What should I keep in mind when shopping for mirrors?

One of the first things you need to keep in mind when you’re shopping is whether you need a manual, manual remote, or power mirror.
*Manual mirrors involve no electrical components and are operated—you guessed it—manually, meaning you need to angle them by hand. 
*Manual remote mirrors don’t involve electricity, but allow you to position them remotely from inside your car, usually via a steel cable that snakes through a hole in your door and ends in a small lever, knob, or joystick located inside your vehicle on the driver side.
*Power mirrors, on the other hand, are operated via electricity so you can adjust them via a button or switch inside your vehicle.

Some power mirrors are equipped with extra functions, like heated mirror glass that defrosts in cold weather, auto-dimming glass that automatically darkens when it’s bright out to minimize glare, and memory settings that adjust your mirrors to pre-set positions with the push of a button.
Some power mirrors are engineered with even more special features, including turn signal lights built into their housings and/or the mirror glass itself, puddle lights at the bottom of the mirror that light the ground when you open your car door, built-in colored LEDs that act as running lights when your car or headlights are on, or even blind spot detection which alerts you if other vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians are in your blind spots when you try to switch lanes. Not to mention Power folding to slip through tight spots.

Another thing to look out for is whether your mirrors are fixed (non-folding), or feature manual folding or power folding.
Most late models come standard with manual folding mirrors to help prevent damage in tight spots, but some luxury models take it a step further with power folding mirrors so you can fold them in with the push of a button.

If you regularly tow, you’ll want to look into towing mirrors and telescopic mirrors.
Towing mirrors typically involve two mirrors, with one enabling you to see the lane next to you, and the other made with curved glass to let you check on trailers and the like. Telescopic mirrors extend out either manually or via power (depending on their application) to expand your rear visual field. Similarly, if you go off-roading often, there are off-road mirrors available that widen your rearview and provide greater clearance when you’re out on the trails. Side-view mirrors tend to come in a black paint-to-match finish, textured finish, or chrome finish.

If you want to bolt on your mirror as is, we recommend getting one in a textured, matte, polished, or chrome, etc. finish as opposed to one that’s paint-to-match.

**If you want to paint your mirror, a DIY project can save you a lot of money, but might get tricky if your vehicle’s paint job has faded with age and exposure to the elements. Professionals are usually able to mix paint to account for changes that a vehicle’s color can undergo over time.
If you decide to go the professional route, be sure to research how much your job would typically cost and come armed with that information when you get quotes from multiple shops.
If you decide to paint your mirror yourself, be sure to get detailed, application-specific instructions, along with the right color paint, which you can look up according to your vehicle’s factory color code (located in your glove box, driver’s side door jamb, firewall, or hood, etc., depending on your application).

As you’re shopping, you may be eyeing less expensive mirrors if you have a tight budget, or heated mirrors with built-in turn signals for their upgraded style and performance.
Here we must stress again that application by far is the most important factor you need to consider when buying new mirrors. Check what your vehicle’s equipped with and note your vehicle’s year, make, model, sub model, and body type in your search so you can make sure you’re getting the correct replacement. Some vehicles have different mirrors based on sub model (e.g. Toyota Sienna L vs. Toyota Sienna Limited) and even body type (e.g. BMW E36 coupe vs. sedan). In any case, before you make your purchase, make sure your new mirrors are perfectly compatible with your application (fit- and wiring-wise), with all the features and components you need included.

What should I keep in mind when installing new mirrors?
• Look for specific directions according to your vehicle’s year, make, model, sub model, and body type.
• Installing Mirror Glass with Backing Plate – This will simply involve removing your old mirror and backing plate from your housing and snapping your new piece in.
• Installing Mirror Glass without Backing Plate – Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection before you remove your old mirror glass and clear out any remaining broken pieces off your backing plate with a putty knife or comparable tool. You should also place a bin under your mirror to collect falling glass. – Once you’re done removing your old mirror glass, clean the mirror base with a non-ammonia-based cleaner (like an ammonia-free window cleaner). If you have a hard time removing the old adhesive from your backing plate, you can use a blow drier to help loosen it. – Although new mirror glass typically comes with adhesive on the back, you should also use black rubber sealant to doubly ensure a firm hold. Just be sure you don’t apply sealant wherever the mirror glass’s adhesive pads will attach to your mirror base. – While the new adhesive sets, use masking or painters tape to secure your new mirror glass in place.

• Installing Mirror Assemblies – Removing your old mirror assembly will typically involve removing the door panel or trim panel that covers the mirror mount, then removing the screws or nuts that hold the mirror to the door, and disconnecting the mirror wiring harness. Installing your new mirror assembly will basically be the reverse of that process. – Test your mirrors (i.e. the adjustment, turn signal lights, and/or other functions they’re equipped with) before putting your door panels back on so you can make sure everything’s in order.
• If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, you could visit an auto glass shop and have a professional perform the replacement for you.

**If you choose to paint it yourself, you can find the paint code (generally) located on a white sticker on the inside of the Driver door (could also be located in your glove box).
Lightly wet sand with 400 grit sandpaper.
Approximately 4-5 light coats of paint will result in a nice finish.
Along with our aftermarket Mirrors, the painting process is also a great cost savings compared to your local dealer!

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