How To Replace Side View Mirror Glass

How To Replace Your Side View Mirror Glass

The first step toward replacing your side view mirror glass is finding the correct replacement glass. Some are stick-on mirrors, while others are snap-on mirrors.

Make sure to always reference the manufacturer’s specifications for your car prior to starting this task. If you are not completely comfortable performing this replacement, take your car to the auto care professionals.

You’ll want to have the following items on hand for this task:

• Leather gloves.
• Safety glasses.
• Replacement mirror.
• Painter’s masking tape.

Now follow the steps below!

Step 1. Find The Correct Replacement Mirror

• Begin this task by finding the proper mirror replacement.
• The two kinds of replacement mirrors are stick-on and snap-on.
• Once you have chosen one kind, you’ll know whether or not the backing plate behind the glass must come out.

Step 2. Remove The Old Mirror

• Remove the backing plate if you are installing a snap-on unit.
• If the glass is stick-on, you’ll need to remove as much of the old glass as possible.
• Do this so you can use double-sided tape or epoxy to attach the new mirror to your backing plate.
• If the mirror is heated, you’ll have to detach any wires.
• Do this prior to removing the old backing plate.
• If any broken glass pieces need to be removed, make sure to wear leather gloves.

Step 3. Attach New Mirror

• Follow the specific directions for your adhesive to attach the mirror to the backing plate in the event you’re replacing a stick-on mirror.
• Reattach any wires that you may have detached and snap them into place with the new unit.
• Make sure you are able to adjust the mirror once it’s attached.
• Painter’s masking tape can be used to hold the mirror in place as the adhesive sets.