Side view mirror glass: common defects and their signs

1. Peeling of mirror coating from the glass.
   • The mirror got yellow and covered with dark spots.
   • Reflecting power of the mirror element worsens.
   • Corrosion appears on the mirror.
2. Mechanical damages.
   • Cracks and chips are noticeable on the mirror surface.
   • Mirror rattling occurs during driving.
   • Automatic electronic dimming of the mirror doesn’t operate.

How to replace side view mirror glass?

The side view mirror glass is not repairable. In case of defect signs, the part should be replaced. The replacement algorithm depends on the car model and mirror construction. In some cases, replacement of the glass only is impossible, so the whole mirror unit should be replaced.

You can perform the replacement if you have car servicing experience and a standard tools set. The procedure may vary for cars of different models, so, before starting works, study vehicle technical documentation. Basically, the algorithm of side mirror unit replacement is the following:

1. Remove the triangle front door cover.
2. Disconnect the mirror power supply connector.
3. Holding the construction from the outside, unscrew its fasteners and remove the defective mirror from the door.
4. Install a new component, reassemble in the reversed order.

If your car design allows to perform replacement of the protective glass, demounting of the side view mirror unit will not be necessary. In that case you need to:

1. Draw the side view mirror aside to the max.
2. Carefully pry the glass with the help of a plastic wedge and remove it.
3. Disconnect wires of glass heating (if they are envisaged in the design.)
4. Install a new side view mirror glass, reassemble in the reversed order.

Take into account the type of the rear view mirror glass during its selection.
Difficulty of rear view mirror glass replacement depends on the model, configuration and manufacturing year of the car.

Types:

1. By mounting side:
   • left;
   • right.
2. By mounting location:
   • outer (side);
   • cabin.
3. By mirror surface type:
   • flat;
   • spherical;
   • aspherical.
4. By presence of heating:
   • with heating;
   • without heating.
5. By presence of anti-reflective coating:
   • with coating;
   • without coating.
6. By anti-reflective coating colour:
   • neutral;
   • coloured.
7. By presence of automatic dimming option:
   • with automatic dimming;
   • without automatic dimming.