Why Miata Owners Love Customizing Their Side Mirrors

The Appeal of the Mazda Miata's Iconic Style

The Mazda Miata has been beloved by driving enthusiasts ever since its debut in 1989. With its lightweight rear-wheel drive roadster design, the Miata embodied the pure joy of driving. Over 30 years later, the Miata remains a popular choice among sports car fans who prioritize handling and agility over straight-line speed.

Part of what makes the Miata so iconic is its style. The pop-up headlights and curvaceous fenders are instantly recognizable. Miata owners tend to be quite proud of their cars' standout looks. This pride sometimes manifests in owners making changes and customizations to make their Miata look unique.

Miata Side Mirrors Become a Styling Focal Point

One area on the exterior of the Miata that owners often modify is the side mirrors. While a relatively small detail on the overall car, the side mirrors can make a noticeable difference in the Miata's style.

Upgrading to aftermarket options allows owners to select side mirrors that better match their individual tastes. Enthusiasts can choose between chrome, black, blue anodized, carbon fiber, and various other colors and materials for the mirror caps and housings. Side strakes or "bunny ear" style mirrors are also popular choices.

Owners Personalize Their Ride

Swapping out the stock side mirrors for customized aftermarket mirrors enables Miata owners to put a little more of their own personality into their beloved roadster. The changed look catches the eyes of others when driving around town or when showing up at Miata meetups and races.

Some owners coordinate their new side mirrors with other exterior tweaks like custom wheels, vinyl wraps, and racing stripes. Attention-grabbing colors like vibrant red or neon green side mirrors boldly announce that this Miata is not exactly like every other one out there.

Upgraded Mirrors Also Serve a Functional Purpose

While style is a major motivation for installing aftermarket side mirrors, function plays a role as well. Many Miata enthusiasts participate in autocross and track days. When aggressively driving their car at higher speeds, some find the stock mirrors lacking.

Improved Rear Visibility and Durability

Larger or extended side mirrors can greatly improve rear visibility, which is vital when piloting a nimble sports car around corners. This helps drivers spot approaching cars in their blind spots on racetracks and curvy canyon roads.

Aftermarket mirrors also tend to be more durable than factory ones. They can better withstand being bumped or scraped when driving in close quarters around cones during an autocross event. Their sturdy construction gives added peace of mind to Miata owners who regularly push their car's handling capabilities to the limit.

Reduce Wind Noise at High Speeds

Some upgraded Miata side mirror options utilize aerodynamic shapes that cut down on wind noise when traveling on the highway. Less turbulence equals a more pleasant and fatigue-free driving experience for enthusiasts who enjoy taking long jaunts in their nimble roadster.

Finding the Right Balance of Form and Function

For Miata owners seeking to put their own stamp on their beloved car, side mirrors present the ideal opportunity to upgrade both styling and performance. The abundance of side mirror choices allows drivers to select options tailored to their individual needs.

While some prioritize flashy colors and designs to turn heads at cars and coffee events, others opt for subtle enhancements focused mainly on boosting visibility and durability during performance driving. When shopping for new mirrors, Miata enthusiasts can mix and match different features to find the right blend of form and function to enhance their unique cars.

FAQs

Why do Miata owners customize their side mirrors?

Miata owners often customize their side mirrors to put their personal styling touch on their beloved roadsters. Upgraded mirrors also provide better rear visibility and durability for enthusiasts who participate in performance driving events.

What are some popular custom Miata side mirror designs?

Popular options include chrome, carbon fiber, color-matched, bunny ear/strake, and extended side mirrors. Owners also select vibrantly colored mirror caps and housings like red, neon green, or blue anodized.

Do aftermarket mirrors improve safety for Miata drivers?

Yes, many upgraded mirrors increase rear visibility, helping Miata drivers spot cars in their blind spots. This is useful when aggressively driving on curvy roads and racetracks. The durable construction also better withstands scrapes and bumps.

Should I get side mirrors that match my Miata's exterior modifications?

Matching your new mirrors to exterior styling tweaks like custom wheels, racing stripes, or vinyl wraps can help pull the whole look together. However, the most important factors are improved visibility and durability.