Get a Clear View of How to Fix a Broken Car Mirror

October 1, 2021

Broken car side mirrors are an all-too-common occurrence. Whether someone else is to blame for your broken car mirror or the fault is entirely your own, don't wait to get your mirrors replaced-in most states--it's illegal to drive without them! Not sure how to fix a broken car mirror? Keep reading to learn how to fix broken rear view mirrors, side mirrors, and more.

Causes of a Broken Car Side Mirror

One of the most commonly damaged car parts are your side mirrors. They seem to stick out just enough to catch parking garage columns, drive-through windows, and other inconveniently placed obstructions. Worse yet, maybe someone's broken your car mirror during a collision. There are a million different ways side mirrors get broken. Here are a few of the most common causes:

• Parking in or exiting tight spaces
• Pulling up too close in a drive-through
• Hit and run after parking on the street
• Auto collisions, especially side collisions
• Not paying attention to your surroundings while parking
• Road debris chipping the mirror glass

The list goes on. However it happens, understand that a broken side mirror is a common occurrence. Check with your auto insurance to see if they'll cover the damage to your vehicle and file a police report if you lost the mirror on your parked car due to a hit and run.

Note that breaking the rear view mirror inside your car is a far less common occurrence, but it does happen. In most cases, the rear view mirror doesn't break so much as fall off the windshield. This is usually the result of years of heat damage, humidity, and general wear. Being too rough with the mirror while adjusting it and accidents can also cause it to break.

Why You Should Fix a Broken Rear View Mirror or Side Mirror ASAP

If you've recently broken either a side mirror or the rear view mirror in your car, it's best to get it fixed as soon as possible. Not only is it illegal to drive without mirrors in most states, it's simply not safe. Driving without mirrors makes it difficult to see around your car when turning or changing lanes, putting you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk.

How to Fix a Broken Car Mirror

There are essentially two ways a side mirror sustains damage. Either the mirror glass shatters, but the frame is still intact, or the whole component breaks-like when you see a side mirror hanging loosely by a wire. Here's a general guide on how to replace your mirror in each situation:

Side Mirror Glass Replacement

Broken glass tends to be the better scenario out of the two. You don't need to replace the entire component-just the glass. Luckily, this is usually easy to do on your own.

1. Obtain a new sheet of pre-cut mirror glass from Nissan Parts in the exact shape for your car's make and model.
2. Carefully remove all the broken glass from the plastic mirror base on the damaged mirror. Wearing gloves and eye protection to help protect yourself from sharp glass.
3. Firmly press the new mirror glass to the plastic base and snap it into place.

Entire Side Mirror Replacement

Replacing a broken side mirror component takes a bit more work. While it's possible to do this task at home, you can always visit your local Nissan service center if you don't feel comfortable or don't have the necessary tools on hand.

1. Obtain a custom-made replacement mirror from Nissan Parts that fits your exact make and model.
2. Open the door with the broken side mirror and remove the trim cover and door panel. You will likely need to use tools such as a door panel remover (basically a thin metal lever), flat-head screwdriver, or a hooked pick to remove the trim cover, door panel, and any decorative vanity caps (DVCs) keeping the door panel in place.
3. Detach the broken mirror by removing the mounting screws behind the trim cover and disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Hold the new mirror in the same spot as you replace the mounting screws.
5. Plug in the new mirror's electrical connector and test the connection.
6. Replace the door panel, trim cover, and DVCs in reverse order.

Rear View Mirror Replacement

Most rear view mirror assemblies connect via an adhesive metal button mounted on the windshield rather than directly on the glass. If that mount is still in place, you may be able to simply attach your new mirror to the windshield by sliding or clicking it into place on the button. However, if the adhesive mount has also fallen off, follow these steps:

1. Get a rear view mirror kit from Nissan Parts that fits your make and model.
2. With a dry-erase marker or felt pen, mark the exact placement of the old adhesive mount on the outside of your windshield. This will be your reference when applying the new mount.
3. Using a razor and/or adhesive remover, clean off any old adhesive material stuck on the windshield. Also remove any adhesive from the old mount if you plan on reusing it.
4. Apply just a drop of the adhesive bonding agent to the windshield mount, carefully line it up with the markings, and press it firmly against the windshield for at least one minute.
5. Reattach the mirror assembly to the windshield mount and adjust as needed.
6. Clean off the alignment markings on the outside of the windshield.

Get the Right Replacement Mirror for Your Make & Model

Is one of your mirrors hanging by a wire or too scratched to be of any use? Order a custom-made replacement from Nissan Parts & Accessories! Shopping genuine Nissan parts can help give your mirror replacement a seamless look and perfect fit.