As a new owner, the F-Type coupe has a significantly larger blind spot than I am used to. In other vehicles, I have always checked my blind spot by both turning my head and checking the BSM in the side view mirror. However, from the reading I have done here, due to the large blind spot present in our Jags, it sounds as if some (many??) are not bothering with the old-fashioned method at all. Rather they are relying solely on the BSM.

I am wondering how prevalent this practice is among F-Type drivers. Is the blind spot of sufficient size as to render neck-cranking of no benefit? Is a glance at the BSM sufficient?

 

Hi woodturner,

For me, I found the BSM in the F-Type to be really accurate and dependable. One look to the side mirror and the BSM should be enough. It is a much better system compared to other German brands I drove before. Despite that, I still look over my shoulders when changing lanes, specially in high traffic areas just to be sure.

 

I do not rely much on the BSM, and only do the head check if I have not been keeping track of all the traffic behind me. I rely most heavily on the rear view mirrors. Make certain your outside mirrors are adjusted properly. Most people don't know how to do that. https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Rear%E2%...te-Blind-Spots. This methodology eliminates any crucial blind spots on the F-Type.

 

I'm with you Lance.
I have always adjusted my side mirrors so that they pick up a car in the so-called "blind spots" just as it disappears from the internal rear view mirror, and vice versa. Do this and you no longer have any blind spots and you can see 360 degrees around the car with minimal head movement.
That said, it's tougher to get just right on the F-Type than any other car I have owned due to the restricted field of view from the internal rear vision mirror and the poor 3/4 rear vision.
One little game I often play is to look in the driver's side external mirror of the car in front when I pull up behind them at a red light. If I can clearly see the driver's face then I know their external mirror on that side is adjusted all wrong, and odds on the same with the other external mirror, and I need to be careful not to drive in their massive blind spot(s). I reckon 95% of drivers fall into this category.
I find the BSM to be completely unnecessary and an annoying nuisance.

 

I position my side mirrors so they are pointed at the blind spot, this is further out than normal - I don't see the edge of my car. I also still do a shoulder-check, so when I drive other cars I don't forget to.

Last but not least, my car is equipped with blind spot monitor (BSM), that serves as another check. I find it reliable and very helpful in bad weather when side mirrors lose visibility. However, I chose to not rely on BSM as not all of my cars equipped with one.

 

To check the blind spots, I put the top down.

 

I rely pretty heavily on the BSMs, but also on good positioning of the side and rear view mirrors so that I'm aware of what cars could find their way into the blind spot. If necessary I'll learn forward to get a better view from the side mirrors.

 

Correctly adjusted mirrors in my experience results in no blind spots.

This is a contentious issue though as many people seem to prefer to see their door handles rather than other cars and the definition of the word "correct" then comes into question.

The blind spot monitoring system seems to work very well too.

 

I love the BSM. First vehicle I've own with it. I normally don't like nanny electronics but I've put the BSM through all sorts of tests and it always works. This coming from a person who drives two cars daily and hasn't had an accident in 28 years (unavoidable, other drivers fault).

 

Same for me, first vehicle with these monitors. (Been 26 years for me btw.)

The cross traffic warning is pretty amazing too, I have to admit. I sometimes have to back out of a driveway on a slightly blind curve (on which people routinely go 50 in a 25), so I have to be decisive about it. The cross traffic warning sees them coming the instant that I do. I imagine backing out of a parking space surrounded by SUVs this is very handy.

 

I drive faster than everybody else, so i don't have to worry about it

 

That would be quite the novel trick with a coupe (like is mentioned in title)

 

I would think such a maneuver might have a negative effect on resale value.

 

+1000

 

I've offered to take the roof off RickyJay's coupe, but so far, he's declined.

 

+1

 

1. BSM
2. Move my head forward to check the mirror at a different angle
3. Check the blind spot through the little window
4. Crash!?

 

+1. Too many things to check. Diverts too much attention. Choose 2 methods and no more.

 

Haha!

5. Listen for honking, metal crunch sound, and squealing tires. If all of this happens, someone WAS in my blind spot.

 

Accelerate while changing lanes.