Adjust Your Mirrors
-
Topic author - I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Adjust Your Mirrors
The right way.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10 ... ts-feature
I've been doing it this way for years.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10 ... ts-feature
I've been doing it this way for years.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
-
- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 704
- Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:50 am
- Location: Plymouth Township, PA
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
Sounds great. IF you have a rear view mirror. The little convex mirrors solve the problem for me. I'm so used to not having a rear view in my work truck that I don't use them on my personal rides.
Current:
01 AWD - Stock
98 AWD - Stock
Past:
93 4WD - 305 V8 - 5" lift - 31" tires
98 4WD DHC - 10" lift - 33" tires - Onboard air and Hydraulics - Snowplow
92 RWD - 350 V8 - lowered - 97 front clip
92 RWD - 350 V8 - converted to AWD - V6
91 AWD - 350 V8 - conversion van
94 RWD - 350 V8 - sons van
92 RWD - stock - sons van
93 RWD Shorty - project
89 RWD Shorty - parts van
01 AWD - Stock
98 AWD - Stock
Past:
93 4WD - 305 V8 - 5" lift - 31" tires
98 4WD DHC - 10" lift - 33" tires - Onboard air and Hydraulics - Snowplow
92 RWD - 350 V8 - lowered - 97 front clip
92 RWD - 350 V8 - converted to AWD - V6
91 AWD - 350 V8 - conversion van
94 RWD - 350 V8 - sons van
92 RWD - stock - sons van
93 RWD Shorty - project
89 RWD Shorty - parts van
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
They teach it this way in Texas driver's Ed now as well. I can't adjust them like that, I find it disorienting. Not to mention, my outside driver's mirror gives me the best view of what's behind me. The center of the barn doors blocks an entire car from view at certain distances.
I just do it the old school way and turn my fat head to take a look.
I just do it the old school way and turn my fat head to take a look.
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1230
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 4:50 am
- Location: Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
I have the LaneChanger II mirror in my van. It takes care of all blind spots.
Mike, Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4
Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!
92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4
Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
crutch....CaptSquid wrote:I have the LaneChanger II mirror in my van. It takes care of all blind spots.
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
-
Topic author - I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
I hear that, but I'm more interested in what is beside me than behind me.kings-x59 wrote:The center of the barn doors blocks an entire car from view at certain distances.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
Old school adjustment for me. It paints a panorama, and I always look (turn my head) for lane changes. Mirror dependent people are the cause of more accidents. Come to think of it what did we do before a passenger side mirror became a stock offering? Turned our heads...
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
I think that adjusting your mirrors that way is a danger. You will still have blindspots. Turn your head and look when doing a lane change. Also how are you supposed to back up the car if you can't get any perpective on if your going straight by looking down the side of the car.
If you can't see the side of your car at all then you have no idea as to how far the car in your mirror is away from you. If your too lazy to turn your head or keep a constant eye on your mirrors then go to NAPA or where ever you buy parts and pick up stick on bubble mirror.
If you can't see the side of your car at all then you have no idea as to how far the car in your mirror is away from you. If your too lazy to turn your head or keep a constant eye on your mirrors then go to NAPA or where ever you buy parts and pick up stick on bubble mirror.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1230
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 4:50 am
- Location: Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
No, it's called SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, something I learned while driving a Class 8 vehicle.kings-x59 wrote:crutch....CaptSquid wrote:I have the LaneChanger II mirror in my van. It takes care of all blind spots.
Mike, Billings, MT, 'MERICA!
92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4
Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!
92 Safari SLE w/Z Motor (sold to a good home)
98 AWD Stro LS
93 Suburban Silverado 4x4
Look for the MISSING Alien in the Right Seat. AL, PHONE HOME!!!
-
Topic author - I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
Danger? With my mirrors adjusted this way other vehicles are never out of my site. As a vehicle overtakes me, they start in my rear view (behind me), move over to my side view (on my back corner), then enter my peripheral (beside me). Much easier to know what's going on around me with a quick glance to keep my attention on what is really important, what's ahead of me.
I started out setting my mirrors to the side of the vehicle, driving in Chicago I learned to set my mirrors this way and it helps big time. The only blind spots are areas that another vehicle would already be into your sheet metal to be in. In other words, where it is already too late.
I back my van in over 95% of the time and I can't remember the last time I used mirrors to do so. I turn my head and torso for that.
I started out setting my mirrors to the side of the vehicle, driving in Chicago I learned to set my mirrors this way and it helps big time. The only blind spots are areas that another vehicle would already be into your sheet metal to be in. In other words, where it is already too late.
I back my van in over 95% of the time and I can't remember the last time I used mirrors to do so. I turn my head and torso for that.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
-
- I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:59 pm
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
I read the article and I profess I'm still looking at the sides of my van. I also profess I'm one who is constantly watching my centre mirror to see if anybody is sneaking up on me !! Just thinking I always give a head spin to look when changing lanes , nothing like a real visual. I guess I just like to see my van in the side mirrors in really tight courters....
-
- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 682
- Joined: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:35 am
- Location: Victoria B.C.
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
Situation awareness and properly adjusted mirrors are key to knowing whats around you when your in traffic. Constant monitoring of your mirrors will reduce the chance of someone entering your blind spots without your knowledge. You will still have a blind spot, but you will know if someones in it. If your still uncertain about your situation in traffic then by all means do a shoulder check.
Don't sit there in a merge lane looking over your left shoulder trying to see if you can kill yourself or others, use your mirror.
Being a class 1 driver I have had the opportunity to drive some of the largest vehicals there are on the road.
Try driving a 115ft 8 axle float with a 119,000 lbs. John Deere 450 clc on the deck without mirrors; you can't do it.
Stay mirror dependant, it's your best chance for knowing whats going on around you and your best chance at survival.
Don't sit there in a merge lane looking over your left shoulder trying to see if you can kill yourself or others, use your mirror.
Being a class 1 driver I have had the opportunity to drive some of the largest vehicals there are on the road.
Try driving a 115ft 8 axle float with a 119,000 lbs. John Deere 450 clc on the deck without mirrors; you can't do it.
Stay mirror dependant, it's your best chance for knowing whats going on around you and your best chance at survival.
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1768
- Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham, Wa
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
Kabey's Van wrote:Situation awareness and properly adjusted mirrors are key to knowing whats around you when your in traffic. Constant monitoring of your mirrors will reduce the chance of someone entering your blind spots without your knowledge. You will still have a blind spot, but you will know if someones in it. If your still uncertain about your situation in traffic then by all means do a shoulder check.
Don't sit there in a merge lane looking over your left shoulder trying to see if you can kill yourself or others, use your mirror.
Being a class 1 driver I have had the opportunity to drive some of the largest vehicals there are on the road.
Try driving a 115ft 8 axle float with a 119,000 lbs. John Deere 450 clc on the deck without mirrors; you can't do it.
Stay mirror dependant, it's your best chance for knowing whats going on around you and your best chance at survival.
Yep. Like a good defensemen; head on a swivel.
And leave enough distance between you and the car in front of you so can gaze out behind all the barns you drive by, looking for that B body Dodge Charger for cheap.
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
That's great if you have an inside mirror. I think this method pertains largely to cars, which as a rule have an inside mirror and small outside mirrors.
I drove a service rig with no inside mirror for many years. It only had the stock Ford swing away mirrors, not the big trailer jobs. they were about the same size as what is standard on most Astro/Safaris, but mounted down on the door. The right one was a "objects smaller than they appear" and the left was flat glass. I adjusted them so that there was about 1/4" of the mirror glass occupied by the truck so I had a reference point. I still to this day adjust my mirrors this way, and almost never use the center mirror. I also pull up perpendicular at crossroads for vision, and never look over my shoulder, 'cause you couldn't see anything out of the back of the cab. It's what I'm used to, and works good.
The exception: when I drive my 1981 Monte Carlo. It doesn't have a right mirror, and yes, it feels really weird to me. You have to look back since there is no mirror over there, and yes, I look for it every time I drive the thing.
I also drove a service rig with flat glass mirrors on both sides, and 3" round blind spot mirrors on seperate mounts. This was also a very good set up.
I drove a service rig with no inside mirror for many years. It only had the stock Ford swing away mirrors, not the big trailer jobs. they were about the same size as what is standard on most Astro/Safaris, but mounted down on the door. The right one was a "objects smaller than they appear" and the left was flat glass. I adjusted them so that there was about 1/4" of the mirror glass occupied by the truck so I had a reference point. I still to this day adjust my mirrors this way, and almost never use the center mirror. I also pull up perpendicular at crossroads for vision, and never look over my shoulder, 'cause you couldn't see anything out of the back of the cab. It's what I'm used to, and works good.
The exception: when I drive my 1981 Monte Carlo. It doesn't have a right mirror, and yes, it feels really weird to me. You have to look back since there is no mirror over there, and yes, I look for it every time I drive the thing.
I also drove a service rig with flat glass mirrors on both sides, and 3" round blind spot mirrors on seperate mounts. This was also a very good set up.
Re: Adjust Your Mirrors
I drive Class 1 all day backwards at my work. I am so used to backing up with the mirrors if I have any distance at all to back up I use the mirrors. Parking the car I will look out the back window but to line up and make sure I am straight in the spot I use the mirrors. If you keep a check on your mirrors every 5-8 seconds no one should be able to sneak up on you.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.