Your side view mirror is broken and now you need to replace it. First things first, keep away from the roads as much as possible. Driving around with a ruined side mirror can be very dangerous because it is mainly used to prevent accidents. It helps with safe driving by allowing you to see blind spots and detect other moving automobiles before switching lanes. That’s why it is crucial that you quickly replace your side view mirrors.
Replace side view mirrors
If you need to replace side view mirrors, skip the additional cost by buying the parts and doing the labor yourself. It’s easy to replace side view mirrors, and you are able to do it using these easy steps instead of paying a mechanic for outrageous labor costs. Here is what you need to do, courtesy of eHow:
Things you’ll need:
- Owner’s manual
- Replacement mirror
- Pry tool
- Screwdriver and/or torx driver
- Nut driver and/or socket wrench
- Small, shallow plastic bowl, cup or container
Step 1: Purchase the replacement mirror. Double-check if it is the very same exact match as the one you’re replacing. This will contain the vehicle’s make, model and year. If you can’t find a new side mirror at your dealership or auto parts stores, try looking at savage yards or online. Doing it that way can also save you money.
Step 2: Roll your window down and turn off the automobile.
Step 3: Detach the negative cable connecting to the battery. This step is very important because there is electrocution risk involved if the cable is still affixed.
Step 4: Take out the trim pieces of the interior door panel using your pry tool. Next, remove the screws holding the panel in place using a screwdriver. In some cases, before the door panel can be lifted off, there may be a corner trim piece that needs to be removed first.
Step 5: Skip this step when you have manual roll-down windows. For those who have power-controlled mirrors, however, the wiring harness needs to be unplugged.
Step 6: Using a nut driver or a socket wrench, take out the mirror bolts so that you are able to remove the entire mirror assembly from the automobile.
Step 7: Pull apart the actual mirror from the mirror assembly. You are able to use a torx driver to take out the screws and then gently pry the plastic tabs on the backing until the two pieces fall apart.
Step 8: Take the new mirror and attach it to the assembly by snapping it onto the backing with the tabs.
Step 9: Once the new mirror is attached to the backing, place it to the mirror assembly.
Step 10: Reinstall the entire mirror assembly back onto the vehicle by reversing the steps listed above.
Cautiously replace side view mirrors
Don’t go driving off yet just because you’ve completed the last step to replace your side view mirrors. Last but not least, remember never to connect the battery until you are absolutely certain every little thing is back in place. Be sure to double- or even triple-check the connections and wires before the battery is reattached.
