Tag Archives: australian standards

Convex mirrors on cars

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The design rules that apply for vehicles sold in Australia are always being updated and the design rules for mirrors on motor vehicles were changed a while ago to adopt the European rules, which allow a choice of either flat or convex mirrors on both sides of the vehicle.

Convex mirrors are curved mirrors that give a “compressed” view rather than a flat view. As a result, they cover a wider field of view and objects in the mirror appear smaller. This minimises blind spots but also creates the illusion that things in the mirror are further away.

These mirrors can take a little bit of getting used to, especially for those used to flat mirrors – but it is just a matter of becoming familiar with the characteristics of a convex mirror.

Convex mirrors have been fitted to the passenger side of vehicles in Australia for many years, sometimes accompanied by the warning “Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear”, with no evidence that they cause a safety problem. These types of mirrors have also been in use overseas for many years and we are not aware of any reports of increased crash risk due to their use.

The RTA Road Users’ Handbook states that “before you change lanes, give your signal in plenty of time, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for other vehicles”. The “head check” is necessary to ensure it is safe to change lanes – drivers should not depend on their mirrors alone.

Convex mirrors are becoming more common on new cars and it is likely they will soon be standard across the market. So, when purchasing a new or used vehicle, be sure to read the vehicle owner’s handbook to become familiar with the operating aspects of the vehicle and the equipment fitted.

Have you driven a vehicle with convex mirrors on both sides? Do you find convex mirrors safer or more dangerous?

New car ‘protection packages’

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Have you ever been offered a ‘protection package’ – paint protection, rust proofing and fabric protection – when buying a new car?

New car paint protection, rust proofing and fabric protection is often offered after you have signed the contract. It can cost up to $2000 but there is no evidence to support claims that you need it.

A manufacturer’s service contract doesn’t state it needs to be done as modern cars are subjected to highly sophisticated paint and perforation treatments before they leave the factory. These treatments are the reason manufacturers are able to offer warranties of up to ten years on the car body.

Plus there’s no evidence suggesting products in a ‘protection package’ have been subjected to Australian Standards testing. Australians Standards indicate products or services “provide a value or benefit that exceeds the costs likely to be imposed from its development and implementation.” It should be your measure of something being worth your money or not – so how are you to judge when they haven’t been tested?

If you plan on never washing or polishing your car then a paint protection package may be better than nothing. But if the salesman mentions it as an aside at the end of the formalities, don’t feel pressured. Remember:  You just paid tens of thousands for a new car with a long warranty so be assured it’s in the manufacturers best interests that it doesn’t rust or the paint fade. Just take care of your car once it’s been delivered.

Have you bought or been tempted to buy a ‘protection package’ with your new car? Was it worth the money or do you feel you were conned?