5 Things You Should Know About Truck Mirrors
Published on
April 9, 2021 at 9:00:00 AM PDT April 9, 2021 at 9:00:00 AM PDTth, April 9, 2021 at 9:00:00 AM PDT
1. Mirrors On Big Trucks Are A Big Deal
Even though your truck mirrors aren't responsible for the power or mobility of your vehicle or fleet, they should still be given considerable attention. No matter what size truck you're driving, there's only so much you can see with the naked eye. Your mirrors amplify your visibility of not only the back of your truck but also what the drivers on both sides of you are doing. Mirrors are also your first line of defense in making sure you can change lanes safely and anticipate any road situations in which you have to stop or maneuver quickly.
With so much to keep up with in your day-to-day driving and business, it can be easy to just jump in the truck and go without giving a second thought to the clarity, condition and setup of your mirror system, but when it comes to how and what you see, there's a lot to consider.
2. Truck Mirror Laws Differ By State
One tidbit that you may not know about truck mirrors is the laws surrounding the number and visibility range of your mirrors can differ depending on the state. For example, there are many states including Georgia, Illinois, Colorado, and Kentucky that have laws requiring one or two additional mirrors that reflect a rear view of at least 200 feet behind your rig.
It's important to note that state mirror laws not only apply to the home base of your truck but also the states you drive through. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, have laws that dictate how far mirrors can extend past the width of the rig or load, and these laws can derail your delivery during inspection time if you don't do your homework.
3. Take The Time To Install Additional Mirrors
No matter how seasoned you are on the road or how well you can gauge what's around you with the factory mirrors you already have, investing the time and upfront cost to install additional mirrors around your chassis only adds safety to your business. As long as the mirror setup on your truck or fleet adheres to the states you're based in and drive through regularly, more mirrors mean more safety.
So now that you're thinking about upping your mirror game, which mirrors do you choose? What different types of truck mirrors are there?
4. Types of Truck Mirrors
When shopping for mirrors, you've got a few different kinds to choose from:
2020 Mirror Systems
These types of mirrors are designed for wide-body applications and position the mirror beyond the truck body to offer an unobstructed view of traffic lanes and blind spots.
Blind Spot Mirrors
While some modern vehicles now come equipped with blind spot technology that triggers a light on the side mirror when someone is in your blind spot, most trucks still require the installation of smaller, often circular blind spot mirrors in addition to your regular side mirrors.
Convex Mirrors
These rounded mirrors, also known as fish eye mirrors, are often used as rear or side mirrors because they offer a wider view around your truck than flat or concave mirrors.
West Coast Mirrors
These larger, flat mirrors became popular on the west coast and are now used worldwide. They extend out from the chassis and offer a larger scope of what's going on around and behind you.
5. Inspect, Adjust and Maintain Mirrors Often
Just because you've installed additional mirrors for safety on your truck or fleet doesn't mean you can set it and forget it. Part of driver's training 101 is checking your mirror alignment before you even turn the vehicle on, and it's a rule you should carry over if you haven't already.
When the truck is parked straight, sit in the driver's seat in your usual position. Check the view from your primary mirrors and make sure they are adjusted so that the inside edges of your mirrors give you as clear an image as possible of the back edges of your trailer. After the primary mirrors are adjusted, adjust convex and additional mirrors the same way to give you the most unobstructed view of around and behind your vehicle.
Additionally, make sure your mirrors are free of dirt, debris, stickers, and labels, or other elements that could impact the clarity of your vision. Also keep in mind as well that after you begin driving, high winds and tough driving can misalign your mirrors and readjustment may be necessary at your stopping points.
Where To Buy Truck Mirrors
We offer a wide range of truck mirrors from some of the most trusted names in the industry, including Velvac. Shop online today for mirrors, mirror brackets, replacement mirror parts, and more.
Check out our full haul of heavy-duty everything to get started on your journey to improved truck safety with Velvac mirrors.
Key Points: What To Know About Truck Mirrors
- 1. Truck mirrors should be a system that allows you maximum visibility behind and around you
- 2. Although factory mirrors are good quality, those alone do not provide optimal vision while on the road
- 3. 2020, blind spot, convex, west coast and other mirrors can be additional ways to make sure you have the clearest field of vision behind and around your truck
- 4. It's important to adjust mirrors before your journey and check periodically to make sure they stay in proper alignment throughout your trip
Shop online with us today and check out what we've got in stock from Velvac for your mirror requirements!
