How to pick the Right One !?

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great tool for drivers to see what’s going on around them. They are a key safety feature included on all modern automobiles.

However, mass production vehicles are not tailor made for the end user, thus, some drivers experience blind spots, or areas where they cannot see out of the car. Blind spots can be a great safety hazard depending on the situation and it is therefore encouraged to eliminate them by properly adjusting the mirrors on a vehicle. Unfortunately, mirror adjustments can offer only so much field of vision, and it is sometimes necessary to add an extra mirror to the vehicle to help reduce the occurrence of blind spots.

 

 Broadway Mirrors

Broadway Mirrors are a great way to eliminate blind spots and increase vehicle safety while on the road. They are available in various styles, finishes, lengths, and coatings, but all serve the similar purpose of helping the driver see out of the vehicle.

Lengths

Most OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer, Stock) mirrors have a length of about 220mm, and are curved around the edges. The small size and curved edge is generally for aesthetic reasons and does not provide optimal vision per the outside of the vehicle. In order to overcome this, Broadway Mirrors come in various Lengths. They are generally, 240mm (=9.45inch), 270mm(=10.63inch), and 300mm(11.81inch).

 

A note regarding length- size does matter, both in viewing area and physical size. Although the largest mirror is best for being able to see, going too large may interfere with the flip-down sun visor operation. In this case, it is possible to off-set the mounting of the mirror to one side, allowing either the driver, or the passenger to make use of the sun visor, but it is advised to just go with a smaller mirror to not impede any function of the stock equipment.

Length depends on personal preference and vehicle application, and much like clothes.

 

Flat and Convex

Broadway Mirrors are all available in either Flat or Convex styles. This refers to the curvature of the reflective element, whether it is flat, or slightly curved.

Flat

The Flat mirrors, as the name would suggest, are flat. They offer a linear portrayal of whatever is reflected, and does not distort the image around the edges.

Convex

 

The Convex mirrors are curved, and offer a greater viewing area when compared to the Flat mirrors, but at the expense of image distortion around the edges. The curve of the mirror creates the effect of images looking further away than they actually are, and can cause some issues for those who make use of corrective vision.

As a note, the Convex 240mm shows the same amount as the Flat 300mm. In the case of vehicle safety, being able to see more should out-weigh any other factors, but driver comfort should also be a top priority.

 

 Coatings- Aluminum, Chrome, and Blue

Broadway Mirrors are available with three coatings, Aluminum, Chrome, and Blue. Each has unique properties, advantages, and disadvantages.

 

Aluminum

 

Aluminum Coating (Blue Packaging) mirrors have less tint on them when compared to most OEM mirrors, and other Broadway offerings. The presence of less tint allows for more light to enter the mirror, therefore reflecting a brighter image. This is helpful for vehicles which have a tinted rear window, making the darkness difficult to see with their stock mirror.

 

Chrome

Chrome Coating (Red Packaging) mirrors have more tint on them when compared to most OEM mirrors, and other Broadway offerings. The increased tint on the mirror allows the reflective element to cut down on glare from the sun and headlights shining in the mirror. This is helpful for vehicles which are lowered and frequently experience glare from headlights in the rear view mirror.

 

Blue Coating (Blue Mirrors)

Blue Coating mirrors cut down on glare immensely, while preserving most of the light entering the reflective surface. A similar coating is often found on the mirrors of many German vehicles. This mirror achieves the same glare-reduction of the Chrome and the brightness of the Aluminum through the use of the specially tinted glass surface.

 

Mounting

 

 

Most Broadway Mirrors utilize a spring-loaded clip-on mechanism to attach to the stock mirror. The ends of these Clips have rubber pads on them to insure a tight grasp, and to reduce rattling from vibrations. These mirrors will fit on most OEM mirror applications, but it is encouraged to insure fitment due to variance in mirror thickness.