Towing Mirrors - Flat or Convex

[Robtel]

I have recently changed my car and after approx 20 years of service looks like I am going to have to replace my towing mirrors as they probably are not going to fit new vehicle. I have had a look around including at Towsure and note that a lot of mirrors are sold either as flat or convex. I can't remember having the choice when I bought current mirrors.

What are your thoughts, recommendations on flat or convex mirrors.

Thanks

Robert

 

[Lutz]

In order to get an appropriate angle of vision in the mirrors, the driver's side may be flat but the nearside mirror should be convex.

 

[cooky1]

I always use flat mirrors because they give a true picture of what is going on behind you. Convex mirrors make the traffic seem farther away than it actually is and so can be a bit misleading when pulling out to overtake.

Graeme.

 

[clivea]

Hi,

I use Milencos and have the flat on my side, wth convex on the naerside. It is true that the convex does give a different view but you soon get used to it. Also when abroad the convex gives a wider field of view so that I can see cars overtaking me on autoroutes or vehicels on the nearside in towns.

Cheers

Other clive

 

[RogerL]

Convex mirrors give a wider effective field of view but they do take some getting used to as "vehicles may be closer than they appear".

If you use door mounted mirrors the field of view from flat mirrors may be adequate but wing mounted mirrors, being further away, benefit from being convex.