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Everything You Need To Know About Car Mirror

What Is A Car Mirror?

Humans are limited to a 150-degree peripheral view and this is evident in the way many of us drive without the consideration of others on the road, but this can be countered by using mirrors that give us an insight into what is going on around us and help us see at the back of the car. You must have seen the lettering on your mirror stating “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear." This is because the objects are made smaller by the mirror, so they appear farther away. Hence increasing the field of view of the driver. The Car Mirrors are used as the vehicle’s visibility system and help us drive better with more awareness of our surroundings thereby reducing potential accidents due to lack of vision.

Where Are Car Mirror located?

The side-view mirrors are now primarily attached to the A-pillars on every modern car and come in a more aerodynamic housing to reduce the drag experienced. The rearview mirror is mounted in the cabin near the driver’s seat on the windshield.

Types Of Car Mirror

Knowing the surroundings when in a vehicle can be tough but the various mirrors in the var make it that much easier and provide an insight to the drivers that enables them to steer better. These are all the mirrors in the vehicle:

 

  1. Side View Mirror: These are used to get a better view of the vehicles around the vehicle being driven.
  2. Interior Mirror or Rear View Mirror: These mirrors show the driver the events in the rear end of the vehicle. These are crucial in determining what's going on behind the vehicle.

Important Features Of Mirror

In the early days, the automotive side-view mirror had different names and has been placed in different locations. There’s been the fender mirror, wing mirror, and door mirror—all describing the essential driving aid for knowing what’s happening in an adjacent lane. Now, in the age of the high-tech car, the side view mirror will either be augmented or replaced by cameras. But until that day we shall still rely on the ol’ convex mirrors to do our bidding., First equipped in 1911, the side view mirrors are now a mandated device on every vehicle. They help the driver get a better view of the surroundings of the vehicle on the vehicle’s sides. Another type of commonly used mirror is the rear view or interior mirror which enables the driver to view what is going on at the rear end of the vehicle. They are essential since there is no other way of finding out the events at the back of the car and these interior mirrors enable them to.

Frequent Problems With Mirror

The side-view mirrors are often neglected and go unnoticed unless they are damaged. There are many reasons for them to get damaged such as:

 

  • Backing into or out of a tight parking space.
  • Collisions, especially T-bone accidents.
  • Leaving your car in a high-risk area.
  • Driving too close to ATMs or drive-through windows.
  • Pulling into parking spaces too quickly.
  • Not paying attention while parking.
  • Washing side view mirrors too roughly.
  • Playing with power controls.
  • A trip through the car wash that isn’t wide enough.

The mirror cover is another prone element that experiences many impacts on a regular basis and can break and shatter the glass.

Bad Symptoms Of Mirror

It is pretty evident to see broken side-view mirror glass as they are an essential part of the vehicle viewing system and can cause impaired vision in case of their breakage. Also, you may notice an inability to operate the side view mirrors controls which may indicate that the mirror mechanism is broken from the inside.

Tools Needed For Mirror

Here are the tools you will require to easily install a new set of side-view mirrors along with their covers:

 

Top Brand For Mirror

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Mirror.


Various Manufacturers Mirror

Dorman Mirror

Cipa USA Mirror

Curt Manufacturing Mirror

MR. Gasket Mirror

Rampage Products Mirror

Related Parts Of Mirror

Gaining knowledge is a constant rising curve and so it is necessary for us all to learn what we can to help us get a better understanding of the things around as such as our vehicle that are so dear to us. Here are all the parts associated with car mirrors:

 

Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Mirror

The car mirrors are important and a safety feature in every vehicle. It is necessary to ensure their proper functioning and that they provide sufficient visibility. Regular cleaning of the mirror and the cover can enhance the visibility and also prolong the life of the cover. Car mirrors range from 100 to 900$ since some come with power controls and motors that make them more expensive.

How To Change The Car Mirror?

The mirror is attached to the vehicle door and in order to remove it you need to access it from the door inside. Here are steps involved in the removal and refitting of the Side view mirror:

 

  • There will be a sail cover on the inside of the door above the door panel next to the window.
  • It can be removed using a plastic scraper and exposes the hardware that secures the mirror cover to the door.
  • Most electronic mirror controls and indicator light connections will be visible which needs to be removed before undoing the bolts for the cover. If the connections tab isn’t visible then it is in the door panel. Remove the door panel and unlatch the tab.
  • Now undo the bolts that hold the cover making sure to hold it while removing the last bolt or may fall and break the mirror.
  • Place the new mirror and redo the bolts. Reattach the connections and install the sail cover. Reinstall the door panel if it was removed.
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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.