[t2015MKC]

long story shorter..

been driving my RX 350 lately which has the auto dimming mirrors. drove the MKC last night and noticed that the passenger side mirror didn't dim. is this how your side auto dimming mirrors work? my signature has my MKC details. if you have questions please ask otherwise TIA. trying to avoid a trip to the dealership if possible.

 

[kmccart]

Yes, auto dimming is on the driver's side exterior and interior rearview mirrors only. Not available on the passenger side mirror.

 

[t2015MKC]

Thanks kmccart. I could have sworn it was on the passenger side mirror too. No trip to the dealership needed at this time. :smile

 

[5.0 Candy REDCS]

Yeah, noticed this too when I first got mine, weird they did not do passenger side as well....if you have a car following you in a gentle right hand curvy road, the passenger side mirror sure picks up the headlights behind you...

 

[t2015MKC]

^^ I really notice it when there's a car on your right rear side. I thought a fuse blew or a wire had a short. It's funny that I've been driving the MKC for over a year and barely noticed it after driving the RX for a week straight.

 

[5.0 Candy REDCS]

I find it negligible with being the passenger side,compared to say, rear facing centre mirror....still does not make sense why they did not apply the same tech to ALL mirrors!

 

[t2015MKC]

I guess I didn't mind it before either. after driving the RX, which has it on all 3 mirrors, it is definitely bugging me now. That will be something I will want on my next vehicle. :wink

 

[countryguy]

If you have the exterior mirrors adjusted correctly then you don't get the light reflected from the mirror. Most people do not adjust the mirrors properly.

How To: Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots - Feature - Car and Driver

 

[5.0 Candy REDCS]

I guess I didn't mind it before either. after driving the RX, which has it on all 3 mirrors, it is definitely bugging me now. That will be something I will want on my next vehicle. :wink

I agree completely,HUGE difference from the Mustang to my MKC.... the ONLY auto dimming in the Stang is the rear facing interior mirror,but if headlights hit any of the side mirrors, you're basically blinded unless you move them...vast improvement when I'm in the MKC, but still wish all three were self dimming....I don't get why all this weird quirkiness tho, if they've done 2 to self dim, why not the 3rd? Got to be cost cutting.:eek

 

[t2015MKC]

Thanks. Great link, I'm sure it'll help people on this forum. I saw a video that has basically the same info and use that technique to adjust my mirrors so there are no blind spots. Unfortunately, it still doesn't completely get rid of the light that the auto dimming mirrors would do 100% of the time. :wink

If you have the exterior mirrors adjusted correctly then you don't get the light reflected from the mirror. Most people do not adjust the mirrors properly.

How To: Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots - Feature - Car and Driver

 

[countryguy]

I have always adjusted my mirrors to avoid the blindspots for as long as I have been able to drive which is 41 year! I never have to turn my head to look over my left or right shoulder when making a lane change. I just keep a constant eye on what is behind me via all 3 mirrors.

 

[ToyMaker]

Thanks. Great link, I'm sure it'll help people on this forum. I saw a video that has basically the same info and use that technique to adjust my mirrors so there are no blind spots. Unfortunately, it still doesn't completely get rid of the light that the auto dimming mirrors would do 100% of the time. :wink

For those of you who have listened to Car Talk on NPR through the years Tom and Ray Magliozzi (Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers) gave the quickest/easiest method to properly adjust your exterior rear view mirrors I have found.
Simply lean your head against the drivers door window and adjust to see the rear fender on the edge of the mirror. Lean your head the same amount to the right to adjust the passenger side. Presto - your done!
Agree it's a bit disconcerting when first driving this way but you've adjusted to the SAE recommendation which truly eliminates, or at least minimizes blind spots.
For those who have missed Car Talk see if your local NPR station still carries on Sat mornings. Sadly Tom passed away a short time ago but the repeats are filled with laughs and some decent auto tips.

 

[t2015MKC]

^^ That's what I've been doing since watching that video online. I've only been using that technique for about 5 years. :smile

 

[5.0 Candy REDCS]

The mirrors on the Mustang (both sides, 2011) have these cool built in very small ultra wide angle sub mirrors...( rectangular) If I was stopped and someone was standing directly to my left on a sidewalk, I can still see them! This feature should be a standard safety feature on all cars.

"I have always adjusted my mirrors to avoid the blindspots for as long as I have been able to drive which is 41 year! I never have to turn my head to look over my left or right shoulder when making a lane change. I just keep a constant eye on what is behind me via all 3 mirrors."

Same here...my mirrors are adjusted as per that diagram you posted,way out to the outside, that cover the next lane to my immediate left (if I'm in the middle lane) anyone overtaking me I can see clearly....both mirrors are adjusted in this way....I do not see the tail end of my car at all, but a clear view of the two lanes,and slightly down from their centre axis for ease of parking.