Side mirrors
From EcoModder
Introduction
Side mirrors are absent from most high efficiency concept vehicles for a reason: they increase both frontal area and Cd.
Many jurisdictions do not require a passenger side mirror, so that is most often the one deleted.
Some will replace the outside mirrors with smaller mirrors, or more aerodynamically shaped mirrors from similar models.
Others replace the outside mirror with convex, in-car mirrors or extra width rear view mirrors. Cameras and LCD screens are a favourite of the concept car circuit, though a somewhat costly option.
Contents |
Instructions for mod
Find the bolts holding on the mirror (most cars this is from the cabin).
Remove the bolts (or nuts) And any wires going to the mirror. Then pull off the mirror. Now you need to make a cover to go over the holes. This can be done by putting bondo over the area, making a metal cover, taping over the holes, making a colorplast over, or other ways as you see fit. The idea is to make a smooth transition from the A piller to the window.
For a more detailed "how to" see each users links in the table below.
User experiences
Please enter your user name and any relevant data in the table
| User Name | Car Make, Model, Year | Cost of Mod | Time to Perform Mod | MPG Before Mod | MPG After Mod | MPG improvement | Instruction Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Spotter | Toyota, Matrix, 2006 | $4 (inside mirror & paint) | 4 Hours | 43.31 | 44.99 | 3.72% (ABA) | HOW TO Page |
| MetroMPG | Ponteac Firefly | 55.145 | 56.51 | 2.47% | Removed passerger mirror hole covered, driver side mirror folded back Side mirror drag & effect on fuel economy - quantified | ||
| Peakster | Geo Metro 1997 | 36.15 | 36.96 | 2.21% | Video: Ditching the Side Mirrors Increases Fuel Economy | ||
| Soulster | Kia, Soul, 2010 | $0 | 30 min | With the mirror removed but holes open ABA testing showed a 1.1% increase. | Soulster's side mirror removal saga | ||
| Saand | Mazda, 626, 1991 | $0 | 2 Hours | ||||
| Big Dave | 00 F-350 XLT | 26.32 MPG | 26.99 MPG | 2.5% ( or .66 MPG) ABA testing. Mod is swapping OEM telescoping trailer-towing mirrors for smaller OEM paddle mirrors | [Tested: Pickup Truck Mirrors] | ||
| cons | 04 Ranger | $0 | 1 min | 30 MPG | 31 MPG | 3.23% (1 MPG) tank to tank testing. Mod is folding in mirror |
Problems / Consequences of mod
- Higher difficulty driving.
- Possible legal implications, In Australia only a single rear vision mirror is required.
- Extra noise if covers over holes are not perfect.
References
Forum thread links
Weather Spotter's How to and data thread
Prius aero mods (under trays, grille block, mirror delete...)
Peakster's video test of mirror removal
Mirror Laws by Province (Canada)
