How To Safely Remove a Rear view Mirror

Your rear view mirror is an essential part of your vehicle. It helps you navigate and remain aware of your surroundings, allowing you to see behind your vehicle without turning your head. On occasion, you might find you need to replace the mirror, whether to upgrade it or to replace a broken piece. This article goes over the steps to do just that, but remember that certain vehicles might have a different process. It’s always best to double-check your owner’s manual for the exact instructions for your vehicle.

How To Remove A Rear View Mirror Step By Step

In order to replace your rear view mirror, there are a number of steps you’ll need to follow:

Step 1: Buy a Replacement Mirror

You can’t simply remove your rear view mirror and be done with the project. After all, the rear view mirror is an essential part of navigating the streets safely. You typically can’t replace only the mirror’s glass if it’s broken. More often than not, you’ll need to replace the whole unit. You can purchase a new replacement mirror for anywhere between $10 to $600 depending on your vehicle’s make and model. If the mirror you’re replacing has special features like electrochromic technology or auto-dimming glass, be ready to search for a specific replacement unit suited to your vehicle. Otherwise, common generic rear view mirrors will often be compatible with different vehicles.

Step 2: Unscrew the Hardware

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s rear view mirror or replace a broken one, you’ll need to learn how to remove a rear view mirror mount before installing a new one. To do this, mark the original mountain location with some masking tape, unplug any attached wiring harnesses, and remove the mirror from where it’s mounted on the glass. You’ll often need to search for a screw or a clip that attaches the mirror to the glass.

Step 3: Melt the Adhesive

There’s often adhesive that helps hold the mirror in place, and you’ll need to melt it using a blow dryer or a heat gun. Use whichever tool you have on the outside of the windshield, then wiggle the hardware to free the mount. This is much easier with a helper because one of you can heat the glass while the other works on the inside to wiggle the hardware out of place. Just be careful not to apply too much heat or you risk breaking the windshield.

If the adhesive still won’t release the mount, try using some piano wire or a fishing line. Work it carefully between the glass and the mount like you would some dental floss between your teeth. Be sure to only apply force parallel to the glass or you might tear the hardware off along with pieces of the windshield.

Step 4: Prepare the Surface

Remove any leftover adhesive before you begin installing the new mirror. You can use a razor blade and glass cleaner or perhaps rubbing alcohol to get all the goo off. Just be careful not to scratch the glass. Using a rag and glass cleaner, you can then wipe the surface clean. Afterwards, allow the surface to dry. If the replacement kit you bought has any cleaning or preparation wipes, use them on this step.

Step 5: Install the Mirror

Use the tape you placed previously to install the mirror in the correct area. From here, it’s best to follow the instructions that came with your new rear view mirror. Different kits might have different instructions, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all set of instructions for this step. If the kit you bought includes an activator, just remember to apply it to both the windshield and the mounting hardware and allow it to dry properly before proceeding.

If there’s any glue included, place it on the mounting hardware and not on the windshield. You can refer to the instructions to know how long to leave the glue on to dry.

Why Car Rearview Mirrors Are Important

The rear view mirror’s main role is to allow you to view what’s behind your vehicle without turning your head. This makes it easier to monitor traffic while remaining aware of your surroundings in case of potential dangers. For instance, the rear view mirror will allow you to see any fast-approaching vehicles and respond accordingly. The rear view mirror is also very handy for parking. That’s why it’s important to keep your rear view mirror in good condition, whether that means cleaning it regularly or replacing the whole thing in case of breaks in the glass.