Should you install convex mirrors on your car's rearview mirrors?

Convex mirrors are one of the traffic safety solutions, installed on roads, especially on curves, to expand the field of vision for drivers.

Nowadays, many people, after buying a car, often add a pair of convex mirrors (also known as blind spot mirrors) to their rearview mirrors to have a wider field of view. This accessory is also given as a free gift to car buyers by some dealerships.

Advantages of convex mirrors for cars

The surface of a convex mirror is not flat like a rearview mirror, but slightly curved like a sphere. This allows the mirror to have a wider reflective range.

Eliminate blind spots, expand your field of vision.

Convex mirrors attached to car rearview mirrors give drivers a wider field of view compared to flat mirrors of the same size. Thanks to convex mirrors, drivers can see blind spots and limited visibility that were previously invisible through rearview mirrors. Among these, blind spots in the two rear quadrants of the vehicle are the most dangerous.

Observation support

When convex mirrors are installed, the field of vision is expanded, greatly assisting in driving. This allows drivers to clearly see vehicles and obstacles in the blind spot behind them, minimizing driving risks.

Things to note when installing convex mirrors on cars.

For convex mirrors to be fully effective, they must be installed correctly. Below are some points to consider when installing blind spot mirrors to avoid unwanted risks.

Position for installing convex mirrors

Convex mirrors are very useful in eliminating blind spots that rearview mirrors lack, but they are not suitable for all car models. Larger cars (7 seats or more) usually have large rearview mirrors that provide sufficient visibility for the driver, so installing additional convex mirrors is unnecessary.

For small four-seater vehicles (vans, hatchbacks, or sedans), where the rearview mirrors aren't very large, owners can add convex mirrors to expand their field of vision and eliminate blind spots for the driver.

The ideal position for a convex mirror is below the rearview mirror. However, convex mirrors can also be mounted anywhere on the rearview mirror for convenient viewing according to individual preferences. The driver simply needs to adjust the mirror's viewing angle to suit their viewing position.

Adjust the side rearview mirrors.

Before installing a convex mirror, make sure your rearview mirror is adjusted to the correct position. In fact, drivers only need to see a small portion of their vehicle to compare distances with other vehicles on the road.

Size and shape of convex mirrors

Convex mirrors come in many sizes and shapes, the most common being round. In addition, convex mirrors are also available in oval, rectangular, and other shapes. Choose a blind spot mirror that matches the shape and size of your car door.