
It is common for side mirror glass to suffer damage during rush hour traffic. Not all drivers have complete control over the vehicle and they often come close enough to clip the side view mirror that juts out of the vehicle. Rather than spending money on side mirror repair every time, it makes sense to replace the glass without making any changes to the assembly as long as it is undamaged.
Useful Tips For Side Mirror Repair
The mirror is usually fitted to a frame and is attached either with a clip or adhesive. If you want to remove the mirror without any violent effort, then a scraper or a putty knife should be inserted in the gap between the mirror and the frame. Pressure should be exerted so that the clasp or the adhesive comes loose.
Heat is always beneficial when removing the glass from the assembly. If you do not have blow torch handy, then you can always use a hairdryer at full speed. The mirror should be heated so that the adhesive comes loose faster. Try to make minimum scratches to the assembly. There is no point in replacing the frame only to end up with a badly scratched assembly that looks shabby.
It is preferable to wear protective eye wear when removing the glass. Even a small shard entering your eye can cause lot of pain. Also, spread a few newspaper or have a waste paper basket below so that the glass does not hit the ground and crack or break into pieces. This will be an additional task other than replacement of the glass.
Once the mirror has been removed, you should clean the insides of the frame and make preparation to apply the adhesive again. Opt for industrial adhesive that will not come loose even if the vehicle travels on rough terrain. The dried adhesive on the frame must be washed out before glue can be applied again.
The glue should be applied in such a manner that the mirror sticks to the frame perfectly. Apply too little and the side mirror glasses will come loose. Apply too much and the adhesive will come out and will spoil the appearance of the assembly.
Once the mirror is fixed to the frame, you should use tape to hold it in its place. You cannot hold the mirror to the frame for hours at a stretch by hand. However, make sure you use tape that can be removed without any difficulty. Traces of adhesive on the smooth surface of the mirror will spoil visibility. The tape should remain on the mirror until the adhesive dries and the mirror is firmly fixed to the frame.
You should take extra care if you are dealing with a left side mirror repair that has heating or electrical adjustment option. You will have to ensure the mirror defogs properly when the temperature comes down and the assembly swivels to give you the best view behind the car.
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