When you think of it, side mirrors are among the most vulnerable parts due to them being one of those car features that stick out—it’s easy for them to be hit accidentally, and you wouldn’t even know. As a result, various issues occur with side mirrors on cars, and they can happen to any car!
What are some of the most common issues you’ll find with side mirrors? Here are some of the ones you’ll want to keep an eye out for to optimise your safety and visibility while driving.
- Misaligned mirrors
All car owners may struggle with misaligned mirrors. You park your car at the local store, and when you return and try to reverse out, you see that one of your mirrors is out of alignment. Usually, this is because someone walked past and bumped your mirror accidentally. Thankfully, most mirrors are designed to handle a small bump now and then.
The danger lies in driving off without readjusting your mirrors, as this could cause an accident because you can’t see. So, if you notice that your mirrors have been bumped, make sure that you readjust them before you drive off.
- Electric mirror malfunctions
Most modern cars have adjustable electrical mirrors with a little toggle somewhere in your car. This was done to assist the driver in readjusting mirrors without having to stretch across the messenger seat. Unfortunately, like with all electrical components, they risk malfunctioning.
There could be several different reasons why your electric mirrors don’t work. For example, the fuse might be blown, or a loose connection could interrupt the connection to each mirror. To fix the issue, check your fuse in the fuse box. You may need to check the user manual to find which fuse works for the mirrors. If that isn’t the issue, look for wiring problems or take it to a professional.
- Cracked mirrors
Stones, debris, extreme weather, or even a driver with road rage could cause a cracked mirror. While they may still provide visibility, cracked mirrors can be dangerous if not fixed soon on your car. This is because the cracks in the mirror can impair your vision, making items look further or closer than they are. This makes your ability to judge the distance of things more challenging. If you have a cracked mirror, you may need to look for the same mirror to fit your vehicle or buy a new side mirror for that side of the car.
- Loose side mirrors
As you drive, parts of your car vibrate and rattle. In some cases, this rattling can cause unwanted wear and tear or loosen the bolts and screws used to fasten your mirrors to your car. Aside from the progressive damage this can cause, car rattling sounds can also be annoying. If you don’t fix it, the mirror could eventually fall off. Check that your mirrors are fastened to their fittings correctly and that none are loose. This should keep them from getting worse.
- Damaged mirrors
Unfortunately, there are instances where you may drive through a narrow area or hit a pole with your side mirror, causing it to break completely off your car. Now, if most of the fitting is still intact and you can simply pop it back into its socket, that’s perfect. But if the mirror housing (plastic around the mirror) is cracked or broken, then having it completely replaced by a professional would be in your best interest.
Get parts or replace your side mirrors here
If your side mirror has been damaged in one of the ways above, you’ll probably need to get spare parts of it or a whole replacement mirror. My Auto Parts has got a great range of quality car side mirror replacement options designed for different cars, offering you a convenient means of getting your spares or a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Can you drive without your side mirrors? Well, maybe, but your peripheral vision will be limited, and your car won’t be considered roadworthy, either. With that in mind, if your side mirror has been damaged, we encourage you to fix it promptly to reduce your risks of being in or causing an accident.
