The most common damage to the side mirrors in winter

Introduction

Side mirrors are one of the most important parts of a car, ensuring safety while driving. In winter, when the weather conditions are difficult, side mirrors are particularly vulnerable to various types of damage. In this article, we will discuss the most common problems that can occur and how to prevent and repair them.

The History and Development of Side Mirrors

The first side mirrors appeared in cars in the early 20th century. Initially, they were simple structures mounted on the body, mainly used to observe traffic behind the vehicle. As technology developed, mirrors became more advanced, gaining functions such as electrical adjustment, heating, and automatic folding.

Modern side mirrors are often equipped with additional technology, such as cameras, blind spot sensors, and forward collision warning systems. Despite these conveniences, they are still susceptible to damage, especially in harsh winter conditions.

Typical damage to mirrors during the winter season

Cracks and scratches

Low temperatures and icing can cause glass cracks in mirrors. Additionally, when clearing snow from your car, it is easy to accidentally scratch the mirror surface. In extreme cases, severe frost can lead to complete glass cracking.

Frozen adjustment mechanisms

In winter, mirror adjustment mechanisms can freeze, preventing them from being set correctly. This is particularly troublesome when it is necessary to adjust the mirrors to driving conditions. Freezing can also damage the electric motors responsible for adjustment.

Electrical damage

Water getting inside the mirror housing can cause short circuits and damage to electrical systems. This applies to both the heating system and other functions, such as automatic folding or blind spot sensors.

How to prevent damage to your side mirrors in winter

Preventing damage to your side mirrors requires regular maintenance and proper winter preparation. Here are some practical tips:

• Regular cleaning and maintenance: Removing snow and ice from the mirror surfaces with a soft cloth or special scrapers prevents scratches.

• Use of protective covers: Special mirror covers protect them from icing and dirt.

• Avoiding the use of hot water: Hot water can cause glass to crack due to sudden temperature changes.

• Checking the technical condition: Regular inspection of control mechanisms and electrical systems allows for early detection of problems.

Repair and replacement of damaged mirrors

Repair of minor damage

Minor scratches can be removed with special polishes available at automotive stores. In the case of minor glass cracks, it is worth consulting a specialist who will assess the possibility of repair.

Replacing the mirror

If the mirror is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced. It is worth paying attention to the quality of the replacements and making sure they are compatible with the car model.The exchange process typically includes:

• Dismantling the old mirror

• Installing a new item

• Checking the correct operation of all functions

Below is a table showing the approximate costs of repairing and replacing side mirrors:

Type of damage	Approximate cost (PLN)
Polishing scratches	50 - 100
Repair of the adjustment mechanism	150 - 300
Replacing the mirror	300 - 800

Repair time

The time it takes to repair or replace a mirror depends on the type of damage and the availability of spare parts. In most cases, the repair can be completed within a few hours.

Summary

Winter is a difficult time for drivers, and side mirrors are particularly susceptible to various types of damage. However, with proper maintenance and regular technical inspections, most problems can be effectively prevented. In the case of more serious damage, it is worth seeking the help of specialists to ensure safe and comfortable driving in all conditions.

Below is a chart showing the most common causes of damage to wing mirrors in winter:

Thanks to this knowledge, every driver can take better care of their side mirrors and avoid costly repairs in the future.