How to Fix a Car Mirror by Yourself

If you often park your car in public parking lots, you have probably noticed the side-view mirror occasionally is bent outward or inward when you return to your vehicle. Side-view mirrors on most modern cars are flexible and can withstand being bumped around. If you return to your car and find the side-view mirror glass shattered and lying on the ground, however, you will need to repair or replace the mirror. Repairing the mirror is the less expensive option; instead of paying a mechanic, you can fix the mirror yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Leather work gloves
• Box or bag
• Putty knife
• Silicone adhesive
• Replacement glass

Instructions

1. Pick up the replacement glass at the automobile dealership for your make of car. Another less expensive option is to visit a glass shop, where they will trace the mirror housing and cut a piece to fit the backing plate.

2. Remove what remains of the glass from the backing plate of the side-view mirror. Wear leather work gloves and use caution. Put the glass in a box or bag and dispose of it when you get the opportunity.

3. Scrape off the old adhesive from the backing plate with a putty knife.

4. Squeeze silicone adhesive onto the backing plate. Place dime-size drops about every half-inch around the edges of the backing plate, and squeeze several drops in the center of the backing plate.

5. Position the new glass over the backing plate on the side-view mirror, and gently press the glass onto the silicone. Put 4 strips of masking tape, one over each side of the mirror, taping the glass to the mirror housing. Leave the tape on the mirror for at least six hours to allow the silicone time to harden.

6. Remove the tape from the mirror.

7. Clean the mirror with glass cleaner.

References

• Reader's Digest: Replace a Broken Side View Mirror