Do You Use Mirrors - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jamesnj · #1 08-04-2002, 04:11 PM

Do you guys mainly use your mirrors when you're reversing or do you look over your shoulder?

My internship in accounting at the car dealership ended, but I made quite a few observations and one was: Salesmen, techs, and other guys who work at the dealership tend to just jump in the car and backup with their head looking forward at the mirrors.

Bear · #2 08-04-2002, 04:22 PM

James,I drive for a living and only ever use my mirrors when I'm reversing,can't see anything through the rear window of the Ranger anyway.Bear

Kuan · #3 08-04-2002, 08:42 PM

I feel I have to when changing lanes. There's no way that I'm going to trust that the mirrors are adjusted perfect and that there aren't any blindspots.

Kuan

Bear · #4 08-04-2002, 10:35 PM

Kuan,what Jim is on about is do you rely on your mirrors for reversing manouveres (sp),or do you look through the side and rear windows.Right Jim?

jamesnj · #5 08-04-2002, 10:38 PM

Yes, Bear. I was amazed to see the guys on the lot just reverse using their mirrors. And Bear you're saying you reverse larger vehicles in tight areas and you're doing 10-20mph which is FAST to me.

#6 08-05-2002, 12:26 AM

I have experience driving big rigs. You only have the mirrors to go by with those. This habit transferrs to the cars as well. Not to mention that I cannot turn around far enough to look out the back window due to an old traffic accident injury.

Kuan · #7 08-05-2002, 08:08 AM

I'm trying to think. Let's see, we're left hand drive over here. When I parralel park, I use the left mirror, but look over my right shoulder. When I back up, I always look over my right shoulder. When I backup and crank the wheel to the left, I rely on the right mirror to judge the rear right corner of the car. Yep, but I always have to look over my shoulder first though.

Kuan

yal · #8 08-05-2002, 10:46 AM

I backed out of a parking lot using my mirror like I always do. A teenager in a honda prelude was backing out, with speed, from a spot behind me. In the time it took me to switch from my left mirror to my right one he was in my path and I bumped him. I could not see him in the center mirror. It was ruled a no fault but my advise is to look over your shoulder if you are in unfamiliar surroundings or in shopping mall parking lots

Bear · #9 08-05-2002, 05:49 PM

Jim,sorry I didn't get back to you sooner but it was 3:30am monday morning over here.I'll reverse at that speed in a straight line,which was your original message to me,not down twisting alleys though.Bear

#10 08-08-2002, 12:04 AM

I echo what Diesel Power said. In college I was a UPS driver, and all they have on the trucks are the side mirrors. They're all I use now for backing up and maneuvering tight spaces. Can't rely on the rear window, and why crank the neck all out of wack??

#11 08-08-2002, 01:01 AM

Only when I want to avoid small children and old ladys.