When buying replacement mirrors for Japanese trucks, it’s a good idea to get quality parts designed specifically for those vehicles. Of course, every truck brand is different, featuring different designs and subtle changes in mirror arms and mirror positioning. For safety and function, you should always ensure you fit the right aftermarket mirrors.
Whether you need aftermarket parts for Hino trucks, Isuzu trucks or Fuso trucks, you need to know which mirrors and mirror parts to buy for your specific vehicle. The brand of the mirror isn’t necessarily important. But what is important is that the mirrors are of high quality, made to meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications and will fit securely to your vehicle without modification.
Why are mirrors so important?
When operating heavy vehicles, mirrors are even more crucial than on cars and other smaller vehicles. It’s easy to neglect this part because a mirror doesn’t directly impact the mechanical operation of the truck. However, they are critical in providing the driver with amplified visibility of what’s happening around them.
Mirrors allow drivers to confidently and safely change lanes and manoeuvre quickly through various road and traffic conditions. That’s why you should always take the time to review your mirror setup before commencing operation. Regular checks should also be done to ensure that mirrors are properly positioned and haven’t sustained any damage.
Different types of mirror products
Japanese trucks don’t just have one set of mirrors, and it’s important to keep this in mind when checking your mirror setup. Because the vehicle is so large and you don’t have visibility through a rear-view mirror as you would in a car, the mirrors on the side of your truck become even more crucial. Here are some of the common types of mirrors found on Japanese trucks.
Mirror heads
The standard side mirrors on trucks come in many different forms. The two most common types are flat mirrors and convex mirrors. Many modern trucks use convex mirrors because convex mirrors (also known as fish-eye mirrors) provide a wider view around the truck than flat mirrors. Sometimes convex mirrors are also fitted at the rear of the vehicle, although on late-generation vehicles reversing cameras have largely made these redundant.
When choosing mirror heads, look for advanced features such as electric operation and heated glass, ensuring you have good visibility even in cold conditions.
Spotter mirrors
Also known as ‘blind spot mirrors’, these convenient mirrors give the driver an expanded view, particularly into the usual blind spots. They are great for getting a full view of what’s happening around you, specifically for blind spots when changing lanes and monitoring vehicles driving closely behind you.
Many side mirror heads come with a larger flat or convex mirror and a spotter mirror below it, so everything is all in one convenient package.
Sight glasses
Sight glasses are used to get a quick visual of a truck’s oil. Not only can you see the oil level, but you can also check for contaminants. The great thing about sight glasses is that you can essentially check the level and quality of your oil without opening any closed systems. Therefore, no further contaminants can get in.
Always check your mirrors and sight glasses regularly to ensure the safe operation of your vehicle, and don’t buy cheap imitations. All aftermarket parts for Japanese trucks should meet or exceed OEM specifications.
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