[Machan]

From sitting in a Z and a brief test drive at night, it seems that rear visibility could be an issue.

Does anyone else think the same way? Ever have issues with cars in your blind spot?

Is it something you get used to after a while or is it something that you simply put up with because you are driving such a fun car?

Any tips/techniques to lessen the blind spot effect? Perhaps just stay in the left lane and go faster than everyone else so you don't have to worry about people trying to overtake you

 

[studybuddy]

Originally posted by Machan@Feb 11 2005, 09:39 AM
Is it something you get used to after a while or is it something that you simply put up with because you are driving such a fun car?

:thumbsup: You got it.

It's really not that bad. The mirror's usually cover it if you adjust them right.

 

[DiRN]

I find that leaning (either forward or backward depending on where you sit) to use the left side mirror helps to cover the blind spot. The blind spot's annoying at first, but after a day or so you should be used to it.

 

[dave079]

It kinda sucks but something you just have to kinda get used to.

 

[Machan]

cool, thanks for the responses everyone.

 

[smoothz]

I got used to it really quickly. You have to be downright lazy if you don't move around in the car a bit and look in all the mirrors to be a good driver.

 

[DavesZ#3]

There is a pretty common method for adjusting the side mirrors so that you can see into the blind spot. It take a little getting used to it but once you do you will wonder how you ever did without it.

There are a number of sites that list the method, here's one I found...

http://www.motorists.com/issues/safety/adjust_mirrors.html

 

[Fleshrot]

On the topic of blind spots, the 350Z is a dream compared with my prior vehicle - Jeep Wrangler Soft Top.
Like everyone else has pointed put, using the side mirrors will expose any blind spot the car has.

 

[stl 350]

Just like you said there is no reason to look back when you are passing everybody.
That is how I drive. :shiftdrive:


[/quote]

 

[ANXIOUZ]

I bought one of those tiny blindspot mirrors and put that on my mirror. It works pretty well.

 

[SungNamZ]

Try this: www.cartalk.com/content/features/mirrors/index.html

 

[steve350z]

only problems i have is when some idiot in a SUV parks next to me halfway into their spot and i cannot see around them to back out, or at night sometimes since i got a NISMO spoiler (not the US version), it interferes with the rear dimming mirror if someone gets too close to me

 

[Machan]

[/quote]


great tip :yourock: .

I used it earlier this evening. Now I feel like an idot for not using that method for the last 18 years that i've been driving. :shiftdrive:

 

[jetpilot718]

I like that tip, but I dont agree with the whole, changing your view point - then aligning the mirrors thing..

What I suggest is this: Sit exactly how you would sit if you were NOT looking in your side view mirrors. THEN adjust them so you can barely see the sides of your car.. or even slightly so you cannot see them. That way you NEVER need to change your seating position to check lanes.

And ALWAYS check by turning your head before changing lanes.. its safer to never trust one system (the mirrors only) when you have two to work with (your eyes)

 

[FairladyZX]

You thought the coupe have poor rear visibility then wait till you drive the roadster with that tiny jail cell window...but then again with speed like the Zed who cares about blind spots....the only time u have to worry is in the parking lot when backing up. I have to sound my horn once in a while in a crowded parking zone.

 

[DiRN]

[/quote]
This was the first thing my driving instructor taught my when I had my permit. I never used it again. Haha

 

[buzam]

[/quote]


+1 on the SUV & NISMO spoiler (cuts the rear window in half)

 

[PaulO]

Aloha,
That link was great! Been adjusting my mirrors that way since I started driving years ago. BTW, it's also better to back into a stall, if you can. Don't have a vision issue with my roadster; reversing or otherwise. Probably got her body shape memorized. Have to do some maneuvering when I back her into my garage, kind of like parallel parking.

A Hui Hou

PaulO

 

[JustinG60]

hmm... for merging lanes i don't even have to check for a "blind spot" cause the way you're positioned in the car but out of nature i do it anyways... the only thing i have a problem with is entering one country road to the next cause i live in the sticks... but it's not really all that much worse than the 2000 Celica i had when i was 17 (yes i'm aware they're slow haha and they're now everywhere but i was the 2nd person with one by me and there were actually very few of them by me for ethe 2 years i had it)

 

[DavesZ#3]

Originally posted by Jetpilot718@Feb 11 2005, 11:12 PM
What I suggest is this:  Sit exactly how you would sit if you were NOT looking in your side view mirrors.  THEN adjust them so you can barely see the sides of your car.. or even slightly so you cannot see them.  That way you NEVER need to change your seating position to check lanes. 

You're missing the point. When you adjust your mirrors per the instructions of that site, you still keep your head in the normal position when driving. You don't lean one way or the other. The adjustment of the mirrors makes them look into your blind spots. If you shift your head to the glass or over the console, you're back to looking at the sides of your car. You don't need to see what's right on side of your car.

Your rearview mirror is for seeing what's behind you.
The two outside mirrors are for seeing the blind spots (behind to the left or right).
You turn your head left or right to see what's on side of you.