Raindrops obscuring wing mirrors!

[sludgeguts]

Not the end of the world in the car - but in my bus it can be a real PITA, especially when it's dark/overcast & just finished raining. Amazing how many people believe they do not need to use lights - but would be the first to complain loudly if I pulled out on them because I couldn't see them!


I've covered the mirrors in rain-x (ok, Halfords equivalent) as well as the side windows and rear windows - and it works really well on the side windows, but that seems to be more where the wind moves across the surface. Wing mirrors don't get any wind movement over them & the water repellent doesn't work with the small drops/fine spray that swirls around the mirrors and rear doors.


Any ideas for a simple solution to get airflow over the mirror's surface?


The mirror stands away from the body by about 4", I'm wondering if I could make some sort of air scoop? Or is there already something out there I could use/adapt?

 

[dave]

years ago lorry drivers used to tie strips of cloth to mirror mounts, they would flap about and keep mirrors clear.

found others talking about it http://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=37923&start=0

 

[sludgeguts]

I remember that - always thought it was some sort of "in support of" thing (like shoving a flag on the car!)

Some interesting points in that thread re-obscuring - although I imagine there would also be some sort of element of distraction, to have these strips of cloth constantly flapping as you drive...

 

[sludgeguts]

We're getting closer...

 

[EvoStevo]

Hmm, if fitted I could see that disappearing by Sunday morning.

 

[maggers]

Looks a right sad act device.

 

[jenks69]

Looks a right sad act device.

Because being safe clearly isn't cool??????

I'm all for it! If it means people can see then it must be good!

 

[sludgeguts]

Because being safe clearly isn't cool??????

I'm all for it! If it means people can see then it must be good!

I agree. I'm wondering if I can make something similar out of the cool mould plastic stuff.
The pellets are fairly cheap so not a great loss if it doesn't work.

 

[Gavv8]

Most trucks are fitted with heated mirrors, my new Scania's mirrors are very effective even in heavy rain.

 

[sludgeguts]

Most trucks are fitted with heated mirrors, my new Scania's mirrors are very effective even in heavy rain.

Don't have that luxury I'm afraid - although reading through some of the threads I (later) found, some of the truckers with heated mirrors say they aren't too keen because it evaporates the water leaving the dirt behind to bake on.

I saw another invention whereby an airline terminates atop the mirror & the driver can initiate a blast of compressed air over the surface to blow away the raindrops!

 

[Ziggy122]

Don't have that luxury I'm afraid - although reading through some of the threads I (later) found, some of the truckers with heated mirrors say they aren't too keen because it evaporates the water leaving the dirt behind to bake on.

I saw another invention whereby an airline terminates atop the mirror & the driver can initiate a blast of compressed air over the surface to blow away the raindrops!

Its be do-able
A small pipe - with a blaster on it
A Small pipe running to boot to a small 12v compressor and 1L tank should easily have enough puff to blow the mirror clean - wait 1min and then blow other clean

Ziggy

 

[sludgeguts]

Its be do-able
A small pipe - with a blaster on it
A Small pipe running to boot to a small 12v compressor and 1L tank should easily have enough puff to blow the mirror clean - wait 1min and then blow other clean

Ziggy

Being a Yorkshireman, I can make this cheaper...
Just use a couple of long straws

 

[EvoStevo]

I just wind the window down and use a cloth.

 

[dave]

I just wind the window down and use a cloth.

in a bus?

 

[EvoStevo]

No in a car.

You could always put a plastic bag over them

 

[dave]

watched some thing on tv and it said before wipers were invented drivers would cut a potato in half and rub it on the screen, it would repel water, worth a try maybe :idea: