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Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Side Mirror

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Classic 1978 Chevy Nova Coupe side mirror
Photo: The News Wheel

Your side mirrors are integral to your driving safety as they allow you to see what’s on your sides and behind you, but they don’t last forever. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time for a new set of looking glass.


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“Any issues with the door mirrors can cause a hindrance in the visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings for the driver, which can turn it into an inconvenience as well as a safety concern,” according to Your Mechanic writer Ed Ruelas.

An obvious sign that your mirror needs to be replaced is if the mirror glass is cracked, broken, or chipped. A compromised mirror will reflect a distorted image putting your safety at risk, Ruelas notes.

If you can no longer adjust your side mirrors, it’s time for a trip to the mechanic.

“Some mirrors use mechanical levers, while others use electric motors paired with a switch, as the means to position the mirror. If the motors or mechanism fail, it will remove the ability to adjust the mirror,” Ruelas writes.

Anything that hinders proper adjustment will impact your visibility on the road.

If your mirrors are equipped with a heating function, a noticeable sign that you need an upgrade to your mirrors in when the heating function begins to fail.


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“This heater removes and prevents condensation from forming on the mirror, so that the driver can still see even in foggy or wet conditions. If the heater fails, the mirror may become obstructed by condensation and will not be able to give the driver any visibility,” according to Ruelas.

News Source:Your Mechanic