Whether you are keeping an eye on your kids in the backseat or scanning the traffic behind you, the rear view mirror plays an integral role in handling the situation.
Especially for some cars with only adequate performance in snow like Honda Civic, this accessory even assists to outplay in such a tough condition.
That’s why it is certainly not an option to drive with a damaged or inoperable one attached to your car.
The good news is you can learn how to take off rear view mirror just by yourself. Wait no longer but catch up on our article and make the most of it!
How To Take Off Rear View Mirror
There are 3 main types of rear view mirrors, namely glued type, screwed type, and mirrors with a metal pivot point. Each of them calls for a different technique to take off due to their different construction.
#1. For The Glued Mirrors
It is the preference of several automakers to utilize glue, a mirror adhesive in particular, in attaching the rear view mirror to the windshield.
That way, not only does such a substance hold the connection securely, but it can also resist the risk of the glue melting at a regular warm temperature.
Either employing the blow-dry method or a heat gun to grow hot the mirror’s border, the construction of this conjunction type is pretty straightforward to remove.
Once the heat makes the glue softer, your mirror will be all on set to loosen without difficulty.
After that, the task would be merely moving the mirror back and forth while applying the heat gun to see whether the conjointment is breaking off or not.
Your mirror would ultimately fall off if the procedure was consistently followed.
#2. For The Screwed Mirrors
Another approach to affixing mirrors is to adopt the screwing technique. As such, these screws perfectly secure the mirror in its position.
Speaking of this attachment, unscrewing the mirrors is indeed a transparent chore to get down pat.
Begin at the base and move forward by loosening every other single component. There you go to have yours disjointed the grip without paying over-force on the process!
#3. For Mirrors That Embrace A Metal Pivot Point
Coming on the way is one more manner of adhering the rear view mirror to vehicles – the technique of utilizing a metal pivot point.
It is simplest to take out these metal pivoting rear view mirrors. The procedure only costs you a quarter to rotate each mirror to your side.
Following, a walkover up or down sliding of the bracket by the resting button will get your work done with ease and comfort.
Here comes a head-up: Your bracket may occasionally become caught over time, or dirt buildup may make it challenging to remove.
In this regard, a tiny hammer might benefit the process of detaching the plastic bracket’s hold on the back button easier.
Next Step: Removing Rear View Button
Although the mirror has been out of the picture, your mission is not yet completed until the rear view button has got ruled out, too.
How to remove a rear view mirror button may seem blurry initially, but once you determine the right path to chase after, you will be there soon.
Many individuals attempt to remove it from its location using force, which we would say is vastly improper.
Just employ a cotton pad that was dipped in a strong acetone solution in advance to clean the button’s edges. Acetone will remove rust and allow for an easy removal.
Given that they are widely available in the market, you might not get into any trouble using an acetone-based nail polish remover as a flawless tool.
After applying it, spare the area some time to settle and give it your best shot by slowly expelling the button.
If nothing appears to be happening, adopting more and more solutions shall work wonders.
Until you notice the button is in your hand, you will know your undertaking regarding how to take rear view mirror off has been acquired successfully!
How Do You Replace A Rear View Mirror?
Step1: Track down A Replaceable Mirror
A broken mirror commonly means you have to take over the complete device instead of the damaged glass only.
It would be better to go for an OEM mirror replacement from your neighborhood’s vehicle dealer if your origin features electrochromic technology or auto-dimming glass.
Otherwise, most generic rear view mirrors also work with a variety of models, even if your car doesn’t have these functions.
Step 2: Remove Rear View Mirror
The next phase is to make use of the taking-off manner that matches each attaching construction introduced above.
Remember to employ a tiny piece of tape to apply on the glass’ outside so you won’t lose the primary mounting place.
Step 3: Prepare The Surface
In this phase of how to change rear view mirror, you will need a razor blade, rubbing alcohol, or a glass cleaner to eliminate reluctant glue from the preceding removal.
We bet that the alcohol is the most favorable choice as it is multitasking for your car, like using rubbing alcohol on car paint.
Don’t forget to wipe the surface with glass cleaner and rad so it can get flawlessly clean for the attachment.
Step 4: Install The Mirror
- Apply the activator, which was included in the kit, to the windshield and the mounting hardware.Also, don’t fail to give the activator a few minutes to rest so it can get dried before moving on to the next step.
- Glue/ Screw/ Rotate the mirror to the mounting hardware. Once going with the screwing thing, make sure to get the hole-matching screws as well!
- Install your freshly new rearview mirror when the specialized adhesive has fully dried.
FAQs
Are Rearview Mirrors Removable?
Yes, they are. As we mentioned before, taking out these metal pivoting rear view mirrors is simplest.
With only a quarter-turn of the mirror to the side, followed by a painless sliding of the bracket up or down the resting button, and there you go to have your rear view mirror taken off.
As the rear view mirror is incredibly important in a car, you should keep an eye on it regularly.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Rear View Mirror?
The normal price range for an aftermarket rearview mirror is $15 to $500. Its cost may vary depending on its guarantee, brand, finish, and material.
Besides, it is up to how the labor yields in your location, you could need to pay an additional fee of $100 to $250.
There is also a chance that your auto insurance policy may provide coverage for damage to your rearview mirror.
Just make sure you have sufficient visual evidence when the accident happens to supply it to the insurance office.
Conclusion
How to take off the rear view mirror may not be a tricky task, but still, it will require you a decent meticulousness to avoid getting things going far too wrong.
Every driver will know how much this vehicle unit matters. It allows you to observe the traffic in the back without turning back and lose control of what will happen ahead.
Now that you have racked up some useful insight regarding solutions to such a problem, it’s time to grab your tool and make it your own way.
Good luck to you then!