GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Last night someone was coming up behind me fast, so I signaled and changed into the right lane. I saw right-lane headlights 50 feet back, but the headlights that appeared right behind my rear bumper were a total surprise! This is my second major screwup in this car -- the first involved driving like an 18-year-old, but this time I felt like 80. The other driver didn't honk or anything, just backed off to give the old man some space...

I almost ran someone over in a parking lot while backing up! Oops! he was not imressed. I agree that this car has a terrible blind spot, but all of my woes come from backing up, not going forward.

The best way to solve the problem is to park you car in a parking lot with alot of space around you. Next have a friend with a small car (like a Cavalier) pull up in the blind spot, exactly where that other car was. Then adjust the passenger side outside mirror so you are able to see that car and use that mirror every time you go right.I make it a habit to always turn around and physically look, not just rely on the rearview mirror.

I always look over my shoulder before I switch lanes. I am scared of hittin a guy on a crotch rocket. They never show up in side mirrors.

quote:One thing that helps also, is to move your rearviews mirrors in a way that you just miss the side of your car....Instead of seeing you back side panel try to move the mirror to the point where you just lose the car and then you will have a lesser blind spot. Don't worry the back of your car will always follow you!!!!I agree with Salsa. Try and adjust your mirrors to reduce the blind spot. Every car that I know of has one, unless you put those bubble mirrors on your car. I always try to make a head check when changing lanes or I lean forward a bit to change the angle of what I see in the mirrors. That seems to help see what may be in your blind spot. And always double check when you are backing up. Too many things can pop up behind you.

I have noticed a slight blindspot on the passenger side rear bumper. Luckily, I have not had any mishaps yet.

The vibe has awful blind spots in the rear quarter window areas. I added those mini Circlular shaped mirrors to my side mirrors. They help me to parallel park AND I use them as blind spot checkers when driving. Works great and only cost me $1 each.

Here's another thread on the Vibe's blind spots.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1187

I find that almost every car's mirrors (including the Vibe's) can be set to eliminate blind spots. It mostly just involves positioning the side mirrors as mentioned above so that you can't see the sides of your own car. (No one's yet been hit by their own quarter panel.) What works for me is to park in an open area and have a friend walk back and forth a couple of times maybe 20 feet behind my car, after I have set the inside mirror to frame the view of the rear glass. As he/she moves, ajust the outside mirrors until the image moves from one mirror to the other with no gaps or double reflections. You can check the setting by watching the mirrors as another vehicle passes you. As above, the reflection should move smoothly from the inside mirror to the side mirror (i.e., his left headlight dissappears from the inside mirror at the same moment as it appears in the left outside one.) By the time the image exits the side mirror, you should see the vehicle in your peripheral vision. The "wide setting" may take a little getting used to, but once you do, you'll feel a lot more confident about lane changes and be a lot less likely to hit the car in front while you're looking over your shoulder!

Yep, when on the highway, I always look in my mirrors THEN look over my shoulder. I learned at a very early age to do this. (Almost came over on someone in a chevette. LOL)I always have problems seeing where the car behind me is when parking. It looks like I'm on top of his hood, but still have a foot to go. Very strange.

I have the same problem judging where exactly the back end ends! Usually I just get out and have a look before turning off the car. Takes a few extra seconds but at least I don't have to a) worry about hitting someone or b) have my front end sticking out and someone hitting me!

I have also noticed a Blind spot to the right. Especially in Highway travel when switching to the right lanes. gotta take my time doing this, almost cut someone off before I noticed it was there.

I once had a blind Spot, best dog I ever owned. What?....This is about a different kind of blind spot? Oh sorry....nevermind me.....I'm gonna go now.R.I.P. SpotGeez am I a dork or what?

The Vibe has a very bad blind spot.The worst is back out of a parking spot in a mall

The Spot is somewhat tight, However it's just a matter or getting used to it!.Which takes a little time!.....but not an issue.

Here is my solution for backing out of parking spots: open the moon roof , stand up, do a 360 degree periscope...ok all clear...