Valvoline.com

Side View Mirror Replacement

A little foresight to keep your hindsight in check

All riddles aside, driving is one of those activities that allow you to look forward AND see what's going on behind you at the same time. We take this motoring phenomenon for granted thanks to well-placed rear and side view mirrors. Well, most of the time. Sometimes forces conspire to damage the devices we use to peer backwards while driving forward. Side view mirrors are particularly vulnerable to accidental dismemberment.

Culprits

Fence posts, mailboxes, giant SUVs, bicycle messengers, stray cinder blocks, pesky teenagers, and so on can all do some damage to remove a mirror from its mount on the side of the vehicle. While duct tape is fine for emergencies to temporarily affix a damaged side view mirror, it will not hold the mirror in place for long, and also can damage the paint. Furthermore, driving with a dislodged or missing side view mirror can be both dangerous and illegal. The solution is to get a replacement or aftermarket side view mirror, and get your rearward vision back to 20/20.

Replacing side view mirrors can be as easy and inexpensive as getting an aftermarket substitute from your local auto parts store and turning a few screws, or as complicated and pricey as a dealer-only replacement that requires removing interior panels and control cables. If your side view mirror falls into the latter category it is best to consult a service manual before beginning. Interior plastic parts are notoriously easy to break while attempting to remove them, and knowing what holds them in place before you start will help you to remove them in one piece.

Options

Another good place to source a replacement rear view mirror is your local salvage specialist—or junkyard. A used side mirror can often be had at the fraction of the price of a dealer replacement. If the mirror mounts directly to the side of the door panel, simply remove the plastic cover to access the mounting screws. Flush mount side view mirrors are slightly trickier, and often require the removal of an interior panel, which keeps the fasteners out of sight from driving eyes.

Side view mirrors that offer control from within the vehicle add a bit more complexity. Take into account adjustment cables and electrical connections when replacing these side view mirrors, and beware not to sever any ties in an attempt to remove the mirror. Follow along with the step-by-steps for more tips on getting damaged side mirrors back in action.