Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty Door Mirror

If the side mirror glass is broken and cannot be moved or adjusted, or the heater is not working, you may need to replace the outside mirror.

Door mirrors are rear-view mirrors that are mounted on the doors of almost all cars built over the past few decades. They serve as a safety feature that allows the driver to see behind and to the sides of the vehicle while also looking ahead so that they can continue to operate the vehicle safely. While exterior mirrors in the past were nothing more than door-mounted mirrors, the door mirrors used in newer vehicles can be equipped with various additional features such as heaters and positioning motors built into the mirror assembly. In the event of an accident or any mirror damage due to their additional features, these new types of power door mirrors can be much more difficult to maintain and replace compared to the simple mirrors of the past. Any problems with the outside mirrors can impair the driver's visibility of the vehicle's surroundings, which can turn into an inconvenience as well as a safety issue.

1. The glass of the mirror is broken

One of the most common symptoms of a bad outside rearview mirror is broken or cracked mirror glass. If something hits the mirror and breaks it, it will distort the reflective surface of the mirror. Depending on the severity of the damage, this can severely impair the driver's ability to see through this mirror, which can be a safety hazard.

2. The mirror does not move or is not adjustable

Another common sign of a rearview mirror problem is a mirror that won't move or adjust. Most modern exterior mirrors have some form of mirror adjustment to provide the best view for the driver. Some mirrors use mechanical levers while others use electric motors in combination with a switch as a means of mirror positioning. If the motors or mechanism fail, it makes it impossible to adjust the mirror. The mirror can still help in providing a driver's view, but it will not be properly adjusted until the problem is corrected.

3. Heated mirrors do not work

Another sign of a potential outside rearview mirror problem is a non-functioning heated mirror. Some newer vehicles are equipped with heaters built into the mirrors. This heater removes and prevents condensation on the mirror so that the driver can see even in foggy or damp conditions. If the heater fails, the mirror may fog up due to condensation and will not be able to provide the driver with visibility.

Outside rear view mirrors are a component of almost all vehicles and serve an important purpose related to driver safety and visibility. If your mirror is broken or you suspect that it may have a problem, contact a professional specialist, for example, a specialist from AvtoTachki, who will replace the outside mirror if necessary.