Blindspot question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 481
Likes: 3
From: Houston
Blindspot question
i have read a few reviews from C7 owners that the blindspots are bad on this vehicle at 4 o'clock and 8 o'cklock. Specifcially when backing up, which i thought the camera would help out on, but have read that the camera just points down at the ground and does not provide much help. I am looking at buying my first vette and wondered if the C6 was just as bad? And, does this cause concern for anybody in buying one? Is this kind of typical in most high end sports car? i have test driven a new camaro and they are known for their bad blindspots. Just curious what you, more experienced, corvette owners have to say.
Scraping the splitter.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 1,029
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
i have read a few reviews from C7 owners that the blindspots are bad on this vehicle at 4 o'clock and 8 o'cklock. Specifcially when backing up, which i thought the camera would help out on, but have read that the camera just points down at the ground and does not provide much help. I am looking at buying my first vette and wondered if the C6 was just as bad? And, does this cause concern for anybody in buying one? Is this kind of typical in most high end sports car? i have test driven a new camaro and they are known for their bad blindspots. Just curious what you, more experienced, corvette owners have to say.
S.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,199
Likes: 18,056
From: DFW Area TX
I'm a believer in proper adjustment of mirrors eliminates blind spots. Most people have them looking too parallel to the side of the car. I have not had the good fortune to drive a C7 yet (mine is being held up by Z51 and C2Z constraints), so I cannot verify that proper adjustment will solve the problem. However, I have driven a number of vehicles with severe blind spots and I could always eliminate them by adjusting the side mirrors.
I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about this (and my C7 will be a daily driver).
I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about this (and my C7 will be a daily driver).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 4
From: Houston Tx
St. Jude Donor '06
I had a C6 and was use to being able to look back. Can't do that anymore. For me it is just adjusting to not being able to do what I could before. It's pretty much all mirrors. My brother drove my C7 back from the museum and he had just sold his new Camaro SS because of the bad blindspot. He said he had no issues at all.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
My c6 had bigger back windows, the c7 back window is very small and you have to be careful with the blind spot.....but after driving the c7 I learned to adapt....my rear view mirror are directed out more...bottom line is any new car , doesn't matter if it's a corvette or civic you have to adjust...with me in the c7 it was adjusting the rear mirror out more then usually I do with my other cars.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 3
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I'm a believer in proper adjustment of mirrors eliminates blind spots. Most people have them looking too parallel to the side of the car. I have not had the good fortune to drive a C7 yet (mine is being held up by Z51 and C2Z constraints), so I cannot verify that proper adjustment will solve the problem. However, I have driven a number of vehicles with severe blind spots and I could always eliminate them by adjusting the side mirrors.
I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about this (and my C7 will be a daily driver).
I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about this (and my C7 will be a daily driver).
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,910
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
I'm a believer in proper adjustment of mirrors eliminates blind spots. Most people have them looking too parallel to the side of the car. I have not had the good fortune to drive a C7 yet (mine is being held up by Z51 and C2Z constraints), so I cannot verify that proper adjustment will solve the problem. However, I have driven a number of vehicles with severe blind spots and I could always eliminate them by adjusting the side mirrors.
I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about this (and my C7 will be a daily driver).
I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about this (and my C7 will be a daily driver).
And the the backup camera solves the real blind spot and that is directly behind you and below the line of sight.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
Likes: 80
From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Blind spots? Adjust your mirrors properly. 
How in the world can those hundreds of thousands panel trucks/van with no windows etc drive around the busy, congested streets. 
How in the world can those hundreds of thousands panel trucks/van with no windows etc drive around the busy, congested streets.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 19
From: Minneapolis MN
I am working on having the drivers side mirror made with a convex glass - like all European mirrors - to eliminate the blind spot on the driver's side. Once I have my first 12 made I will offer them for sale somehow. I now drive all my cars with the convex mirror and love it. Wish DOT would approve so that the US manufacturers could install them from the factory.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 3
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I realize some cars may be better than others, but unless you use the three mirrors mounted on any car (sports car or otherwise) you will have blind spots.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,962
Likes: 813
From: Huntsville AL
Visibility out the rear quarters is terrible in my C6 convertible when the top is up. You just learn to use your mirrors and get used to it. Doesn't bother me at all now. I wouldn't be too concerned about the C7.
On the other hand, if you buy a convertible your rear visibility will be excellent when the top is down!
On the other hand, if you buy a convertible your rear visibility will be excellent when the top is down!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 896
Likes: 38
From: Camarillo California
I took delivery of my C7 last week.
At first, I found the blind spots disconcerting. However, after about 500miles, they are no longer a problem. Taking time to adjust the mirrors for maximum effect makes a big difference. Also, I find that, when in doubt, I am able to look over my shoulder for issues. To the right, the passenger side quarter window does offer a limited, but useful, view. To the left, I just lean forward slightly before looking over my shoulder. Seems to work for me.
All that having been said, I am very interested in the convex mirror idea as described by Volvos80 above.
At first, I found the blind spots disconcerting. However, after about 500miles, they are no longer a problem. Taking time to adjust the mirrors for maximum effect makes a big difference. Also, I find that, when in doubt, I am able to look over my shoulder for issues. To the right, the passenger side quarter window does offer a limited, but useful, view. To the left, I just lean forward slightly before looking over my shoulder. Seems to work for me.
All that having been said, I am very interested in the convex mirror idea as described by Volvos80 above.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 19
From: Minneapolis MN
I just received the normal drivers side mirror and the auto-dimming mirror from my local Chevy dealer. The auto dimming is made up of 2 levels of glass and an electrical connector which changes the liquid in between the 2 glasses to dim the mirror. It is a bit thicker, but my convex glass will work in both designs, but will not be auto-dimming due to the excessive cost. It is 5 times more expensive. I should have convex mirrors made in a few weeks.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: CA
Most drivers incorrectly set their outside rearview mirrors. They adjust them to see a sliver of each side of the car body from driving position.
The correct way is to set driver's mirror just beyond seeing body and to lean 45 degrees toward passenger side and set that mirror to just barely see the body
Of course, you should still look over the shoulder before crossing the lane line and your mileage will vary depending on each cars height, window frame shape / pillar configuration and rear view mirror size.
The correct way is to set driver's mirror just beyond seeing body and to lean 45 degrees toward passenger side and set that mirror to just barely see the body
Of course, you should still look over the shoulder before crossing the lane line and your mileage will vary depending on each cars height, window frame shape / pillar configuration and rear view mirror size.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I learned yesterday that with today's cars you have to clear the area visually before backing, even if you are proficient with mirrors. Hit a small black sign pole backing, saw it about a 1/2 second before hitting. Lesson learned to the tune of $500. Car in the body shop today.