Step-by-step instructions on how to replace side view mirrors

You shattered your side view mirror and now you need a replacement. The first thing you have to do is avoid the roads until you've made the repair. Because side view mirrors are primarily used to keep away from accidents, it can be very dangerous to drive around with a broken side mirror. It helps you detect other moving automobiles in blind spots before changing lanes. So it is very significant that you replace your side view mirrors as soon as possible.

Replace side view mirrors

If you need to replace side view mirrors and want to save money while doing it, the best thing to do is to purchase the parts and do the work yourself. Replacing side view mirrors is simple, and you can do it easily and very easily with these steps instead of paying outrageous labor costs at the auto repair shop. Here is what you need to do, courtesy of eHow:

Things you'll need:

- Owner's manual

- Replacement mirror

- Pry tool

- Screwdriver and/or torx driver

- Nut driver and/or socket wrench

- Small, shallow plastic bowl, cup or container

Step 1: Discover and purchase the replacement mirror. Be sure the replacement mirror is the exact very same match as the one you are replacing. Take into account the vehicle's model, make and year. If you cannot find a new replacement at auto parts stores or at your dealership, you may be able to discover one at a savage yard or online. You also can conserve a ton of cash that way.

Step 2: Roll your window all the way down and turn off the vehicle.

Step 3: Detach the battery's negative cable. This is an important step, as there is electrocution risk involved when cables are still attached.

Step 4: Using your pry tool, remove the trim pieces of the interior door panel. Then, pull out your screwdriver and begin getting the screws that are holding the panel in position. Sometimes, there may be a corner trim piece that has to be removed first before the door panel could be lifted off.

Step 5: Move on to the next step of you've manual roll-down windows. However, if you have power-controlled mirrors, unplug the wiring harness.

Step 6: With a socket wrench or a nut driver, remove the mirror bolts so you are able to take out the entire mirror assembly from the vehicle.

Step 7: Pull the actual mirror apart from the mirror assembly. You can use a torx driver to take out the screws and then gently pry the plastic tabs on the backing until the two pieces fall apart.

Step 8: Take the new mirror and attach it to the assembly by snapping it onto the backing with the tabs.

Step 9: Place the mirror into the assembly once it is firmly attached to the backing.

Step 10: Now it's time to reverse the steps to reinstall the entire mirror assembly back onto the automobile.

Replace side view mirrors safely

Once you've done the last step to replace your side view mirrors, there is one more vital thing to keep in mind. The last thing you have to remember is to make certain everything is back in place before connecting the battery. For your safety, make sure to double- or triple-check the wires and connections before connecting the battery.