What is the construction and purpose of exterior mirrors and parts?

Exterior mirrors and parts are a set of components mounted on the sides of the vehicle, usually near the front doors. Their base is a housing with a mount, to which the mirror glass, insert, adjustment mechanism, and covers are attached. Depending on the version, motors, wiring, turn signals, sensors, and a folding function may also be included.

What are exterior mirrors and parts used for?

Exterior mirrors and parts are used to observe the vehicle's surroundings and improve safety during lane changes, reversing, and parking. They are also responsible for the correct setting of the driver's and passenger's field of view. Faulty glass, mechanisms, or housings can impair visibility, cause vibrations, or limit the operation of heating and adjustment.

What is the construction and function of the mirror adjustment mechanism?

The mirror adjustment mechanism is a set of components that changes the position of the mirror glass vertically and horizontally. It consists of mounting points, joints, and, in electric versions, motors and a connector. Its efficiency affects precise view setting, insert stability, and proper interaction with the housing.

How to choose an exterior mirror for a specific car version?

It is best to compare the OEM number, mounting side, and body/equipment version. In practice, the number of pins, presence of heating, electric folding, memory settings, or turn signals in the housing also matters. For pre-facelift and post-facelift cars, it is worth additionally checking the shape of the base and housing.

What symptoms indicate damage to a mirror or its parts?

The most common symptoms are lack of adjustment, non-working heating, loose housing, vibrations while driving, and cracked or dull glass. Problems with folding or the turn signal in the mirror also occur. With such symptoms, it is worth checking the insert itself, as well as the mount, wiring, and internal mechanism.

How to take care of exterior mirrors and parts after installation?

After installation, it is worth regularly cleaning the glass and housing and periodically checking the operation of the adjustment and heating. It is also good practice to check the stability of the mount and the condition of the wires when removing the door trim. If bumpers and mounting parts also interact with them in the car, an inspection after a minor collision should cover this entire area of the bodywork.

Side View Mirrors

At the Global Parts automotive store, we offer a wide selection of original used car parts, including exterior mirrors and parts for many popular car brands such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and others. The exterior mirrors and parts we offer undergo quality control so that you can be sure that you are receiving a top-class product.

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