Common questions

What happens if your side view mirror is knocked off?

What happens if your side view mirror is knocked off?

In a worst-case scenario, the mirror was knocked clean off and not only have you lost the sense of safety and security you get with having a properly adjusted side mirror; you’re forced to drive around with a gaping automotive wound on the side of your car door.

What do you use to mark the outside of a rearview mirror?

There are probably some remnants of the glue on the windshield. Before you clean anything up, use a felt pen, grease pencil or a piece of masking tape to mark the position of the button. For reasons that are about to become obvious, mark the outside of the glass.

Is it illegal to drive with a broken rearview mirror?

You should also understand that while it’s not technically illegal to drive your car in this condition, a police officer might pull you over if he or she notices that it’s missing or damaged. The best option is to have your mirror replaced if it’s broken or damaged. If just the mirror is damaged, it can be replaced relatively easily.

Can a side view mirror be used as an inside view mirror?

For perfect alignment, you will be able to see the cars in your side view mirrors, as well as seamlessly transition between the side and inside view mirrors. In this setup, your car’s sides will barely be in the line of sight, preventing them from creating blind spots.

In a worst-case scenario, the mirror was knocked clean off and not only have you lost the sense of safety and security you get with having a properly adjusted side mirror; you’re forced to drive around with a gaping automotive wound on the side of your car door.

How do you remove a broken side view mirror?

Bite your lip, take a breath, then carefully pry away the plastic cover that hides the mirror’s mounting screws. With the access cover removed, you can now see the bolts that need to be removed to get the broken mirror off the car.

Can a broken rearview mirror be replaced with a new one?

Your repair manual may be able to help you determine which model years used the same part. Before you can install a new rearview mirror in your door, the old broken one has to come out. This is the part of the job that will intimidate you, but don’t sweat it.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle