When your door mirrors need to be replaced.
Do you notice something missing from the side of your car every time you signal to change lanes? Were you backing up into or out of a parking space without looking at both sides of your vehicle? If so, then it's likely you've damaged your door mirror glass or completely busted the whole door mirror. This is quite a common occurrence, and almost everybody at one point or another has suffered the trauma of breaking one (or both) of their side door mirrors. Who knows; you may have purchased a classic vintage car in need of restoration, and it may have been missing a door mirror or two that you need to replace. Either way, driving without a side mirror is dangerous and leaves open the possibility you wouldn't see a car next to you if you want to change lanes. That means that you need to get a new door mirror on your car - pronto.
The history of automotive door mirrors.
Initially called "
wing mirrors", automotive side door mirrors have been a part of motor vehicle safety and convenience since the early 20th century. They are integral in providing the driver with a view of both sides of the car, as well as the lanes next to them and the car behind them. The first cars to use door mirrors only had one. On some models it was on the driver's side, and on some models the mirror was on the side opposite the driver. It became common in the 1960s and 70s for cars sold in North America to come with the option for door mirrors on both sides, however it wasn't until the 1990s that it was required. Nowadays, door mirrors come with electronically adjustable controls, heated coils that keep the glass from fogging up, integrated turn signals, automatic folding mechanisms, and electrochromic dimming to minimize the reflections of bright lights at night.
D.I.Y. door mirror replacement.
If you simply need to replace the door mirror glass, this can often be done with the mirror on the car. You would simply remove the glass panel and install a new one in its place. There are even glue or stick on alternatives that will install over the cracked glass. However, it is not this simple for everybody and replacing the mirror might be your only alternative. Changing a door mirror is fairly easy and straight forward, and shouldn't take too much time as long as you have the appropriate tools.
- First, you must find out how your existing mirror is connected to your car. Often times, you can simply remove a small trim panel from the windshield A-pillar or door panel and you will expose the connector and/or fastening hardware. On some older vehicles, you may need to remove the entire door panel.
- Next, you will have to remove all the mounting hardware holding the door mirror on, as well as any electrical connectors. At this point, you can pull the mirror off your car.
- Now install your new door mirror using the same steps in reverse. Make sure the gasket used to mount the mirror to the door keeps a water-tight seal, and all the bolts and nuts are tightened as well.
The right tools for the job.
If you are looking for a new replacement door mirror or door mirror glass for your car or truck, don't go to the auto parts store to buy it. They will typically have only the cheapest quality parts available. Buy from our selection of brand name parts, and you will receive an OEM quality reproduction or genuine door mirror sent from our warehouses to your front door. At Car Parts Discount, we know our stuff and can explain your options for new door mirrors and mirror glass. Don't delay.
