Will water enter if there is a gap in the rearview mirror housing?
4 Answers
Water can enter if there is a gap in the rearview mirror housing. The adjustment method for the rearview mirror is as follows: 1. Adjust the horizon reflection in the left rearview mirror to the center of the mirror; 2. Adjust the reflection of the left side of the vehicle to occupy the right quarter of the mirror; 3. Adjust the horizon reflection in the right rearview mirror to two-thirds of the mirror's height; 4. Adjust the reflection of the right side of the vehicle to occupy the left quarter of the mirror. The function of the rearview mirror is to reflect the conditions behind, beside, and below the vehicle, allowing the driver to indirectly see these areas clearly, expanding the driver's field of vision, and enhancing safety during reversing and driving.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I pay close attention to these small details. If there are gaps in the rearview mirror housing, water can indeed seep in, especially during rain or car washes. This may lead to internal circuit corrosion or short circuits, which is worse if the mirror has heating or electric adjustment functions. I remember one time after a heavy rain, my car's mirror fogged up, and upon inspection, it turned out to be internal water accumulation caused by leakage. Cleaning it up promptly was fine, but delaying could have meant costly part replacements. I recommend you regularly check the size of the gaps: use a flashlight to see if they're noticeably cracked. For small gaps, you can use silicone sealant to fix it yourself; for larger gaps, it's best to visit a professional shop. Don't ignore it, or the repair costs could be much higher. Car maintenance is like that—small issues can turn into big problems.
I enjoy DIY car repairs, and from a DIY perspective, this issue is quite practical. The gap in the rearview mirror housing can definitely allow water to seep in, which may corrode metal components or affect the clarity of the mirror. I found that the simplest approach is to first inspect the gap: use a phone flashlight to check the width of the gap; if it's narrow, rain usually won't cause an issue, but wider gaps may let water in during car washes. My car had this problem before, and I used inexpensive automotive sealing strips to cover the gap, which worked well. If water does get in, don't panic—first wipe the interior with a dry cloth. If there's an electrical issue, get it repaired promptly. I recommend checking the cause: it might be due to plastic aging or impact damage. To prolong the housing's lifespan, avoid parking in direct sunlight. Handling it yourself can save both hassle and money.
As a regular car owner who drives frequently, I know that water can seep through gaps. After water infiltrates during car washes or rainy days, the lens may become blurry or have water stains, affecting visibility. I remember one rainy season when water got into my car's rearview mirror, causing the lens to become hazy; replacing the housing for a few dozen yuan solved the problem. Daily tips: small gaps pose low risks, but larger ones require regular checks; use a soft cloth to gently wipe around during car washes. If water gets in, first stop and try drying it; if that doesn't work, repair it promptly—don't delay. Keeping the car clean and dry is crucial.
