as those can have a more significant impact when changing lanes. It is also important to remember to adjust your mirrors so that a car leaving your side mirror instantly appears in your side window.

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TheHeroYouNeedNdWant t1_j9wzhn3 wrote

I've had bubble mirrors on all my cars except my first one. I still find it weird not to look over my shoulder to check the blind spots. I drove for the first 4 years with being taught to always look first. If anything, i use the bubble mirrors and a double check, or if i need to make a lane change during a dangerous situation that requires immediate reaction.

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gokism t1_j9x06v2 wrote

>Remember blindspots behind you don’t really affect you but blindspots in the lane next to you affect you when changing lanes.

Which is why you're supposed to signal, then physically check those lanes by looking back before moving into a lane.

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calguy1955 t1_j9x5l9f wrote

On a multi-lane highway also be sure that the vehicle two lanes over is not trying to merge into the same lane as you are. Mirrors don’t help that situation.

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LorenzoStomp t1_j9yydrc wrote

This is a common issue in, for some reason, just the southwest quadrant of my local beltway. If you try to merge left, some one behind you and further left will see that your blinker is on and move to be in your way before you can complete the merge. Other areas have their own quirks but in that section everyone thinks it's Mad Max time, and using your blinker is giving information to the enemy.

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79TranZam t1_j9y5bxr wrote

I tell my family this and they look at me like I said the Earth is flat.

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SmokeOne1969 t1_ja5ukph wrote

I drove home today in the dark and I wasn't blinded by headlights in my side mirrors. It did seem weird at first but watching the cars move from the rearview to the side view really works like you said, OP. Thanks!

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Sapphire580 OP t1_ja6g3m7 wrote

Nice, and did you notice the cars going from your side view instantly into your side window without missing a beat? Glad to help.

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SmokeOne1969 t1_ja6hyxj wrote

Now that you mention it, yes. Seems to make the blind spot on the driver's side smaller. Thanks again.

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