
How to Repair Scratched Rearview Mirrors: You can use specialized repair agents to fix them. Alternatively, polishing with wax is another effective method. How to Maintain Rearview Mirrors: Regularly clean the exterior mirrors to ensure they remain clear and clean. Activate the mirror heating function during rainy days to prevent water droplets from obscuring visibility, which could pose safety risks. Avoid frequently adjusting the mirror glass as prolonged movement may cause instability and lead to driver eye fatigue. Develop the habit of folding the mirrors when parking, especially on the roadside, to prevent accidental bumps from passersby.

The other day after parking, I noticed several scratches on the rearview mirror and immediately went to a car wash shop for advice. The owner said light scratches can be cleaned by hand-polishing with car polishing wax, while deeper ones require professional grinding machines. I chose to do it myself, bought 200-grit sandpaper, lightly sanded it smooth with water, then applied a dedicated mirror surface repair agent. After drying, it looked as good as new. The key is to check the depth of the scratches—if the black base is exposed or it's cracked, you'll need to replace the mirror. I always park away from curbs, and if the road is narrow, I fold the mirrors in advance to avoid repairs. Replacing a rearview mirror is a bit pricey, costing around 800 at a dealership, while aftermarket parts can be done for 300 but aren't as sturdy as the original.

Our auto repair shop frequently encounters scratched rearview mirrors. Most car owners first spend a long time rubbing with a towel, which actually makes the scratches more noticeable. In fact, they should first clean surface oil stains with alcohol wipes. For minor scratches, applying toothpaste and gently rubbing in circles with a soft cloth for about ten minutes can usually restore them. For deeper scratches, use a polishing machine with brightening wax. I advise against forcefully scraping at the scratches, as the plastic base can easily deform. Last year, a female car owner used a blade to scrape the mirror, resulting in the entire mirror being ruined, and she ended up spending 400 yuan on an aftermarket replacement. Rearview mirrors are actually more delicate than car paint; even a brush from a tree branch can leave marks.

Last time my car's right side mirror got scratched with a white mark by an electric scooter, a friend taught me three tricks: using nail polish to temporarily fill deep scratches, which worked okay but had color difference; professional repair paste works better, a 50-yuan set on Taobao comes with sandpaper and solution, just follow the instructions and polish for half an hour to fix it; if the scratch exposes the primer, just replace the mirror. A roadside repair shop can replace the mirror in twenty minutes, costing around 300 yuan. It's advised to check the mirror angle before driving to avoid blind spots. Now when washing the car, I always remind the worker not to touch the mirror surface.


