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Rear view mirror glass: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace rear view mirror glass

Manufacturers do not limit this component operational lifetime. A new glass is installed if the old one is broken. Moreover, the mirror element can get scratched or chipped.

The rear view mirror glass can get damaged as a result of small impact. Most of all, cracks on the element are the result of careless driving. In addition, damaging of the component is commonly caused by off-road car operation. Thus, a rock can hit the rear view mirror glass during driving. An optical element of the interior mirror mostly gets damaged during a road accident.

Presence of a defect can be easily detected visually. Defects of the mirror glass will trouble adequate road observing.

Take into account that in case of interior mirror glass damaging, usually the whole mirror unit is replaced. Comprehensive replacement of the side mirror is necessary if not only its optical element is damaged, but, also for instance, its decorative cover. In most cases, for installation of the rear view mirror glass you just need to pull aside a defective part using appropriate tool, then remove the old element and mount a new one. Pay attention that you need to proceed with caution as this component is fragile.

How to select rear view mirror glass

These parts differ from one another by location of a reflective layer: it can be located on the inner and outer surface of the optical element. For the glasses of the first type, risk of mechanical damages is not so high. While usage of a mirror element with external layers prevents distortion of reflected objects.

By shape the glasses are divided into spherical and aspherical. The optical elements of the first type provide more accurate information about situation on the road. At the same time, the spherical glass is notable for small dimensions, nonetheless providing adequate view. The mirror with the aspherical element is divided into two zones. The one, which is closer to a driver is a regular spherical glass. And the distant part is bent, with the constant increase of curvature radius. The expanded visibility zone is characteristic for this glass type.

Purchase a high-quality glass in order to make the ability to precisely estimate condition on the road. For instance, production of Johns, TYC and ALKAR is of that kind.

Selecting the rear view mirror glass be guided by technical characteristics of your car such as the body type and steering wheel mounting. Pay attention where the mirror is installed: from the right or left side or inside of the passenger compartment. Also, width and height of the part, presence of tint coating and heating are important.