How to Remove the Car Rearview Mirror?
3 Answers
Steps to remove the car rearview mirror: 1. Press the head of the mirror with your hand to lift the tail, then grab the tail and pull it outward forcefully to remove the mirror; 2. If equipped with a rearview mirror heating function, also disconnect the heating pad's wire connector; 3. You can clearly see the screws located at the edge, unscrew them; 4. There are also screws at the bottom of the rearview mirror, which need to be unscrewed as well; 5. After unscrewing, proceed to the middle component of the rearview mirror, which has screws underneath that also need to be unscrewed; 6. There are hidden screws that also need to be unscrewed. Once unscrewed, the middle component can be removed, and the basic removal of the exterior rearview mirror is complete.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have extensive experience removing rearview mirrors, especially the windshield-mounted interior ones. For adhesive-mounted mirrors, first use a hairdryer on hot setting to blow warm air at the adhesive for 1-2 minutes to soften it, then gently twist the mirror base and pull it off. For clip-type mirrors, carefully pry open the edges using a pry bar or flat tool. Once I rushed the job and cracked the windshield edge by applying too much force, costing me an extra thousand bucks in repairs. I recommend wearing gloves for hand protection during the process, and immediately cleaning any adhesive residue after removal to make reinstalling a new mirror easier. Always turn off the engine beforehand - safety first, don't repeat my carelessness. Regular vehicle checks help, and doing these small jobs yourself saves money and time. With practice, you can finish in just two minutes.
I'm a car enthusiast who loves modifying parts, and removing side mirrors is a piece of cake for me. Most mirrors are either screw-mounted or adhesive-mounted. The screw type is straightforward: just find the right screwdriver and unscrew it. The challenge with adhesive types lies in the glue—don't pull hard. I use a hair dryer to heat it for a few minutes or carefully cut through the adhesive with a wire saw. Before starting, make sure the car is parked to avoid accidents from vibrations. When replacing the mirror, you can opt for blue-tinted or anti-glare versions to enhance your driving experience. Basic household tools are sufficient for the job—no need to hire someone—just be careful not to damage the base. Once, I didn't clean off the old adhesive, and the new mirror wouldn't stay put, forcing me to reinstall it and waste an hour.
