How to Repair a Scratched Rearview Mirror Cover?
3 Answers
If it's just a minor scratch or abrasion, you can address it by touching up the paint or repairing it based on the specific location. If the scratched area is large or the damage is deep, a touch-up pen won't suffice, and you'll need to opt for a spray paint solution. If you're unable to perform professional repairs yourself, it's best to visit a professional repair shop and have the experts handle the job.
Last time I also scratched the rearview mirror lamp cover while reversing, and it really broke my heart! I first applied toothpaste to the scratch and rubbed it in circles with a soft cloth for over ten minutes, and surprisingly, it faded a lot. If the scratch is deeper, you can go to an auto parts store to buy a specialized headlight restoration paste, paired with sandpaper of different grits, and carefully sand from coarse to fine. Remember to protect the surrounding area with tape before sanding, as damaging the car paint would be even more troublesome. Finally, spray on a transparent protective layer specifically for lamp covers, and the effect will be almost like new. The whole repair process requires some patience, but it’s several hundred dollars cheaper than replacing the entire rearview mirror assembly! DIY repairs save money and give a sense of accomplishment.
My neighbor Old Zhang, who has been repairing cars for twenty years, said that fixing rearview mirror light covers depends on the situation. If the scratch hasn't penetrated and is just a surface mark, using a car headlight restoration kit is the most convenient solution, costing less than a hundred yuan to fix. If the light cover is cracked, never use ordinary glue to patch it up casually; plastic light covers require specialized plastic welding agents for repair. Old Zhang reminded that after repair, it's essential to check the seal to prevent water leakage during car washes, which could burn out the turn signal bulbs inside. If you're not confident, it's more reliable to go to a professional body repair shop, where they can also match the paint color code exactly to the original car paint. Although the light cover is small, a poor repair can affect aesthetics and may even pose safety hazards.
