Outside mirrors neither dangerous nor ”dumb”

Dear Bob: I have been trying to find out what the purpose is of the right-hand mirror that shows cars further back than they really are. I think that this is very dangerous, as I have cut off several people going from the center lane into the right lane.

I’ve tried to wait until I can see them in my inside rearview mirror, but I think it would be much better if I could see them in the outside mirror in their right location.

I think these mirrors are dumb, but I know that this is the way they have been for years. I’d like to know the reasoning behind it. I’ve asked many dealers, and they don’t know.

Thanks. I enjoy your column.

— D.H., Seville, Ohio

A: I discussed this at length a few years ago, but time — and advice — have a way of flying.

The purpose of the convex passenger-side rearview mirror is to give the driver a better, wider field of vision for what’s going on in the lane to his or her immediate right. This mirror also eliminates the blind spot that you would have if the mirror were the standard flat-surface kind, like your inside rearview mirror. If used properly, these mirrors are a safety enhancement and neither dangerous nor dumb, as you suggest.

As far as when to pull into the right lane after passing someone in that lane, you hit the nail on the head: You should pull over when, looking into your inside rearview mirror, you can see pavement between your car and the car behind you.

You definitely shouldn’t use the side-view mirror as a judging tool as to when to pull over, because the images are distorted — as each and every mirror proclaims, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.”

Once you’ve passed the other car, keep your eye on the inside rearview mirror. When you can see pavement behind you, it’s safe to pull over.

Dear Bob: Times change, and our road vehicles change along with them. It was not many years ago when Chevy, Ford and Plymouth were the cars of America. Now Plymouth has died and Chevy and Ford are being outsold by Honda and Toyota. A German corporation owns Chrysler, and GM is giving up on that grand old car the Oldsmobile and now produces a thing called the Saturn.

Have you ever sat in the back seat of a Saturn? Your head touches the roof. But never in one of those grand old Oldsmobiles. The Saturn can’t compare to it!

I’d like to see GM and Ford own the auto world, but the Germans, Japanese and others in the end will become the world’s auto leaders.

I enjoy your page each Saturday. Continue your informative writing.

— J.S., Spokane, Wash.

A: Don’t give up on our American vehicles quite yet. American vehicles are much like the people who followed the Emil Coue craze in the 1930s: Every day, in every way, they are getting better and better!

Dear Bob: In response to a recent letter from a reader asking about the availability of a product that will help prolong wiper life, I can provide the following information.

There is a product called Clean Sweep, manufactured by Cleartec Corp., at www.cleartec.com, that is attached to the park area of the windshield wipers that I have found to be worthwhile. It lifts the wipers slightly from the surface of the windshield, allowing them to drain off water and disperse dirt.

I’ve been a big fan of yours for years, and have learned a lot from you.

Sincerely,

— F.K., Medical Lake, Wash.

A: A product such as this would also help keep snow from freezing the blades to the glass and, on the flip side, would keep the blades off the hot windshield in warmer climates, all of which would help extend the life of the wiper blades.

AMERICAN DRIVERS FIGHT BACK

Here’s a tip that will help you get better gas mileage while fighting terrorism and cutting our nation’s dependence on Mideastern oil:

Two different brands of gasoline may have the identical octane number, but one may still give better performance and fuel economy than the other, simply because of the way it was refined and the proprietary additive package used in it.

Bear this in mind if you’re dissatisfied with your current gasoline’s performance. Before switching to a more expensive, higher-octane gasoline, try switching to another brand of gasoline that has the same octane number. In many cases you will be pleasantly surprised with better gas mileage at no extra cost.

Remember, all regulars and all premiums or high-octanes are not created equal!