Adjusting to Convex Side Mirrors
 

The CDI I just picked up has convex (Euro) side mirrors. Wider field of vision is of course a good thing. But I'm finding them difficult to adjust to, especially since our other three vehicles have flat mirrors. My tendency is to glance in the side mirror, make a snap judgment about how close another car is, and then change lanes...when in fact the other car is actually much closer! :eek:

I guess my instincts will get trained over time...

You could try looking over your shoulder before making that snap judgement like the driver's training handbook requires.

X2!

That side mirror is there to help you keep track of what's going on around you. It is not a substitution for glancing over your shoulder to check your blind spot (it's called that for a reason).

If I remember correctly, there is a verticle line in the mirror to show where the convex distortion begins. I lean toward mirror when making lane change to review full field of undistorted view. You can do same with Euro mirror.

The Euro mirrors are superior at showing objects in blind spot. I think they don't meet NHTSA standards 😏

My e290 had the apartioned euro mirrors like yours. Took me a week or two to get used to them. After that I really loved them Amazing field of vision. I really miss having them on my current cars.

At all times I try to know where everyone on the road is relative to my car. Imo, snap judgements are an accident waiting to happen. Snap judgements are the last resort when something crazy happens on the highway.

Never-the-less, I appreciate not having to change from one type of mirror to another. I suggest you might adjust your driving habits to focus more on the traffic around you by taking the instructions from the manual and scan your rear view every 3 seconds.

It has kept me safe on the highway for about 50 years.

I am always looking in the rearview mirror… I think my main issue will be driving cars with different kinds of mirrors.

Really, after a week or two you won't notice the difference any more. I had no issue driving my GF's car interchangeably with mine. Other than of course noting the fact that I preferred the euro mirrors.

Years ago I put on the round 'stick-on' mirrors on both my CD & my Blazer. On the CD its as close to inside as possible (I know where the side of my car is). I use both images & I swivel my head all ways too.

funny i think the same thing when i get in vehicles and the mirror is adjusted so far in that half of the view is the side of the car!
i keep mine adjusted so the last thing i can't see is the door handle

I have always found fender (wing) mirrors superior but they must not be stylish enough to been seen anymore.