Blind spots
 

Hi guys!

Every now and then, I read about the "terrible blind spots" in some of the posts here.
When I first drove the car (the one I ordered afterwards is still on its way :excited:), I only realized the quite bad view back through the rear window.

What do you (especially the ones who already own the car) think about these blind spots - is it really that terrible and what are you doing against it?

Set the mirrors as far "out" as you can get.

Set myself to where I can see REALLY well out the side mirrors - this means not having the "gangsta" lean back with the seat all the way back...(and this also prevents you from whacking your head against the back of the roof when you hit a big enough hump in the road)

Then set the passenger seat to where you can see out the portal window.

The combination of side-mirror, passenger-portal, rear mirror checks = safe merge

For driver's side, rear mirror, side mirror, lean forwards and check over shoulder = safe merge.

Also, SLOW merge is better than fast merge...reason being is that you WILL NOT see a bike if they are in the wrong spot.

I discovered this as I almost nailed a bike the other day. As a biker myself, I know damn well enough to be aware of blind spots, and apparently this guy didn't. Good thing I merged slowly, he wouldn't have had a chance otherwise. (this was a merge towards drivers side)

just look before changing lanes/merging... don't rely on the mirrors

That's what I was thinking about. In my previous cars, looking in the mirrors wasn't enough also, because there was always a blind spot left.
But you could compensate this by turning your head around and look behind through the side window(s). This certainly prevented me (and some bikers for sure) from some crashes *LOL*.

Anyway, driving the Z, I had the impression that this didn't work here. Turning my head and looking behind didn't seem to have such a great effect as I was used to. Always felt a bit unsure when changing the lane.

I'm wondering if there is really a significant blind spot left, or if you get used to it?

Small circle mirrors on the top, outer corner of your windows will elimnate all blind spots! Plan on putting them on my Z tommrow!

Yeah...I'm a fairly short guy myself...around 5'6 or so...I'm used to limited visibility but this car takes the cake. The only thing thats new for me is being completely unable to make any use of the drivers side portal window...beyond that, its business as usual. Drive as you normally would; set your mirrors for functionality, and don't rely exclusively on them. Turning your head and checking out the rear is a must...its something you will pick up and adapt to with the vehicle...but if you test drive it and don't think you can deal with it...

:iagree: (this is what I was taught when I learned to drive when I was 15 - you can't just rely on the mirrors).

Basically, you get used to the blind spots and adapt.

Yeah, dots are kind of ghetto though. I'd have to give a lot of thought if I want to do that or not!

If it was shaped as the end of the mirror instead of round-dots (more like the truck-mirrors, though hopefully less guady and without the huge black plastic borders), I'd consider it more.

You mean "of your side mirrors", don't you?

Yeah, it may look a little wierd, and you don't have to get them in the circle shape, however, if it saves me from merging into someone, and wrecking my beautiful Z, then, hey, it is the best $2.00 investment I can make.

I found I was almost able to eliminate the spots in the car by properly adjusting my mirrors and using my peripheral vision. It's taken some getting used to, but it does make a difference.

Getting this car after driving a Pathfinder for the last 6 years, it initially felt like being in a freaking Lamborghini (or at least what I imagine the blind spots in a Lambo must be like!)

I was pretty worried about just how limited my visibility was on the way home. However, after adjusting the mirrors correctly and driving the car for a month now, I've adapted quickly. I can turn my head and see the only spot my mirror doesn't show me. I'm quite comfortable with it now.

Thanks, that actually was what I wanted to hear ;)

I know of course that you should do more than only looking in the mirrors, but while in my former cars using mirrors + looking back eliminated ALL the blind spots, I had the impression as if in the Z even then I have a small blind spot left. Just wanted to know if others made this experience, too.

But as you guys told me now, I will get used to it - glad to hear that since I already ordered my Z a few weeks ago and am now waiting for it... :driving:

Think of all the commerical vehicles with no rear visibility such as tractor trailers and box vans. It's all side views mirrors. Get used to them and it'll be all you need. I drove a mack truck for a summer or so and it took some practice but after awhile it's just natural.

Agreed. You DO adjust. I look over my shoulder a lot more in this car than in our other cars tho.

THIS WAS MY BIGGEST ISSUE ON MY TEST DRIVES.
The back lil window isn't good for nothing.
Lean forward n look back is wat I do. BUUUUT!

I have A SOLUTION AND I WILL SHARE IT WITH YOU!
Works really well. Had it on my G35.

LaneFX® Blind Spot Mirror Technology - Automatically Moves Your Power Mirrors to Eliminate Your Blind Spot

Also u can use the small mirror if u need for added protection. The sell this square one that works a lot better than the standard round ones. Its a lil smaller n covers more area.
My advice as well is. Instead of the dumb rear fog light put a back up warning at minimum. Or intergrate a rear view camera.
When we drive high horsepower sports cars we need to be double cautious.
Though we may be really confident with our driving skills. We don't wanna endanger anyone.
Especially since u can't see anything under almost 4ft tall and at a not so far distance
Its the seating vs the angle of the back window that makes it so hard.
The good news though. There's 3 good combined solution to 1 extremely dangerous problem.

:iagree:
I may add that when you back up from a drive way or a paring stall between cars on either side back up very slowly. Like you would normally do. Due to the famous blind spot on your passenger side. Like others have mentioned always look to your right or left before changing lanes but again that's common sense in any car. good luck and if you really need to use a mirror like the tacky blind spot mirrors that out there then go for it.

Me personally. I think the small round mirror is annoying. But they make a blind spot mirror that I don't own but have seen and tried in a friends car and it has a better rear view. Its a panoramic rectangular smaller mirror called the MAXVIEW BLINDSPOT MIRROR.
So if u do use them? You might actually prefer this type. Its less intrusive.

I'm 5'6" so when I first drove the 370Z I was a little taken by surprise by the limited visibility out the rear. After adjusting my passenger side mirror way out and similar with the driver side mirror, I find little problem when combining first turning and looking combined with use of mirrors. It just takes a little getting used to.

I second that thing about backing up VERY slowly. Rear visibility is horrible, especially for a car that small. Today I went to the gym. When I came out, a jeep liberty was parked to my right. Backing out, I could see literally NOTHING on the right side. I just held my fingers crossed, said a few hail marys, backed up EXTREMELY slow, and hoped I don't hit anything. I think from now on I will reverse into parking spots, so when I exit I do it face first. Strange as it may seem, I feel far more comfortable reversing in a full sized chrysler intrepid that is twice as big as the z.