It is dangerous to drive with a broken side mirror. If your driver's side mirror is broken, busted, or missing, you have to replace it for your safety and the safety of other people. To replace your driver-side mirror assembly, park on flat ground and remove the battery if the mirror is electric. Remove the door panel by unscrewing any screws and carefully prying off the clips. Next, remove the old mirror, install the new one by tightening the bolts, put back the door panel, and finally, test whether the mirror is functioning.
Step-by-step Guide to Replacing Driver Side Mirror Assembly
Here’s a complete guide to replacing the side mirror:
1: Prepare Your Vehicle
- Park on a Level Surface: Park your vehicle on a level and solid surface. Turn off the engine, remove the key, put the car in park, and engage the parking brake.
- Disconnect the Battery: If your mirror contains electrical components (such as heaters or turn signals), disconnect the battery. Open the hood, locate the battery, and loosen the bolt on negative terminal (usually marked with a "-" symbol) using a wrench.
2: Remove the Old Side Mirror Assembly
- Locate the screws or clips holding the door panel in place. On your vehicle, you might have to remove screws at the bottom of the panel, door handle, or armrest.
- Any plastic retainers can be carefully removed by a flathead screwdriver or a trim remover tool.
- Once all of the screws or clips are removed, carefully pull the door panel away from the door frame.
- Be careful with any wires connected to the panel. If you have electrical components, remove the connectors cautiously.
- The mirror supports are located at the rear of the door panel. Three or four bolts usually hold the mirror assembly to the door.
- Remove the bolts with a socket wrench. Set these bolts aside; you will use them to install the new assembly.
- If your mirror is electrical, disconnect the wires to the mirror assembly.
- Once you have disconnected all the components, gently remove the original mirror assembly from the door. Be careful not to break the surrounding components or door frame.
3: Install the New Mirror Assembly
- Before installing, examine the new and old mirror assemblies to ensure they are identical. Check for functions such as heated glass or integrated turn indicators.
- If your new mirror has electric wires, connect the harness to the precise connector and tighten it.
- Mount the brand-new mirror assembly over the mounting holes on the door.
- Begin by turning the bolts by hand into the mounting holes. Once in place, securely tighten the bolts with a socket wrench. Remember not to overtighten, as this can damage the assembly or door.
4: Reassemble the Door Panel
- Slide the door panel onto the door frame. Ensure that all the clips and screw holes align.
- Replace all screws and push clips which you removed earlier. Secure them, but avoid overtightening.
- If you remove any electrical connectors from the door panel, plug them back into their sockets.
5: Test Your New Mirror
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal if it was disconnected earlier.
- If your new mirror has electronic controls, try them out. Turn on the control switch in the car and ensure the mirror moves and works correctly.
- If the mirror is not adjustable via a button, adjust it manually. Ensure you can see behind and to the side of your vehicle.
How to Choose the Right Side Mirror Assembly?
Selecting the correct side mirror assembly ensures the safety and maintenance of your car's appearance. Utilize the following to make an appropriate selection:
- Find Your Vehicle's Specifications: To ensure a perfect fit, ensure the replacement mirror matches your vehicle's year, make, and model.
- Identify Necessary Features: Check whether your existing mirror has features such as heating, power controls, turn signals, or auto-dimming. The new mirror should also have the same features to maintain the status quo.
- Choose Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts: OEM components are a precise copy of the unique but may be pricier. Aftermarket mirrors are much less highly priced but of questionable satisfactory quality. Weigh your first-rate and price range needs while making your decision.
- Ensure Installation Requirements: Determine if the replicate is an easy bolt-on substitute or if an adjustment needs to be made. An easy alternative simplifies installation.
- Check Reputable Retailers: Purchase from authentic retailers to make certain a first-rate product. Reading client evaluations can provide data on the durability and match of the mirror.
Considering these factors will help you choose a facet replicate assembly, a good way to paint on your vehicle, and private possibilities.
Conclusion
Replacing the driver side mirror assembly makes your car safer and more visually appealing. You can achieve this by carefully preparing your automobile, removing the vintage mirror, installing the brand new one, and setting back the door panel.
When choosing the right side mirror assembly, ensure it fits your vehicle’s specifications and includes the necessary features. Based on your budget and needs, decide between OEM and aftermarket parts. Always buy from reliable retailers to ensure quality and durability. If you want to have your side mirror replaced professionally, contact experts like Blue Diamond Auto Glass.
