Driving home tonight on a 5 lane Houston highway at about 65 MPH, a stupid Mercedes 3xx changed lanes into me while I was overtaking him on his left. I had traffic to my left, so all I could do was brake hard and get on the horn to hopefully stop his left-ward progress long enough for me to relatively back out of the pinch. I sloppily jammed my right palm on the horn's vinyl center and the chrome ring surrounding it and pushed hard, to bring the horn to full blast ASAP. As I did it, I heard and felt the chrome ring give way with a crack. Fortunately, my maneuver worked and I avoided a crash. But my chrome ring has a visible line in it where the crack is. I can't unsee it. I wonder if a visible defect that occurred in the horn's normal (albeit strong) operation is a warranty claim?
Yeah, probably. I've used my horn plenty over the last 10 years and the trim has held up fine. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a manufacturing defect.
I too would ask. I had to lay on a horn for a driver who was being a total... well... big truck trying to intimidate small car situation. Doesn't sound normal to me.
It's getting downright dangerous on the roads these days. I've never wanted a dash cam before but nowadays I feel like it might be a good idea.
I've had one for about 4 years now (front and rear) and thankfully have not needed it but it's nice for peace of mind. I have caught a bunch of dummies on camera though... driving on the wrong side of the road directly at me, skidding/fishtailing through a red light, blowing through a stop sign and cutting me off, and about a thousand people swerving all over while on their phones.
I've had front dashcams in my cars for years; I really like the StreetGuardian cameras because they can withstand the hot sun. With my new car I finally decided to get one with front and rear cameras because I got rear-ended a few months ago. Thankfully the driver took responsibility but it would have been good to have the footage just in case.
Anyone else feel like we are way less visible in Minis? This is my first Mini, but I try to “be seen” by placing the car in people’s side mirrors and away from blind spots at all times. I’m also a little surprised at how much I miss blind spot monitoring in such a small car. I have mirrors well-adjusted, no tint, and always shoulder check but am sometimes surprised. Another vote for Street Guardian. Great product and support.
I've driven huge vans and tucks down to Minis. I jumped from a Civic Si (2 dr hatch) to an SUV and thought for sure they'd see me more. Nope. I don't think size has to do with anything. I have my mirrors adjusted so that I don't actually have a blind spot. My rear mirror (with seats down) shows some, but my sides pick up exactly where my rear mirror leaves off. I forgot to adjust one the first day and nearly messed up, but they easily adjust when I move them around (not all cars allow it the same way unfortunately). I only have had blind spot detection in rentals so I don't miss it much.
I switched to this method too, and it's so much safer. I think the idea of seeing your car in the side mirror may be a throwback to when cars were gigantic. Car and Driver has an article: How To Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots
Yep! This is exactly what I do! I learned this right around the time it was published and been doing it ever since.
