Car Talk: Ornaments are for Christmas trees, not rearview mirrors | Business Columns | unionleader.com

Dear Car Talk:

For years, I’ve had a dog tag chain around the rearview mirror of my cars, a couple of which had paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

I recently purchased a new vehicle, and in less than a month, to my surprise, while making a slow right-hand turn, the chain got caught underneath one of the paddles. I was unable to straighten out of my turn and jumped the curb before I yanked the wheel hard enough to break the chain and straighten out my car.

A little road rash on my right front wheel was the only damage, but I wanted to mention this to others who like to hang stuff off their rearview mirrors. Just wanted to reach out to warn others that this could happen.

— Michael

I’m glad no one got hurt, Michael. This is just another reason why I oppose hanging anything off your rearview mirror.

The primary reason is that it can block your vision. Even if it’s something relatively thin, like a chain, it could swing and keep you from seeing a pedestrian at certain angles. Or it could catch the sun and glint in your eye for a moment, causing you to miss something.

At best, it’s a distraction. At worst, as you can attest, Michael, it can get caught in the steering wheel and prevent you from steering the car.

So, take all that crud down, folks. Seeing is of primary importance while piloting a 3,000-pound machine, and you don’t want to do anything that could, in any way, distract you or limit your vision. Thanks, Michael.

Dear Car Talk:

You recently wrote about the new video rearview mirrors, and how much you like them. But you also highlighted the downside: “When you’re using your rear-view mirror for a video feed, you can’t use it to check and see if you have a piece of spinach in your teeth.”

Just FYI, the mirror on the back of the flip-down visor, is much better for checking your teeth for spinach.

— Arvie

Thanks, Arvie. I hereby withdraw that objection.

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Dear Car Talk:For years, I’ve had a dog tag chain around the rearview mirror of my cars, a couple of which had paddle shifters on the steering wheel.I recently purchased a new vehicle, and in less than a month, to my surprise, while making a slow right-hand turn, the chain got caught underneath one of the paddles. I was unable to straighten out of my turn and jumped the curb before I yanked the wheel hard enough to break the chain and straighten out my car.A little road rash on my right front wheel was the only damage, but I wanted to mention this to others who like to hang stuff off their rearview mirrors. Just wanted to reach out to warn others that this could happen.— MichaelDear Car Talk:You recently wrote about the new video rearview mirrors, and how much you like them. But you also highlighted the downside: “When you’re using your rear-view mirror for a video feed, you can’t use it to check and see if you have a piece of spinach in your teeth.”Just FYI, the mirror on the back of the flip-down visor, is much better for checking your teeth for spinach.— Arvie