How to Deal with a Damaged Rearview Mirror?
3 Answers
You can remove the rearview mirror glass by unscrewing the screws, then loosen the screws on the turn signal housing. Most vehicles require removing the door panel and the entire rearview mirror assembly for replacement. Use professional adhesive paint to buy and attach the needed mirror piece. Check if it can be manually adjusted back into place. If not, take it to a repair shop for professional service. Damaged rearview mirrors may be covered by insurance for repairs at authorized shops, or you can attempt self-repair depending on the extent of the damage.
After the car's side mirror is damaged in a collision, I must immediately pull over to ensure safety. Check the extent of the mirror damage to see if the mirror glass is completely shattered, if the arm is broken, or if any cables are exposed. If it's still loose, quickly use tape to temporarily secure it to prevent it from falling and injuring someone. When driving at night with poor lighting, I need to rely more on the interior rearview mirror to observe the rear. Take photos at the accident scene for evidence, recording the damaged position and surrounding environment. Contact the insurance company to understand coverage details, as some minor collisions may not require reporting. Visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible to replace the new mirror, and don't delay until rainy days when visibility is affected. To prevent similar accidents, I will pay attention to slowing down in advance when turning on narrow roads and observe obstacles on both sides when parking. Safety comes first—don’t let momentary negligence lead to greater risks.
Last time I accidentally knocked off the side mirror while reversing, so I just looked up my car model online and ordered a new mirror for only a few dozen bucks. Installing it myself was easy: first remove the bolts from the old mirror, clean the connection points, align the new part and screw it in place, then test if the adjustment angles work smoothly—remember to turn off the power to avoid electric shock (if it has heating). Beginners might struggle with wiring issues, so I recommend watching video tutorials first or finding a nearby small repair shop to handle it. I regularly check the mirror's stability and leave enough space when parking to avoid hitting poles. Fixing it promptly keeps costs low—don’t wait until the frame gets deformed, as that’ll cost more. DIY saves time and effort, but for more complex damage, it’s better to leave it to the professionals.
