Mirrors are an essential safety feature on any vehicle, equally as important as seatbelts and brake lights. A broken mirror is a hazard, so even if your set is in working order, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with how to replace these parts.
A broken rear view mirror is an easy repair to perform at home. Side view mirror replacements are slightly more involved, but still well within the realm of the average car owner. Depending on your geographic location and local laws, you may want to add blind spot mirrors to your car. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing and maintaining your vehicle’s mirrors.
When To Replace Mirrors
Broken mirrors are common aftereffects of minor hit-and-run accidents. If someone sideswiped your car parked on the street and broke or detached the mirror, getting the mirror replaced should be a top priority.
However, there are other times you may want to replace your mirror as well. Some vehicle models have defective mirrors that can warp in extreme cold or heat. Warped glass distorts the positioning of other vehicles in the mirror, making it more hazardous to change lanes and navigate the road.
If you simply don’t like the way your car’s mirror looks, you can replace the frame without replacing the entire mirror. Consider a frame replacement if your mirror frame is scratched, tarnished or clunky-looking but the mirror is functional.
Replacing a Rear View Mirror
Replacing a partially detached rearview mirror is a straightforward process anyone can complete. Simply use an extreme rear view mirror adhesive to glue the mirror back into place.
If your rearview mirror is broken or completely detached, remove any old residue with a razor blade. Use a removable marker to sketch out where the new mirror should sit and follow your kit’s instructions to attach the new mirror.
Replacing Side View Mirrors
Side view mirrors are bolted into place within the vehicle door. To replace them, you must first remove the upper trim panel from the interior of the door using a screwdriver. The foam panel inside the door must go as well. There may be an electrical connection to the mirror if it features turn signal lights. Finally, you will reach the bolts that secure the mirror.
To install the new mirror, first compare it to the old mirror to make sure you have the correct model. All of the fastenings and mechanisms should be the same.
Unscrew the old bolts and remove the damaged mirror. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten the new mirror bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Reconnect the wiring, if applicable, and replace the foam and trim panel. While this process requires a bit of technical know-how, it’s an easier repair for a beginner than working on complex mechanical components such as the engine or brakes.
Blind Spot Mirror
A blind spot mirror is a small, round mirror that you can attach to a side view mirror to see into the car’s blind spot. They are somewhat controversial. In Europe, blind spot mirrors are often required. However, many US States have regulations against them. Their curved shape can make objects appear to be much closer than they actually are.
Don’t neglect your vehicle’s mirrors. Mirror repairs are a fairly easy DIY car project.
