Driving a car on a daily basis continues to be a necessity for a lot of people. When you drive a vehicle, it is very important that you are safe and keep your car in good condition. One part of your car that you need to keep in good shape is your car mirror, which ensures that you will have good visibility behind you and in other lanes when driving. While a car mirror can last for a long time, there are situations when it will need to be repaired or replaced. There are various situations when you should replace your car mirror.
Missing Glass
One of the most clear signs that your mirrors will need to be replaced is if they are missing glass. The reflective glass of your rearview and side mirrors is needed to see traffic and pedestrians that are behind you. While the glass should be sturdy and secure when you purchase a car, it is possible that it could loosen and fall out. If you notice that one of your mirrors is missing glass entirely, you should have it replaced immediately. At this point, it would also be a good idea to check the other mirrors to ensure they are secure.
Cracked or Broken Glass
It would also be a good idea to replace your car mirror if the glass is cracked or scratched in any way. If your car mirror is scratched or cracked, it still may seem good enough to drive safely. However, it is always wise to have this glass replaced as soon as you can. Any scratch or crack will give a slightly distorted view that can impact your decision-making. Furthermore, small cracks and scratches have a habit of getting larger, which can make it even more important that you replace these parts.
Cracked Frame of Mirror
While you will want to know that the glass of your mirrors is in good condition, you should also be concerned about the frame of the mirror. The frame is what will hold the mirror in place. While this should be a durable part of your vehicle, if you have been involved in any type of accident, it is possible that this part of the car was damaged as well. If you notice that the frame of the mirror is cracked or seems loose, you should bring your car in for repair. A technician will need to determine whether the mirror can be salvaged or has to be replaced entirely.
You Cannot Move a Mirror
Your car mirror should also be replaced if you are not able to move the frame and mirror. The rearview mirror in your car should be flexible and able to be shifted into a variety of positions. This helps to ensure that someone of any height will be able to drive your car. If the mirror is stuck or is not sturdy enough when you shift the position, you may need to replace the frame and supporting system.
The rearview mirrors of your car are typically controlled by electronic tools within the vehicle. If you notice that these are no longer working, it will be impossible to shift your mirrors, which could cause a safety hazard. If the controls do not seem to be working, you should not try to adjust the mirror manually as it could cause further damage. Instead, you should bring your vehicle to a mechanic for further evaluation and repairs.
Standard Upgrade or Repair for Older Vehicles
While a car mirror is durable and can last for a long time, things tend to wear and break down on vehicles over the years. If you have been driving a car for a long time, it is important to have all of the safety features inspected on occasion. At some point, it may make sense to preemptively replace the car mirror with a new one. For an older car, this could also be considered an upgrade as you will receive a mirror with more modern features and glass that can help you stay safe when behind the wheel of your car.
It is very important that you have a reliable mirror on your vehicle as it can help ensure you are safe when behind the wheel and in compliance with the law. If you do need to replace your car mirror, it would be a good idea to work with Advanced Auto Glass. The team here offers a variety of auto glass and body repairs, including the repair and replacement of car mirrors. You can contact the company today to learn more about the services they can provide.
