Can the Rearview Mirror Housing Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Can the rearview mirror housing be replaced? If only the housing is damaged and all other functions remain intact, there is no need to replace the entire assembly. Simply replacing the housing is sufficient, as auto parts stores sell individual rearview mirror housing components. Relevant details are as follows: 1. When installing the rearview mirror housing: It must be installed tightly without significant gaps. Otherwise, rainwater may seep through the gaps into the mirror's mechanism, leading to short circuits or damage. 2. Classification by installation location: (1) Interior rearview mirror: The interior rearview mirror is designed to allow the driver to confirm rear conditions without significantly shifting their forward line of sight. (2) Exterior rearview mirror: Passenger vehicles typically mount the exterior rearview mirror on the door. In Japan, some vehicles also mount them on the fender. (3) Undermirror: This mirror enables the driver to see areas beyond the front and rear wheels beneath the car's body from the driver's seat. It helps the driver check for people or obstacles near the wheels or the vehicle's sides when reversing or moving forward, preventing injuries, damage to objects, or harm to the vehicle.
Yes, you can definitely replace the side mirror housing! Last time mine got smashed by someone, and I just took it to the auto repair shop to get it fixed. The mechanic said there was no need to replace the entire mirror—just swapping the housing would do, which really saved me some money. This part mainly serves to block wind and secure the mirror glass. If it's broken, you should fix it ASAP, otherwise, rainwater vapor can seep inside the mirror, making it impossible to see the road clearly. Actually, replacing it yourself isn’t too hard—just buy an aftermarket housing online for a few dozen bucks, make sure it matches your car model and year, pry open the clips, and snap the new one in with a click. If you’re unsure, go to the dealership—OEM parts fit better, and the color can be matched perfectly. Oh, and don’t forget to remind the mechanic to check the mirror base alignment. My neighbor Lao Wang had his replaced, only to find the mirror was misaligned afterward, and it took ages to readjust.
I recommend replacing it, as a cracked housing can cause significant issues. Just last week in my neighborhood, I saw a Buick with its housing shattered to just half, the mirror swaying in the wind. Repairing it at an auto parts market is quite cheap, ranging from tens to a hundred bucks depending on the material—plastic housings are the most cost-effective. The key is to check if any fragments have fallen off—if the edges are jagged, the wind noise at high speeds can be particularly piercing, like a whistle. You can also replace it yourself; a tool kit with the housing costs just over 20 yuan on Taobao, and tutorial videos are easy to find. Just make sure to measure the dimensions beforehand, as rearview mirror angles vary by car. After replacing it, remember to take a couple of test drives. Once, I forgot to install the clip, and the mirror almost fell off from the vibration.
