Hey,

I was wondering if there is something to do to improve the sight on the back? For example, when I reverse, I have a lot of problems making sure the area behind me is clear. The back headrests seem to block most of my vision. My old car had a small back seat so this was never a problem. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I don't usually carry anyone in the back seat, so I removed my rear seat headrests. I did this the first time I took the car for a test drive because, as you said, I couldn't see a thing out back. Makes a whole lot of difference so depending on how many passengers you carry you might consider it, or maybe just remove the right rear headrest so you can see better when backing, and leave the left one in place.

 

I removed the headrests and stored them inside the small cargo net in the trunk. But even with those off, you will still have a lot worse visibility to the back than in the 2nd generation TL. That's because of the new TL's "wedge" shape that dramatically raises the trunk edge and limits the view to the back. You will have a tough job judging the distance to the car behind you no matter what you do. Getting the parking sensors will solve the problem...

 

um try getting a HIGHER POV(point of VIEW) by racing your seat at its highest level....i'm 6'4 and sometimes i'm still not sure if the rear is all clear when backing up...so i try to raise my seat up to its max level....and if i'm still not sure..i just get out of the cart and check...better to be SAFE than SORRY right?

 

My decklid spoiler helps add a bit of perspective back there....also, just remember that the back end of the TL is not really big at all

 

i am 5'8" and i dun really have a problem with looking out the back. i do admit that the rear window has a small peripheral view but the headrests really don't block me. are you guys looking in your rear view or looking backwards? i always look back and not in the rear when backing up.

 

Thanks for all the responses. It makes me feel like I am not an idiot if others are having a similar problem. Thanks for all the tips.

 

Is there a similiar alternative to the backup sensors w/o the hefty price tag?

 

I NEVER turn to look back, when backing up. I use my rearview mirror and turn my head only left and right, but not back.

 

There are aftermarket backup sensors that cost half of what TL's cost and they are also better, e.g. some of them provide voice feedback on how far the objects are. I think the ones that do are made by Porone.

 

i dunno about using mirrors while backing up to judge distance. those mirrors do distort things a bit and might effect your judgement. i have to admit its not enough to really screw you up while you back up but i have found looking back while going in reverse helps alot. i can steer the car in reverse at a pretty good rate of speed with control. but if i use the mirrors i have to go alot slower. i know no one needs to be going fast in reverse but its alot smoother when i do look back.

 

I want aftermarket becuase you get a cool display too. Mount it in the back of one of the storage bins and you can open it when needed. Also you can mount it right at the end of the 3rd brake light. That way when u go to back up you can look at in instaed of looking forward again. This is how the Escalade stock set up is, pretty nice idea actually. I want front ones too. Problem is aftermarket aren't body color

 

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sexy display

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I want a back up camera, but Rets is slacking on that end