How to Replace the Mirror Glass of Car Front and Rear View Mirrors?
4 Answers
Steps to replace the mirror glass of car front and rear view mirrors: 1. Manually adjust the rearview mirror glass downward to its limit position, where you can see the engagement point between the mirror glass and the mirror glass driver. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the engagement point; 2. After inserting the flat-head screwdriver, gently pry backward with the screwdriver to separate the mirror glass from the mirror glass driver; 3. Some mirror glasses come with an electric heating function, requiring the heating wire harness connector to be removed from the mirror glass; 4. When installing the mirror glass, first connect the heating wire harness connector. The heating wire does not have polarity and can be connected in any orientation; 5. Align the mirror glass and firmly snap the lower part of the mirror glass onto the mirror glass driver, while manually adjusting the mirror glass to ensure it is properly engaged.
I've always enjoyed DIY car repairs, and replacing car mirror lenses is actually quite simple, especially for rearview mirrors since it's all done inside the car. First, buy a new pair of lenses that match the model of the old ones, otherwise they won't fit. When removing the old lenses, use a plastic pry tool or card to gently pry open the retaining clips along the edges, being careful not to apply too much force to avoid scratching the mirror frame. Then clean the mirror base to ensure there's no dust or grease, align the new lens with the slot, and push it in until it clicks into place. The front mirror is a bit more troublesome, as you might need to remove the outer cover and loosen the fixing screws with a screwdriver before following the same steps to replace it. Throughout the process, avoid touching any electrical buttons to prevent damaging the heating function. The first time I did it, it took me twenty minutes, saving me a trip to the repair shop, and I only used tools I already had at home. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands. After finishing, adjust the angle to ensure a clear view.
Replacing the front and rear car mirror lenses is a small project. First, distinguish between front and rear: the rearview mirror is inside the car, usually requiring prying the edges to remove the old lens; the side mirror is outside, sometimes needing the shell removed. Prepare tools like plastic pry tools and screwdrivers—avoid metal to prevent scratches. When removing the old lens, locate the fixing points and pull or twist firmly, but be cautious as the glass can be sharp—wear gloves. Before installing the new lens, clean the bracket to prevent looseness. Both mirrors may be adhesive or clip-on: for adhesive types, use a heat gun to soften the glue before peeling, while clip-on types require a gentle snap. Test by adjusting to check stability, and ensure proper alignment to avoid blind spots. I’ve done this multiple times to get the hang of it—saving time and money. Choosing the right tools is key, and the process shouldn’t take more than half an hour.
Ensure safety before replacing mirror lenses, as both front and rear mirrors are fragile. Turn off the power first to avoid electric shock. Rear mirrors are easy to replace: press the edge to pop out the old lens, then snap the new one into place. For front mirrors, carefully remove the housing without pulling too hard to prevent breakage. Wear thick gloves when handling the lenses and clean off dust before installation. If the vehicle has heating functionality, disconnect it first. The overall process is simple but requires caution to prevent risks.
