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Replace Your Car's Mirrors for Safety and Style - Car Mirrors & Parts Upgrade Guide

Replace Your Car's Mirrors for Safety and Style - Car Mirrors & Parts Upgrade Guide

Newest Tech and Safety Features for Your Car Mirrors

As cars become more technologically advanced, so do their mirrors. Modern car mirrors offer high-tech upgrades and safety features that can improve visibility, reduce blind spots, and help keep drivers aware of their surroundings.

Blind Spot Monitoring

One of the most important new mirror technologies is blind spot monitoring. Special sensors detect when a vehicle enters your blind spot and alert you, often via an illuminated icon on the mirror itself. This helps prevent accidents when changing lanes. Blind spot systems use various technologies:

  • Radar sensors in the rear bumper
  • Ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper
  • Cameras mounted under the side mirrors

Auto-Dimming

Auto-dimming mirrors reduce glare from bright headlights behind you. A built-in sensor detects light levels and darkens the mirror glass automatically. This makes driving at night safer and more comfortable.

Integrated Cameras

Some mirrors now feature tiny wide-angle cameras, giving you expanded visibility. Common types include:

  • Rearview camera mirrors - Provide a clear rear view even with a full back seat or cargo area blocking the mirror's line of sight.
  • Side blind spot camera mirrors - Show your blind spots on a display when you activate your turn signal.

Heated Mirrors

Heated side mirrors defog and de-ice the mirror glass. This is a huge help for driving in cold climates. Heating elements behind the glass warm the mirrors and clear away condensation, frost, snow, and ice.

Power Folding

Power folding mirrors can automatically tuck in toward the vehicle when parked to prevent damage. A button or key fob lets you fold the mirrors in and out. Helpful features include:

  • Programmable auto-fold when locking the vehicle
  • Manual fold control from inside the car
  • Breakaway design if forcefully pushed when folded

Upgrading your mirrors is an easy way to add modern safety and performance. Consult your owner's manual or dealer to see which technologies are compatible with your vehicle.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot monitoring systems are an important vehicle safety technology that helps detect vehicles in hard-to-see areas. Here's an overview of how blind spot monitoring works and the different system types available.

What is Blind Spot Monitoring?

Blind spot monitoring (BSM) uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's blind spots and alert the driver if another vehicle is present. Blind spots are areas around the vehicle that are difficult or impossible to see using the side mirrors alone.

How Does It Work?

Blind spot systems use various sensor technologies to operate:

  • Radar sensors - Mounted in the rear bumper and detect objects in the blind spot zones
  • Ultrasonic sensors - Also in the rear bumper to sense nearby vehicles
  • Cameras - Typically under the side mirrors to visually monitor blind spots

When a vehicle enters the blind spot, the system alerts the driver using lights, sounds, or steering wheel vibrations. Some even display the blind spot view on a center screen.

Different Types of Blind Spot Systems

There are two main types of blind spot monitoring systems:

  1. Passive systems - Only provide alerts when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. Driver must still perform shoulder checks.
  2. Active systems - Provide alerts and some even automatically brake or steer the vehicle if you try to change lanes with something in the blind spot.
System TypeHow It Works
PassiveAlerts only with warning light or sound
ActiveAlerts and may autonomously brake/steer

Blind spot monitoring enhances safety by covering hard-to-see angles and alerting you of potential hazards. Check your owner's manual to see if your vehicle is equipped with this important feature.

Integrated Cameras in Car Mirrors

Some newer car mirrors have built-in cameras that provide expanded visibility around the vehicle. Integrated mirror cameras can eliminate traditional blind spots and give a wider field of view.

Types of Integrated Mirror Cameras

There are two main types of camera mirrors:

  • Rearview camera mirrors - A display shows a video feed of the view behind the car, even if rear visibility is blocked by passengers, headrests, or cargo.
  • Side blind spot camera mirrors - When you activate a turn signal, side camera views are displayed on a monitor to reveal hard-to-see blind spots.

Benefits of Camera Mirrors

Integrated mirror cameras provide these safety and convenience benefits:

  • Greatly improved rearward visibility
  • Ability to see around obstructions behind the car
  • Blind spot elimination at turn signals
  • Clear view in low light conditions
  • Some offer touch controls to adjust views

Camera Mirror Technologies

Camera mirror systems use high-resolution video and various technologies:

  • HD digital displays built into the mirror
  • LCD monitors mounted near the mirror
  • Providing multiple camera angles
  • Infrared and low light sensors
  • Durability features like waterproofing

Always check your owner's manual for proper use of camera mirrors when equipped. Proper mirror adjustment is still important for optimal visibility and safety.

Top Aftermarket Car Mirror Brands

When shopping for replacement or upgrade side view mirrors, consider these top-rated aftermarket brands known for quality and fit:

Factory Replacement Mirrors

Stick with factory mirrors for a perfect OEM fit and functionality:

  • GM - General Motors mirrors made for Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, etc.
  • Ford - Parts made by Ford for Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
  • Toyota - The OE manufacturer for Toyota brands like Lexus and Scion.
  • Honda - Genuine mirrors for Honda and Acura models.

Universal Fit Mirrors

Aftermarket brands making universal parts that fit many makes/models:

  • TYC - Affordable mirrors with good quality and wide compatibility.
  • Rugged Ridge - Durability focused mirrors for off-road and utility vehicles.
  • K Source - Broad selection with options like heat, towing, and power fold.

Specialty Mirrors

Companies manufacturing specialty mirrors like towing and oversized mirrors:

  • CIPA - Industry leader in towing mirrors with models like the 11510.
  • Longview - Quality extendable trailer tow mirrors up to 15 inches wide.
  • Fit System - Custom-fit oversized mirrors for duallies and trucks.

Research sizing, options, and compatibility when choosing aftermarket mirrors. Proper installation is also key for optimal visibility and safety.

Factory Replacement Mirrors

When it's time to replace your side view mirrors, factory replacement mirrors provide an exact OEM fit for optimal performance. Here's an overview of their benefits and top automakers' offerings.

Benefits of Factory Mirrors

Factory replacement mirrors offer these advantages over aftermarket mirrors:

  • Precise fit and operation
  • Retention of all vehicle features and adjustability
  • Matches vehicle styling and finish
  • May be required to ensure blind spot monitoring works
  • Meets strict OEM durability and safety standards

Top Brands of Factory Mirrors

Leading automakers producing OE mirrors for their own vehicles:

  • GM - For Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac
  • Ford - Parts made by Ford for Ford and Lincoln models
  • Toyota - For Toyota, Lexus, Scion vehicles
  • Honda - Genuine OEM mirrors for Honda and Acura
  • Nissan - Mirrors specifically for Nissan and Infiniti cars

Sourcing Factory Mirrors

You can source real OEM mirrors from:

  • Your dealer's parts department
  • Manufacturer dealership websites
  • Online OEM auto parts retailers
  • Auto parts stores may offer some applications

Consult your owner's manual when replacing mirrors and always use genuine factory parts to ensure perfect fit, function, and safety.

What is the Benefit of Amazon Prime for Car Mirrors & Parts?

For auto enthusiasts looking to upgrade their rides, an Amazon Prime membership provides useful benefits when buying car mirrors & parts online.

Free Two-Day Shipping

One major perk of Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means you can get new side view mirrors, blind spot mirrors, mirror covers, and other accessories delivered right to your door in just two days.

No more waiting weeks for special order parts. Prime makes getting the mirror upgrades and replacements you need much more convenient.

Free Same-Day Delivery

In select areas, Prime also offers free same-day delivery on qualifying orders over $35. This is perfect when you need a replacement mirror fast after a minor fender bender or cracked mirror lens.

Prime Early Access Deals

For Prime members, Black Friday and holiday sales often start early with exclusive early access deals. This lets you score discounts on pricey mirrors, blind spot systems, and rear-view cameras before the big rush.

Prime Wardrobe for Install Tools

The Prime Wardrobe feature lets you try items like mirrored decals or specialty tools needed for mirror installations. Keep what you want and return the rest at no cost.

Overall, a Prime membership provides the convenience, savings, and selection you want when upgrading mirrors or ordering parts online.

"Top 6 Car Mirrors & Parts For Your Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide"

Here is an outline for an article titled "Top 6 Car Mirrors & Parts for Your Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide":

  1. Introduction to the importance of car mirrors and parts
  2. Top 3 auto mirrors and parts according to Dontwasteyourmoney.com
  3. HC Hippo Creation Stainless-Steel Rhinestone License Number Plate
  4. Fit System Shatterproof Rearview Mirror Replacement Auto Part
  5. (Third product from the list)
  6. Top 3 automotive exterior mirrors according to Amazon.com
  7. (First product from the list)
  8. (Second product from the list)
  9. (Third product from the list)
  10. Top 3 automotive mirror manufacturers according to Sunwayautoparts.com
  11. (First manufacturer from the list)
  12. (Second manufacturer from the list)
  13. (Third manufacturer from the list)
  14. Best blind spot mirrors according to Motor1.com
  15. Marlbston Blind Spot Mirror
  16. UtopiCar Blind Spot Mirrors
  17. Ampper Blind Spot Mirror
  18. Conclusion and recommendation for the best car mirrors and parts for your vehicle.

What Are The Features To Consider When Choosing A Car Mirror??

When choosing a car mirror, there are several features to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

  1. Coating: The coating on the mirror glass determines the rate of reflection. Look for state-of-the-art mirror glass from reliable manufacturers that offer versatile coating choices such as chrome, blue, and aluminum mirror glass.
  2. Radius of Curvature: The radius of curvature is another feature to consider. It is important to buy a mirror glass that fits your car. Getting a non-fitting mirror glass for your car is useless.
  3. Size and Shape: The size and shape of the mirror glass are important factors to consider when choosing a car mirror. You need to ensure that the mirror glass fits your car perfectly.
  4. Illuminated Vanity Mirrors: Illuminated vanity mirrors are a great feature to have in your car. They make it easier for the driver or front seat passenger to use the vanity mirror in the nighttime.
  5. Heated Side Mirrors: Heated side mirrors are another feature to consider when choosing a car mirror. They help to prevent fogging and ice buildup on the mirrors, which can obstruct your view.
  6. Blind Spot Detection: Blind spot detection is a feature that can help you see what's in your blind spot. It is a great safety feature to have in your car.
  7. Adjustability: It is important to choose a mirror that can be adjusted to your liking. Make sure that the mirror can be adjusted from inside or outside the vehicle, or with electric mirrors with electrical connections.
  8. Compatibility: When replacing a mirror, make sure to select the mirrors that have the same mounting system as the original mirrors. Determine the year, brand, and model of the vehicle.
  9. Visibility: Adjust your car mirrors for maximum visibility and safety. Make sure that the entire rear window is visible from the driver's seat without needing to move your head. Adjust the side view mirrors to provide a clear view of the lane behind you.

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