Nelson
Blindspot mirrors help you stay safe on the road. Learn the best places to mount them for maximum visibility and easy driving confidence.
The Importance of Blindspot Mirrors & Where to Place Them for Maximum Visibility
Ever checked your side mirror, thought the lane was clear, changed lanes—and suddenly heard a horn blaring? 😳
Yeah, we’ve all had that “oh no” moment. Your car’s mirrors don’t see it all. That’s where blindspot mirrors come in. They are tiny but powerful tools that can make a huge difference in your driving safety.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why blindspot mirrors are a must, where to place them for the best results, and how to use them to feel confident behind the wheel. 🚗💨
Let’s dive into it!
What Are Blindspot Mirrors, Anyways?
Blindspot mirrors are small, convex mirrors that attach to your car’s side mirrors. Their purpose? Simple:
👉 They expand your field of view, helping you spot vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians that your standard mirrors might miss.
They’re like a little guardian angel on your mirror—always watching your back. 😇
Why Blindspot Mirrors Are a Must-Have
Let’s face it—no one wants to guess while changing lanes. Blindspot mirrors:
- Fill in visibility gaps
- Help reduce accidents
- Make parallel parking easier
- Assist new and nervous drivers
- Save lives on the road
🚨 According to the NHTSA, blind spots are responsible for nearly 840,000 accidents a year. Yikes!
How Do Blindspots Even Happen?
Your car’s A-pillars, headrests, and even the shape of the mirrors themselves create zones you can’t see. These blind spots usually:
- Sit just outside your peripheral vision
- Hide in the rear corners of your vehicle
- Vary depending on your car’s size and shape
Without the right mirror setup, you’re left guessing. And that’s a game nobody wants to play at 70 mph. 😬
Where to Place Blindspot Mirrors for Maximum Visibility
This is the magic question! To get the most out of your blindspot mirrors, placement is key.
Here’s the best method:
| Mirror | Ideal Blindspot Mirror Placement | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Side | Top Outer Corner | Lets you monitor the left rear lane easily |
| Passenger Side | Bottom Outer Corner | Avoids glare and helps you see merging traffic clearly |
| Rearview (if applicable) | Center-bottom or far corners | Adds depth perception for reversing or lane changing |
👉 Pro Tip: Always adjust the blindspot mirror while sitting in your normal driving position.
The Best Types of Blindspot Mirrors
Not all blindspot mirrors are the same. Here are some good ones:
- Round convex mirrors – They are small and popular
- Rectangular or oval mirrors – They give a wider view
- Adjustable angle mirrors – They let you see more
- Stick-on mirrors with swivel base – They fit perfectly
🔧 Choose ones that are rust-resistant and anti-glare for better use.
How to Install Blindspot Mirrors (No Tools Needed!)
It’s really easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean the mirror surface with alcohol or glass cleaner
- Dry completely
- Peel the adhesive backing
- Stick it in the correct corner
- Hold it for 30 seconds for a strong bond
💡 Don’t install in very cold or hot weather. The adhesive might not stick well.
Common Blindspot Mirror Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even the best mirrors won’t help if they’re in the wrong spot. Watch out for these mistakes:
- ❌ Installing them too close to the center
- ❌ Blocking your main side mirror view
- ❌ Using mismatched mirrors on both sides
- ❌ Forgetting to adjust them after installing
Fix: Check your visibility by watching for vehicles in the mirror as they pass by.
Blindspot Mirrors vs. Blindspot Detection Systems
| Feature | Blindspot Mirrors | Electronic Detection Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 💲 Cheap (under $15) | 💸 Expensive ($500+ as add-on) |
| Installation | Easy DIY | Often requires professional install |
| Reliability | Always on | Depends on power/sensors |
| Alerts | Visual | Visual & audio |
Both are good, but blindspot mirrors are cheap and always on duty.
Driving Situations Where Blindspot Mirrors Really Shine
- Lane changes on highways 🛣️
- Merging onto busy roads
- Reversing out of tight spots
- City parking near curbs
- Cyclist-heavy areas 🚴
Blindspot mirrors help you see hidden spots that cause accidents.
Are Blindspot Mirrors Legal in All States?
Yes! ✅
Many states encourage their use for safer driving. Just make sure:
- They don’t obstruct your main mirror
- They don’t break vehicle modification laws (rare, but check locally)
Do All Vehicles Need Blindspot Mirrors?
Absolutely. Whether you’re driving a:
- 🚗 Compact car
- 🚙 SUV
- 🚛 Pickup truck
- 🚐 Minivan
- 🚌 RV
Blindspot mirrors help in every case. Larger vehicles benefit more because of their wider blind zones.
Best Brands for Blindspot Mirrors (Reader-Approved Picks)
If you’re looking for high-quality options, try these top-rated brands:
| Brand | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ampper | Waterproof, wide-angle, rust-resistant | $7–$12 |
| Fit System | Adjustable with adhesive | $10–$15 |
| Utopicar | Sleek design, frameless | $12–$20 |
📦 Available at Amazon, Walmart, and most auto part stores.
How Often Should You Check Blindspot Mirrors While Driving?
Just like your other mirrors, check them every 5–8 seconds. And always before:
- Changing lanes
- Merging
- Turning
- Backing out
⏱️ Make it a habit, and you’ll drive safer without thinking twice.
Can Blindspot Mirrors Replace Shoulder Checks?
Nope—not entirely.
Blindspot mirrors are a tool, not a substitute.
Always pair them with a quick glance over your shoulder for the best safety.
“Trust your eyes, not just your mirrors.”
The Best Angle to Set Your Blindspot Mirrors
- Tilt them outward to catch vehicles in your rear side lanes
- Avoid facing them too far downward (you don’t need to see your own car)
- Test them by watching a car pass from behind—it should appear and disappear smoothly between the blindspot and main mirror
If there’s overlap, your placement is perfect!
Can You Use Blindspot Mirrors at Night or in Rain?
Yes, but with a few caveats:
- Go for anti-glare or smoked glass models
- Clean regularly to avoid water streaks or smudges
- Consider heated side mirrors if you live in icy areas
🚿 Keep them clean and dry for best results.
Final Thoughts: A Small Change That Makes a Big Difference
Blindspot mirrors might seem minor—but they’re a major upgrade for your driving safety.
They’re cheap, easy to install, and they work. They give you confidence every time you change lanes or back out of a tight parking spot.
Add them to your car today, and drive with peace of mind tomorrow. 🛡️
FAQs
1. Can I remove and reapply a blindspot mirror if I stick it wrong?
No, it’s hard. The glue is strong and meant for one use. If you mess up, you’ll need a new one.
2. Should I get circular or rectangular blindspot mirrors?
Rectangular ones give you a wider view. But if you’re short on space, choose circular ones.
3. Do blindspot mirrors work for motorcycles?
Yes! They’re perfect for motorcycles. They help when you’re in traffic or changing lanes.
4. Will blindspot mirrors fall off in bad weather?
No, if you install them right. Just clean the mirror and press hard for a strong bond.
5. Can I put blindspot mirrors on both side and rearview mirrors?
Yes, but check they don’t block your view.
References
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/blind-zones
- https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/how-to-set-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots-a1143033476/
- https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-adjust-your-car-mirrors-properly/
Ever been in a near-miss crash because you didn’t see a vehicle behind you? If so, the reason for the poor visibility can likely be attributed to the blind spot. The side mirrors and rearview mirrors can only show you so much about what is surrounding the back of your vehicle.
This means an accident is possible when you can’t necessarily turn around and look for yourself.
Blind spot mirrors are small extra side mirrors that you can add to your vehicle. They might help you get better visibility. Do blind spot mirrors actually help? Where is the best place to put blind spot mirrors? Check out the details every car driver should know below.
What Is a Blind Spot Exactly? A Closer Look
A blind spot is an area you can’t see with your mirrors. It’s on both sides of most cars. The size of this area changes with the car’s design and your height.
Everyone’s blind spot is different. You can’t see everything without turning your body.
How Adding Blind Spot Mirrors Can Help
Blind spot mirrors are simple but very helpful. They give you a wider view than regular mirrors. You can attach them to your side mirrors.
But, you need to put them in the right spot for them to work best.
Blind spots can cause accidents. They make it hard to see when changing lanes or turning. This is also a big problem for backover crashes.
Consumer Reports says 18,000 people get hurt, and 300 die each year in backover crashes. Some cars now come with blind spot monitoring. But, most don’t. So, blind spot mirrors are a smart safety choice.
Best Location for Blindspot Mirrors
Finding the right spot for blind spot mirrors takes some trial and error. They usually go on the outer upper corner of your side mirrors. But, because everyone’s car and body is different, you might need to adjust.
For example, a small car might need a different spot than a big truck or SUV.
Blind spot mirrors are small and cheap. You can find them at auto parts stores. They usually have a peel-and-stick backing. You can move them around to find the best spot.
A few tips to help you get the blind spot mirrors in the right place include:
- Sit in your vehicle and adjust the side view mirrors to the appropriate position.
- Install the blind spot mirror on the left, and make sure you get a wider view of what you usually cannot see with the mirror.
- Install the other blind spot mirror on the right and make any necessary adjustments for the broadest view.
Remember, you might get more benefit from a blind spot mirror on the driver’s side. This is because many passenger side mirrors are shaped to help with blind spots.
Blind Spot Mirrors – An Inexpensive Safety Addition for Your Vehicle
Getting blind spot mirrors is a smart move. They’re cheap, easy to install, and make driving safer. Make sure to get a pair at your local auto parts store.
