difficult to see while backing-up/blind spot mirrors?

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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 02:34 PM
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difficult to see while backing-up/blind spot mirrors?

Now that I've started to drive my '08 TL (non Nav), I'm noticing that it's kinda tough to see what's going on behind the car when I'm backing out of a parking spot, garage, etc. as well as changing lanes on the highway. It looks to me as if I don't get a total view of the side/rear of the vehicle. Has anyone else noticed this? Perhaps I have my seat incorrectly adjusted.

Is anyone using those adhesive blind spot mirrors to help out in this regard and if so, can you post a quick pic of the mirror installed? That should help with the lane changing... I also noticed the side view mirrors move down when I shift into reverse... maybe to help compensate?

Thanks all.
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:02 PM
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I'm experiencing the same problem right now. I adjusted my left/right mirrors to show as much as possible of lanes around me, I'm thinking of getting that wider rear view mirror.

But I'm sure with time I will get use to it.

PS. I highly recommend before you actually switch to a lane, use your signal, and turn your head, don't trust the mirrors 100%. (Especially if you have dark tints)
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by TeknoKing
PS. I highly recommend before you actually switch to a lane, use your signal, and turn your head, don't trust the mirrors 100%. (Especially if you have dark tints)
Yeah, I never move without looking, the blind spot mirrors just give an added feeling of security. I'm actually more interested feeling more confident when backing-up. It's nice to hear that it's not just me
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:26 PM
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I have really dark tints in the back and love my little blind spot mirrors on the outside mirrors. Cant see going to woder nterior mirror due to space conflict with visors.

Now, being able to see 2+ lanes out, in addition to whats right next to me, and thats just in the little mirrors!- if its not in the mirrors- its not a factor!!
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:27 PM
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gen3 cars- as long as you have the mirror adjust select set to one side- it will make that mirror go down when in reverse gear
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:28 PM
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cool, you think can post pic??! or just tell us which little mirrors you are using?
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:53 PM
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get a backup camera.
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 03:59 PM
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xen-cut, a back up camera won't help on a highway
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by TeknoKing
cool, you think can post pic??! or just tell us which little mirrors you are using?
I'm also interested in hearing what others are using. and how they're working in this regard on a late model TL. I've owned several styles over the years, circular, rectangular, etc and have mounted them close up to the window and far out from the window. I think the far out configuration with a circular mirror is best, but again, I like to learn from the mistakes/success of others. Please post a pic and your comments if you're using one

A google image search illustrates these two terms as I'm using them:

"Far out"


"Close Up"
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:30 PM
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Here are mine. Just the normal small rectangles- with angle built in. Got them at kragen-zone type store for 2 bucks each or less.
From outside

driver side from inside, close up shot of mirror- note the orange cones and how many you can see from where, and the car that appears in the mini mirror

and the passenger side- again note the orange cones and think about children and small cars darting in from the outside lane
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:31 PM
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Hey, while google searching (terms: blind spot mirror acura tl), I found this thread which contains some good advice I'll try out tomorrow in the sunlight.

I have to say that I normally have my mirrors adjusted as described in the thread, perhaps not quite as far out though, and I know I have a blind spot as such. Just today I confirmed it while on the highway watching cars pass me in my rear view and seeing them disappear briefly before appearing in the side view... it was this fact that caused me to start this thread you're reading right now! ....perhaps I don't have them adjusted correctly after all.
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:49 PM
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Aren't we supposed to learn all this BEFORE we get our drivers license?
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:54 PM
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I think track days under pro race driver instruction should be part of your driver training.
If you cant figure out that 4 mirrors beat 2 funky ones placed too far back on the car for best useage...
look at European cars with mirrors way forward on the fender.

Its called Situational Awareness-
to always know what color/type car is next to and behind you, so you know if one is going to pass, or rear end you, or suddenly dart...
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:56 PM
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If you drive fast, you don't have to worry about blind spots!
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 04:57 PM
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First and only RULE of Cannonball Run: Whats behind me, is NOT Important!!!
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 06:46 PM
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Eliminating Blind Spot

I set up my mirrors so that there is no blind spot in the first place. Ideally, you want to start to see a car just appear in the sideview mirror just as it disappears from the rearview.
Check it out:

http://www.wikihow.com/Set-Rearview-...te-Blind-Spots
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 5thTo2nd
I set up my mirrors so that there is no blind spot in the first place. Ideally, you want to start to see a car just appear in the sideview mirror just as it disappears from the rearview.
Check it out:

http://www.wikihow.com/Set-Rearview-...te-Blind-Spots

Awesome link, thank you.

I wish I can drive fast, in NYC you don't get that option, people will run you over hehe.
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 08:26 PM
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I have a set of multivex mirrors that I absolutely love! There was a group buy a year or two ago.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...light=multivex

there's the link.

I've had them for about two years and they are great, no blind spots.

Dave
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 5thTo2nd
I set up my mirrors so that there is no blind spot in the first place. Ideally, you want to start to see a car just appear in the sideview mirror just as it disappears from the rearview.
Check it out:

http://www.wikihow.com/Set-Rearview-...te-Blind-Spots
I setup my mirrors this way and I'm always trying to get my stubborn friends to do it too.

On the TL, it does a good job of covering blind spots one lane over. For cars two lanes over (left side), I have to turn my head but the friggen door pillar is in the way so I don't always see them. Anyone have any suggestions for this?
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 12:22 AM
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Blind spots

I hope Acura is listening. This is the biggest weakness of the TL, in my opinion. I'm even thinking of selling my 07 TLS for this reason. I've had too many close calls. I'm first going to try adjusting the mirrors out, and combine that with the additional bubble mirror within the mirror. But that huge pillar is a potential accident waiting to happen. Acura designs beautiful cars, but they've got to reduce the thickness of that side pillar for 09. I've had my TLS for over a year and am still not used to it.
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