How to Remove Blind Spot Mirrors

A blind spot mirror is an accessory that you can attach to the side mirror of your car to increase your visibility of the road. Also known as a fish-eye mirror, it is usually mounted on the surface of the side mirror using a stick-on adhesive.

This stick-on mirror aids in your safety by providing you a view of the parts of the road that the side mirror does not show, otherwise known as the blind spots. However, installing it in the wrong spot can defeat its purpose.

This means you’ll have to remove the mirror carefully without damaging your regular side mirror.

How to Remove Blind Spot Mirrors from Your Car

Removing blind spot mirrors can be quite tricky. Apart from detaching the mirrors themselves, the adhesive on the back can leave a residue, which can prove to be a challenge to remove.

Some prefer using a single-edge razor blade to detach the adhesive from the side mirror while others use a fishing line or dental floss.

Removing Blind Spot Mirrors Using Fishing Line

Materials:

• Scissors
• Fishing line
• Water-displacement spray
• Soft cloth
• WD-40 (optional)

1. Cut a 12-inch-long piece of fishing line. Get your water-displacement spray and spritz on the outside edges of the blind spot mirror.
2. For better control and grip, wrap the ends of the fishing line around each hand.
3. Take the fishing line and position it above the mirror, gently moving it back and forth until the line has reached the back part of the mirror.
4. Keep moving the fishing line in this manner, spraying on more of the water-displacement solution as needed.
5. Carefully tug the fishing line downward until you are able to remove the mirror with ease.
6. With a soft cloth, remove any remaining solution and adhesive residue on the mirror. Try going in small circular motions to get the residue off thoroughly.

You may also try spraying some WD-40 if the sticky adhesive residue is particularly difficult to remove.

Removing Blind Spot Mirrors Using Floss

Materials:

• Floss
• Soft cloth
• WD-40 or adhesive remover

1. Position the floss behind the blind spot mirror.
2. In the same manner with which you’d floss your teeth, work through the adhesive. Remember to apply pressure as you go.
3. Continue working the floss until the blind spot mirror comes off.
4. Wipe off the residue with WD-40 or adhesive remover.

Removing Blind Spot Mirrors Using a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun

Materials:

• Cloth (microfiber preferred)
• Dental floss or fishing line
• WD-40 or windshield wiper spray
• Hair dryer or heat gun (optional)

1. Grab your hair dryer or heat gun.
2. Using low heat, point the heating tool about five inches away from the side of the blind spot mirror.
3. Wait until the glue of the blind spot mirror becomes slightly movable. You can test this by trying to twist the attachment to see if it will move.
4. Get some fishing line or floss, then cover it with WD-40. You may opt to use a wiper spray for this as well.
5. Hold the line or floss, making sure it is securely twined around your hands. Slide it behind the blind spot mirror.
6. Slowly move the line or floss left and right until you break through the glue.
7. Spray on some of the windshield wiper solution and clean up the residue. Again, use WD-40 if the residue is particularly stubborn.

How To Get Sticker Residue off the Mirror

It is likely that you will encounter stubborn or hard-to-remove adhesive. But don’t fret—there is a way that you can safely get the leftover adhesive off without damaging the surface of your side mirror.

As previously mentioned, many swear by WD-40, but if that doesn’t work, try this method instead.

Materials:

• Eraser wheel
• Cordless drill
• Chamois cloth
• Degreaser or adhesive remover

1. If your mirror is the type that moves within a housing, press the mirror glass to make sure the part with the adhesive juts out and is not flush with the housing. This will prevent the housing from getting scratched when you perform step no.3.
2. Attach the eraser wheel to your cordless drill.
3. Run the eraser wheel over the parts of the side mirror where there are still bits of the adhesive left.
4. Get a soft cloth and wipe off the debris from the adhesive and eraser wheel.
5. Go over the mirror one more time to ensure that no residue is left behind.
6. Wipe the surface again with a microfiber cloth.

There are varying opinions as to which method is really the easiest, so just try them out for yourself to find out.

Tips for Removing Blind Spot Mirrors

Aside from the actual steps involved in removing blind spot mirrors, you’ll also benefit from knowing various tips and tricks that you can use to make the process easier for you.

Below are some that you can try:

• If you’re using a heat gun to loosen up the adhesive from the blind spot mirror, do not point it at the assembly for too long to prevent the plastic compartment of the mirror from becoming deformed.
• Be generous with the amount of pressure you use when trying to work your way through the glue or sticker. It is stretchable, so you would need to use a bit of force when working through it.
• During the removal process, always use a water displacement spray to soften the hold of the adhesive.

Blind spot mirror removal is typically best left to professionals for good results. But if you’re pressed for time or you prefer to DIY, then the guide above should provide you with enough knowledge to be able to execute the process properly on your own.

Where to Place Blind Spot Mirrors

Despite being easy to install, you can’t just stick blind spot mirrors to whichever portion of the side mirror you want. They must be positioned strategically for them to be functional, otherwise, they’ll end up just being obstructive.

In general, placing them in the upper outer corner of your side mirror will give you the best view. However, if you intend to use them to aid you in parking your vehicle, then installing them pointing down toward the lower outer corners of your side mirrors would be better.

This will give you a point of view that will make not only make the blind spots but also the parking lines and curbs visible.

How Much Is a New Set of Blindspot Mirrors

If you’re looking to buy new blindspot mirrors for your car, you might be wondering how much they cost. Depending on the brand and type of mirrors you buy, the price can range from $5 to $50.

Some blindspot mirrors come equipped with an extra arm and protective body, so you can attach them to your vehicle’s hood instead of your side mirrors. Other types can swivel and adjust based on how you want to position them.

Figure out which features suit your driving style best before you buy and install a set.

Where to Get Quality Blind Spot Assistance Tools

Being aware of your vehicle’s blind spot is an important part of driving. If a car swerves into your lane and you can’t see it because it’s in your blind spot, it could easily spell disaster. That’s why there are blind spot assistance tools on the market like blind spot mirrors and blind spot detection sensors. Luckily, you can find both at CarParts.com.

CarParts.com makes ordering car parts online easy, safe, and convenient. Browsing our vast catalog of quality aftermarket products takes only a few quick clicks, and with our safe and convenient checkout, placing your order is a breeze. We offer fast shipping and will deliver your products to your doorstep in as fast as two business days. For any questions or concerns, reach out to our friendly and helpful customer support team. They’re happy to assist around the clock.

Keep an eye on that blindspot! Order a new blind spot mirror and other helpful car accessories at CarParts.com today.