What Causes the Noise When Folding the Rearview Mirror?

[IsaacLynn]

Noise during rearview mirror folding is usually caused by insufficient lubrication of the torsion spring inside the mirror. You can disassemble the rearview mirror cover, spray lubricant on both ends of the spring, then manually fold and unfold the mirror to see if the noise disappears. Repeat the process of spraying, folding, and unfolding until the noise is eliminated. The functions of a car rearview mirror are as follows: 1. Observing the rear road conditions: When driving in China, you often need to change lanes based on road conditions. Before changing lanes, signal in advance, then observe the rear traffic through the interior rearview mirror to ensure safety before changing lanes. However, this might overlook the situation of the vehicle behind you. The central rearview mirror allows you to see if the rear vehicle has signaled or intends to change lanes. 2. Checking the rearview mirror during emergency braking: When an emergency situation ahead requires sudden braking, observing the central rearview mirror can inform you if there is a vehicle following too closely. This allows you to adjust the braking intensity based on the distance ahead to avoid a rear-end collision. 3. Judging the distance to the rear vehicle: Drivers should stay highly alert and constantly monitor the surroundings of the vehicle, especially the central rearview mirror. It helps judge the distance to the rear vehicle: when the rear vehicle's front wheels are just visible in the central rearview mirror, the distance is about 13 meters; when the grille is visible, it's about 6 meters; and when the grille is just out of sight, the distance is approximately 4 meters. 4. Observing rear passengers: While driving, you can use the central rearview mirror to monitor rear passengers, especially when children are seated in the back. This eliminates the need to turn your head to check, preventing potential accidents ahead from going unnoticed.

[OEmilia]

Abnormal noises when folding the rearview mirror can indeed be annoying, mainly due to insufficient lubrication at the joint areas, which increases friction over time. Dust or sand particles may accumulate in the gear gaps, causing squeaking sounds when moved. For electric models, loose or aged wiring connections can also result in rattling noises during operation. I’ve seen many older cars with rearview mirrors that, after three or four years of use, develop internal part wear, especially plastic components, making the sounds even more grating. If you want to handle it yourself, you can start by spraying lubricant on the joints and testing by folding the mirror a few times. If the noise persists, you’ll need to disassemble it for cleaning or replace the parts. The rearview mirror is crucial for reversing or navigating narrow roads, so don’t delay—address the issue early to avoid it getting stuck and compromising safety.

[McLeo]

My car occasionally makes a clicking sound when folding the side mirrors, especially in cold or humid weather when the grease dries up. The mirror design includes small motors and gears, and daily exposure to wind and rain can cause dirt to accumulate inside. If you're handy, you can buy automotive-specific grease and apply it yourself. If that doesn't work, it's advisable to visit a 4S shop to check the circuit to prevent potential motor failure. Side mirrors protect the car body from scratches, and even minor noises could be early signs of bigger issues—don't ignore them. Try to avoid frequent folding when parking to reduce wear. In short, addressing the issue promptly will make your car more durable.

[HenryLynn]

The abnormal noise from the folding rearview mirrors is usually caused by insufficient lubrication or accumulated dust jamming the moving parts. For electric folding models, motor aging is also a common factor. I recommend regularly cleaning the joint areas and applying some lubricating oil. If the issue persists after trying these steps, have a professional check for gear damage. Addressing such minor problems promptly will prevent them from affecting overall safety.