Introduction
Having a damaged or broken side view mirror on your car can be a frustrating experience. Not only does it affect your ability to see what’s happening around you while driving, but it can also be a safety hazard. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can easily fix a side view mirror on your car.
Assess the Damage
The first step in fixing a side view mirror is to assess the damage. Is the mirror completely broken or just cracked? Is the housing or bracket damaged? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace the entire mirror assembly, or you may be able to simply fix the existing one.
Remove the Old Mirror
If you need to replace the entire mirror assembly, the first step is to remove the old one. To do this, you will need to locate the screws or bolts that hold the mirror in place. These are usually located on the inside of the door panel or on the exterior of the mirror housing.
Install the New Mirror
Once you have removed the old mirror, you can install the new one. This is usually a simple process of aligning the new mirror with the mounting bracket and securing it in place with screws or bolts.
Fix a Cracked Mirror
If the mirror itself is cracked but the housing is still intact, you may be able to fix it without replacing the entire assembly. One option is to use a windshield repair kit to fill in the crack and prevent it from spreading. Another option is to replace just the mirror glass.
Replace the Mirror Glass
To replace just the mirror glass, you will need to remove the old glass from the housing. This can usually be done by gently prying the glass away from the housing with a flat tool like a screwdriver. Once the old glass is removed, you can install the new glass by aligning it with the mounting bracket and pressing it into place.
Fix a Loose Mirror
If the mirror housing or bracket is loose, you may need to tighten the screws or bolts that hold it in place. You can do this by accessing the bolts or screws from the inside of the door panel or by removing the mirror housing from the exterior of the car.
Align the Mirror
Once you have installed the new mirror or fixed the existing one, it’s important to make sure it is properly aligned. This can be done by adjusting the mirror using the adjustment controls inside the car or by manually adjusting the mirror by hand.
Test the Mirror
Before hitting the road, it’s important to test the mirror to make sure it is functioning properly. Check to make sure you can see clearly behind you and that the mirror is stable and secure.
Conclusion
Fixing a side view mirror on your car may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, it can be done easily and quickly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your mirror is functioning properly and that you can drive safely and confidently on the road.