How to Remove Rearview Mirror Glass?
3 Answers
Method for removing rearview mirror glass: Press the head of the mirror with your hand to lift the tail, then grab the tail and pull outward firmly to remove the rearview mirror glass. Car Rearview Mirror: The car rearview mirror is indispensable for daily driving, as it helps the driver observe various information behind the vehicle. Method for replacing car rearview mirror glass: 1. After purchasing a new mirror glass, proceed to remove the old one by pressing the head of the mirror to lift the tail, then grab the tail and pull outward firmly to remove the old mirror glass. 2. Upon receiving the new mirror glass, identify the left (L) and right (R) markings on the black plastic holder at the back of the mirror—L for the driver's side and R for the passenger side. 3. Use needle-nose pliers to strip the exposed metal wire insulation on the rearview mirror, then twist the bare copper wires with the heating wire ends and secure them with insulating tape. 4. Manually attach the metal clip at the end of the heating wire to the slot on the black plastic holder at the back of the mirror. Insert the wired mirror glass into the rearview mirror housing, adjust its position gently, and press firmly until you hear two clicks, indicating the mirror is securely installed. 5. Start the car and adjust the rearview mirror to your usual driving position.
I've taken off my rearview mirror glass several times myself and found it's actually quite simple but requires patience. On most cars, the mirror is held by plastic clips—just use a plastic pry tool or a small trim tool to gently pry along the edge. Remember not to force it from the center, or you might scratch or crack the glass. For power mirrors, be extra careful: once pried open, there might be small wires connected inside, so gently unplug the socket. After removal, you can clean off stuck dust or replace the glass, like upgrading to an anti-glare one. I often do this during weekend garage work—it saves money and teaches skills—but the first try might need a slower pace, so don't rush.
I often help fellow car owners remove side mirror glass, and here's my step-by-step experience. First check if there are fixing screws on the mirror frame - remove them if present. If not, it's usually clip-on design that can be pried open directly. Use plastic tools to start from one corner, gradually widening the gap along the entire edge until it pops loose. For powered mirrors, be extremely careful not to pull the wires to avoid damaging the control module. After removal, you can clean the glass or replace damaged parts. I recommend regularly checking the mirror adhesive as it may loosen over time and affect visibility. The whole process takes under 10 minutes and becomes easier with practice, but avoid metal tools to prevent scratching the car.
