It’s easy to replace a broken side view mirror. First things first, stay away from the roads as much as possible. Driving around with a ruined side mirror could be very dangerous because it is mainly used to prevent accidents. It helps with safe driving by allowing you to see blind spots and detect other moving automobiles before switching lanes. So it’s important that you replace your side view mirrors as quickly as possible.
Replace side view mirrors the cheap, easy way
If you have to replace side view mirrors and want to save cash when doing it, the best thing to do is to purchase the parts and do the work yourself. It’s easy to replace side view mirrors, and you can do it using these easy steps rather than paying a mechanic for outrageous labor costs. Courtesy of eHow, here is what you need to do, step-by-step:
Things you’ll need:
- Owner’s manual
- Replacement mirror
- Pry tool
- Screwdriver and/or torx driver
- Nut driver and/or socket wrench
- Small, shallow plastic bowl, cup or container
Step 1: Make certain you have the replacement mirror. Make certain it is an exact match to the one you’re replacing. This will contain the vehicle’s make, model and year. If you cannot find a new replacement at auto parts stores or at your dealership, you may be able to discover one at a savage yard or online. You can also save cash that way.
Step 2: Roll your window all the way down and turn off the automobile completely.
Step 3: Detach the battery’s negative cable. This is a very significant step, as you will find risks of electrocution involved if the cable is nevertheless attached.
Step 4: Use your pry tool to take out the trim pieces of the interior door panel. Next, remove the screws holding the panel in place using a screwdriver. In some cases, a corner trim piece may have to be removed first before you can lift the door panel off.
Step 5: Skip this step when you have manual roll-down windows. If not, the wiring harness needs to be unplugged when you have power-controlled windows.
Step 6: Take out the mirror bolts using a socket wrench or a nut driver. Do this to remove the entire mirror assembly from the vehicle.
Step 7: Pull apart the actual mirror from the mirror assembly. You are able to use a torx driver to take out the screws and then gently pry the plastic tabs on the backing until the two pieces fall apart.
Step 8: Take the new mirror and attach it to the assembly by snapping it onto the backing with the tabs.
Step 9: Once you have attached the new mirror to the backing, place it to the mirror assembly.
Step 10: Now it is time to reverse the steps to reinstall the entire mirror assembly back onto the automobile.
Replace side view mirrors with cautious
Once you’ve done the last step to replace your side view mirrors, there is one more vital thing to keep in mind. The last thing you have to remember is for making sure everything is back in place before connecting the battery. Double-check all the wires and connections before reconnecting the battery cables.
