Even novices must have heard of the term “blind spot mirrors” quite a lot recently. Why are these mirrors regarded so highly, and what are the secrets behind their functions?
Most importantly, where to put blind spot mirrors that can ensure utmost efficiency?
Again, you can always trust Bryan’s Garage support team to deliver detailed guidance on the issue. Click to learn more!
What Is A Blind Spot? The Benefits of Blind Spot Mirrors
It would be quite hilarious to discuss blind spot mirrors without knowing first-hand what a blind spot even is, don’t you think?
The term “blind spot” is adopted to describe every spot drivers struggle to observe on the road.
After all, to guarantee a safe trip and ensure the ability to move across the road without hassles, it is important to have an unblocked and clear view of every side, back and front alike.
Hence, regardless of which vehicle types you use, installing blind spot mirrors to tackle such dilemmas is a must, which gives you clear views of pedestrians and objects from every possible angle.
The mirror’s curved surface will assist drivers in overtaking, parking, and turning safely, sidestepping mishaps and crashes.
Aside from exposing blind spots, these adjustable mirrors also help keep track of traffic from the vehicle’s side and allow you to change lanes – especially during unexpected turns.
(Of course, for maximum efficiency, do not rely solely on the mirror; take a quick look at both your right and left!).
Furthermore, these devices prove practical when exiting a parking space; correct installments of the mirrors enable drivers to observe the distance between the curb and their wheels, which prevents the car from colliding with other vehicles.
What most people like best about these blind mirrors is that setting them up is a breeze.
You don’t even need to call for experts or technicians to install them on the car – which is a huge step-up compared to similar products like dash cams and other traffic-viewing features.
Indeed, all you have to prepare is good waterproof adhesives and proper observation to yield the best outcomes.
Some drivers like thick frames, while others prefer frameless designs. To each their own!
Where To Put Blind Spot Mirror
Where to attach blind spot mirrors?
Under most circumstances, it would be best to install these mirrors on the side mirror’s top outermost edge, angled to display every blind spot area.
And for cars that often go through highway lane changes, setting up the mirrors on both sides would be highly recommended.
Meanwhile, certain car models will work better with blind mirrors located near the mirror’s underside.
Overall, the best place to place blind spot mirrors also depends on the types of mirror (which we list below). Try them on to see which blind spot mirror placement works best.
Stick-On
The cheapest choice on the list is stick-on convex mirrors, which you can often find on many passenger vehicles.
To install these devices on the windows, you only need to remove their sticky backing, then apply some pressure to bind them to your mirror.
Clip-On
Clip-on flat mirrors do not bear many differences compared to their stick-on counterparts.
The only major distinction is that these mirrors are designed for clip attachment – rather than sticking on real glass.
That’s why their installation might be a bit more complex. In compensation, the holds are much more secure, and you will never have to worry about them slipping off!
Window-Mounted
Drivers like to place these window-mounted alternatives on the car’s exterior. What sets them apart from clip-on or stick-on blind spot mirrors is that they are not directly attached to the car’s side mirror.
Instead, experts recommend mounting these mirrors to the windows via suction cups or special hardware.
Of course, that means the entire process is much more costly. Yet, your car will look the same as most road trucks, and this familiar outlook will allow other truckers to navigate around you more easily.
Rearview
We suggest putting rear view mirrors within the car; that might sound quite new to you, since every option introduced above is recommended for the exterior.
Indeed, most drivers often employ rearview mirrors mainly for internal compartments, such as cabins.
One undeniable benefit of rearview mirrors is the unique angle they provide.
Still, some people dislike them since they can be a bit distracting – something you should consider before deciding whether to buy them.
Another note is that some modern versions include power buttons. Click here to learn what they are and how to use them!
How To Install Blind Spot Mirrors Successfully
How to install a blind spot mirror the right way? Check out the following installation instructions:
Find Every Blind Spot Through The Side Mirrors
Assess which will be the best place to place your blind mirrors, and ensure that these mirrors MUST help you double-check every possible blind spot – instead of blocking your side mirrors as well.
For easy blind spot mirror installation, we recommend clip-on mirrors. No need for adhesive; you only need to clip the device on the side mirrors.
Confirm That The Side Mirrors Stay Clean and Intact
Before installing your blind mirrors, guarantee that the side mirrors have been ready for this new installation. They must be completely free from dust, debris, and cracks.
Should there be any unusual signals on the side mirror, replace the device first. Then clean its surface with alcohol and leave it to dry on its own.
Lastly, wipe and buff the mirror clean with a dry and soft cotton cloth.
Apply Gentle Pressure
Most blind mirrors often have peel-back covers (made of paper) that expose the adhesive. Once you feel you can start, peel that cover off to place your mirror in whatever area you choose for installation.
Apply some gentle pressure for about 30 seconds. If the mirror arrives with swivel mounts, follow the instruction manual closely to ensure it’s securely placed before snapping the mirror in.
Stick The Adhesive Tightly
Within the next 24 hours, do not wash the vehicle or wet your side mirror. Otherwise, the adhesive cannot stick well!
After that threshold, these adhesives will harden, creating strong bonds between the side and blind mirrors. Wait for another two days before washing/wetting the car.
How to Uninstall The Blind Spot Mirrors
Certain mirror types have separate uninstalling tips, such as rearview ones (which you can check here). But overall, there are two common one-size-fits-all methods to choose from:
Method 1
Tools:
- Razor blade
- Chemical adhesive removers
- Heat gun or hair dryer
Step 1. Kickstart the process by using the heat gun/hair dryer to heat the mirror and loosen strong adhesives. The more heat there is, the quicker you can pry the glue off your vehicle.
Step 2. Once you feel it’s alright to remove the mirrors without excessive force, gently extract them and confirm whether there is any lingering residue.
Step 3. Should you still find leftover adhesive on the car, it’s time to pick up the chemical adhesive removers.
Of course, that move might be a bit excessive if the residue is not too much (meaning you can wipe it away in seconds).
However, for large amounts, we suggest you soak a cloth in the chemical remover, then leave it on those areas for about two minutes.
That way, the chemical will soak in completely, breaking down the adhesives much faster.
Step 4. After confirming you have removed all the residues, use razor blades to scrape off small marks or clots stemming from the adhesives. Tread very carefully during this process.
Seal the deal by cleaning away leftover chemicals using mirror polishes. If things go as expected, your side mirrors are supposed to return to normal at this point.
Method 2
Tools:
- Soft cloth
- Fishing line or dental floss
- Chemical adhesive removers
Step 1. Get a piece of fishing line or floss to start the process. Remember, it must be long enough to tackle the mirror’s back.
Step 2. Slowly slot the fishing line or floss between the two surfaces and the adhesive.
Repeat your finger movements until the pressure causes your blind mirror to detach from the side mirror’s adhesive seal.
Step 3. Remove leftover adhesives on the side mirror using the adhesive removers. If necessary, give your car some quick cleaning.
FAQs
1. What Is The Average Cost of Installing A Blind Spot Mirror?
You should expect to invest about $300 to $500 if you want a solid and unfailing blind spot monitoring system. Other extra services and labor might add about $200 to that amount.
But tight-budget customers have another option: installing it yourselves using the guidelines provided above. A free Saturday afternoon is more than enough for the task.
2. How Often Must I Check These Blind Mirrors When On The Road?
The answer is every three to five seconds.
Also, you should scan the environments about twelve to fifteen seconds ahead (1/4 miles for highways and 1.5 blocks for cities and towns).
Conclusion
Where to put blind spot mirrors? Are there any secret tips for successful installments?
Bryan believes this article has delivered all the answers you need, diving deep into all the necessary information to ensure the best blind spot detection for your car.
Keep in mind the guidelines above, and you can easily navigate every road obstacle and corner!
Always double-check them to confirm there is nothing unusual with the surfaces or placement of blind spot mirrors.
If needed, turn to professional services or auto repair shops for quick inspections.