What is side view mirror glass and where is it located?

The mirror glass is a reflective piece of glass that lets you see beside your car or truck from your driver and passenger side view mirrors. The mirror glass is mounted to a backing plate that can move inside the mirror housing to adjust the view. Vehicles with heated mirrors also have a heating element incorporated into the backing plate. Some side view mirrors have an LED turn signal light integrated into the mirror glass. Mirror glasses may also have a different tint. Different models usually shape their side mirror glass differently from one other. Your mirror glass is specific to your model and your side view mirror options. Mirror glass with different options than your original mirrors may not function correctly in your vehicle. 

How do I know if my side view mirror glass needs to be replaced?

Automotive side view mirror glass can break, crack, or shatter from road debris, car accidents, or local hoodlums. You may find that you can’t defrost your mirrors or that your mirror turn signal light won’t come on.  Sometimes the wiring for electrical mirror options can burn out over time, but in cases where the glass is the issue, it is possible to replace the mirror glass without having to change the entire side mirror assembly. That will definitely save you some time and money. 

Can I replace side mirror glass myself?

Replacing side view mirror glass is not a highly technical job and is within the grasp of a novice do-it-yourselfer. It is important, though, that you exercise caution when working with broken glass. You’ll want to wear work gloves while you remove the old and possibly broken mirror glass. You may also want to work over a trash receptacle to keep the broken glass contained. 

Depending on the exact mirror glass you are replacing, it may come with or without the backing plate. The job will be slightly different depending on whether or not you have the backing plate. For mirror glass with the backing plate, you can simply pry the old glass and backing plate out of the side view mirror housing and simply snap the new replacement in. 

Replacing side mirror glass without the backing plate requires a bit more effort and time. You’ll have to scrape the glass off of the backing plate with a putty knife or a similar tool. A blow drier or heat gun can help loosen the adhesive. You will have to clean the old adhesive from the backing plate. Then apply new adhesive to the backing plate, and carefully place the mirror glass on the backing plate. Use masking tape to hold the glass in place while the adhesive sets.