THE MIRROR AND ITS USE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 January 1926, Page 11

THE MIRROR AND ITS USE.

NEED EOT? CABE BY LOBBY DBIVEBS. Motorists will find that a reflex mirror is a very useful accessory. Provided that it is correctly set, a glance into it will show whether another car is coming up behind when one desires to take a rigli-hand turn, and even at other times it is worth while to look at it occasionally. It is, however, a mistake to drive on the reflex mirror in front as some people do. What is meant by this is that it is unwise to jump to the conclusion that because th i car in front lias a reflex mirror the driver necessarily knows what is coming up behind him. He may or he may not, and therefore an adequate warning should be given before one attempts to pass, and it is also desirable to wait for a signal from the driver or a definite drawing into the left, which a mounts to the same thing. At night a reflex mirror shows very plainly whether other cars are following;’ in fact, their bright lights may become ft miisnr.ee to a driver by. shining from i In 1 mirror into his eyes. Ihi s will not affect everyone alike; it is largely a question of" eyesight, which differs very much in individuals. if, however, this reflection is at all trying it may be minimized by tying' a piece of muslin over the mirror. This may make it a little difficult to gauge the distance I lie car behind, but. in any case, that is not easy wnen the lights are dazzling. A piece of grey muslin will oe found excellent for this purpose, and if it is cut in a circle, or whatever the shape of the mirror may be, and bound with hat elastic, it can be slipped into position in a moment. There is another point in connection with reflex mirrors which is worth attention, but does not seem to have received much, and that is the shape of the glass. ( A looking..■lnss with a bevelled edge is pretty to fool; at, and in general there is no objection to its ust', but a bevel applied to a reflex mirror will reflect the sun’s ravs into the driver’s eyes from almost, nnv position when the sun is behind, even when not very low in the sky. The nickel-plated rim of the mounting cun do this, too, in a lesser degree, and 1 herefore although both bevelled edges and nickel plaling look well in themselves. a plain edge and dull black rim are recommended for general usefulness. but flu' rest of the fittings may ii ■ plated or finished in any way that harmonises with (he general finish of the ...r. This may seem a small matter, hut anything which makes for the comfort aiid convenience of the driver is veil wip-th considering.