How long does the rearview mirror last?
By law in most states, your car must have at least two mirrors that allow you to see what is behind the car. It can be any combination of two side mirrors and a rear view mirror. Of the three that came with your…
By law in most states, your car must have at least two mirrors that allow you to see what is behind the car. It can be any combination of two side mirrors and a rear view mirror. Of the three rearview mirrors that come with your vehicle, the rearview mirror is the largest and easily adjustable. It provides a direct view directly behind your vehicle, while two side view mirrors show traffic to the right or left and slightly behind you.
The rear view mirror doesn't really do any work, but it is still subject to wear and tear. The most common problem is exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight on the adhesive that holds the mirror to the windshield. Over time, the adhesive can loosen and eventually the joint will break. As a result, the mirror will fall off.
When the mirror falls, it may hit the dashboard, switch, or other hard object and crack or break. If it breaks, it must be replaced. However, if the problem is only with the adhesive, it can be reinstalled.
There is no set lifespan for your rearview mirror, and the mirror assembly itself should last the lifetime of your vehicle if properly cared for. However, if you often park your car in direct sunlight, it's very likely that you'll end up with the adhesive breaking down eventually.
However, some vehicles are equipped with power mirrors. They offer a wide range of different features, from additional lights built into the mirror to auto-dimming technology and more. Because these mirrors contain electronics, they can age, fail, and deteriorate over time. Again, there is no specific lifetime.
Without a rear view mirror, you have no line of sight behind your car. Watch out for the following signs and symptoms that your mirror is about to fail:
Electronic functions do not work
The mirror appears "loose" when you manually adjust it.
The mirror is discolored or cracked (the plastic housing can sometimes crack with age and exposure to sunlight)
The mirror has fallen off the windshield (check the mirror for cracks and breakage)
If your rearview mirror has fallen off or signs of aging appear, AvtoTachki can help. One of our mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to reinstall your rear view mirror or completely replace the mirror.
