Mirrors

[Benji]

Hi

Has anyone used the new style suction type mirrors for your car when towing? They come with a suction pad and attach to the car mirrors for easy adjustment. I purchased a pair ( one flat and one convex) as per the manufacturers guidelines, the convex mirror is attached to the passengers side of the car.

The problem I encountered was when I overtook a lorry, the view through the convex mirror indicated the lorry was far behind me when I fact I had just cleared it with the van after overtaking.

I have been in touch with the supplier and will be sending the convex mirror back for falt mirror.

This in my opinion is a dangerous situation especially when someone new to towing uses this type of mirror.

Russell

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Russell.

You make an interesting observation, however the driver is responsible to ensure they know how to handle the vehicle safely, and that must include the use of mirrors.

Some car manufacturers have been making a standard drivers door mirror which has both normal surface and a convex surface area in the same piece of glass. They define the difference in the surface with a visible line on the mirror so you know which part of the mirror you are using.

I am not familiar with the make or model of mirrors that you refer to, however the ones I have come across came with a clear warning note that the convex mirror distorts the image and care must be taken when judging distances and clearances.

I would expect that the manufacture of your mirrors would have included a similar warning. I do not know what else a manufacture could realistically do.

 

[KGHale]

Hello Russell.

You make an interesting observation, however the driver is responsible to ensure they know how to handle the vehicle safely, and that must include the use of mirrors.

Some car manufacturers have been making a standard drivers door mirror which has both normal surface and a convex surface area in the same piece of glass. They define the difference in the surface with a visible line on the mirror so you know which part of the mirror you are using.

I am not familiar with the make or model of mirrors that you refer to, however the ones I have come across came with a clear warning note that the convex mirror distorts the image and care must be taken when judging distances and clearances.

I would expect that the manufacture of your mirrors would have included a similar warning. I do not know what else a manufacture could realistically do.

Russell

I have been using these mirrors for two years without problem. Yes the convex mirror will give a misleeding distance reading, but the increased vision is worth getting used to, especially on the continent. However assuming you do not just pull out with the car and caravan without checking and using the indicators, and allowing some time to ensure any appoaching vehicle has time to slow down, you should not have a problem.

 

[Geordie]

The lorry should be the same distance away as the rear of your van when looking in your mirror. I assume you can see down the side of your van in your mirror?

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Geordie raises a good point, Can you see down the complete side of the van. Some people assume if you can see the traffic behind that's alright, but you must be able to see the rear corners of both sides of the caravan to drive safe,

best regards, Martin

 

[Benji]

Hi

Many thanks for all your feedback, some valid points. Since I wrote the note I have been in touch with the supplier of the mirror and will be changeing it for a flat mirror, I feel safer with this type as does my wife who shares the driving when we are out and about with our van.

Thank you all again

Russell