3 Reasons You Must Fix Your Side Mirror Immediately

: Published: 13 April 2022

Your side mirrors are very necessary for safety. One of the first rules of driving is to adjust your side mirrors, and that’s because they act as a third set of eyes on the road, alerting you to dangers behind and to the side of you. If you crack or break your side mirror, you must fix it immediately, especially if it is causing any kind of visual obstruction. Side mirrors are prone to breakage as they jut out from the body of your car, and are easy to lose or break upon impact. Years of wear and tear from flying debris on the road may also damage the glass and inhibit your vision. Here are the three big reasons you must fix your side mirror immediately.

Broken Side Mirror Impedes Your Visibility

This is the biggest reason to replace the glass immediately. Reduced visibility affects your driving as it creates a blind spot for vehicles and pedestrians, impedes your view of vehicles that are approaching at a high speed, reduces your ability to change lanes safely, and curtails your ability to react quickly in a dangerous situation. While your rearview mirror helps in a lot of these situations, the one mirror isn’t enough, as it doesn’t cover the entire roadway behind you or to your sides.

Cracks Lead to Shattering, Broken Tech

A modern car’s side mirror houses a lot of tech behind that glass, and failing to properly attend to a crack can cause a serious problem that may require you to replace the entire fixture. When the housing and mechanisms are allowed to get damaged, it may prevent you from being able to adjust your mirrors entirely. Additionally, a small crack can easily end with the entire pane shattering at an odd moment. All cracks on glass, no matter how small, slowly spread over time. With enough force from slamming the door, your mirror can break into pieces. The shattered glass may even lead to a physical injury as these shards tend to fly.

You May Get Pulled Over

In Virginia, it is the law that “no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway in the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not equipped with a mirror which reflects to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of not less than 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle.” This leaves some leeway, but it is likely you would end up with a fine if your mirror is visibly broken. Continuing to drive with a broken mirror may lead to more serious consequences. However, even a fine is a reason to fix your mirror quickly. It’s cheaper to visit a glass auto repair shop than it is to continue to pay fines.

At the end of the day, having your side mirrors fixed is a quick and easy task, especially when you visit Smiley’s Auto Glass in Richmond. Our shop has serviced the community for more than 50 years, and all of our experts all well-trained in the newest glass application methods, so you can expect great results. Call us to talk to an expert and get a quote at 804-320-7172.

What People Say

"first time using this company. Highly recommend. I was quoted a price over the phone of 489 and some change. I had a 500 comprehensive deduction on my car policy so I was not going thru insurance. they gave me a huge discount with tax I paid 419.00. I was pleased with the work and the wonderful surprise of the discount. if I ever need glass work again they have my business. ***** 5 star review"

- Donna Scotto-couto, via Facebook Review

"I had a rock bust the windshield on my Kenworth service truck, I originally called safelite but after a month and several excuses I called Smileys, both ladies that answered the phone were knowledgeable and very helpful even when I called a few minutes befor closing on a Friday, I set up a appointment and got my glass installed a day earlier then my appointment date, I have alway used safelite for my personal vehicles but after my experience with Smileys they will be the only ones I call from now on for my glass needs."

- Brandon Cochran, via Facebook Review

"Smiley's has done a lot of work for me over the years, both in the shop and remotely, and their office and service staff have always been fantastic. They take great care to make sure the work is done properly. I would never take my vehicle anywhere else for glass."

- Lauren Hostetler, via Facebook Review

"Smileys had a very similar price to the big chain in town but I was able to speak to a local human and do business with a local company. They have excellent communication and the installer did a great job. They were even able to get me in sooner than the large chain! Thank you Smiley's!"

- Scott Mcewen, via Google Review

"Took our company truck in on an emergency basis this morning and they had the replacement in and the truck was ready to go before end of business. They told us tomorrow, which was also super fast. Never thought we would be back on the road the same day. Phenomenal service and a reasonable rate. Can not recommend them enough."

- Kristine Kvasnicka, via Google Review

"My boyfriend and I had our windshield shattered by a truck tire tread while traveling. Smiley's worked us into their busy schedule, and replaced the windshield within several hours. All the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful as well."

- Rachel Watson, via Google Review

"I took my SUV in to have a window regulator replaced. I supplied the part and they did the work for $125. In and out in under an hour and a half. They are a straight forward and honest business. I will use them again when needed and I highly recommend them. All in, it was less than half the cost of a local auto repair shop."

- Ken Hensley, via Google Review

"Big THANK YOU to Ashley Oswald and the fantastic team at Smiley's Glass. I needed my windshield replaced due to a large rock chip that turned into a crack across the entire front glass. I reached out to Smiley's for a quote. Ashley made the whole process super simple, scheduling was efficient, and the price for the repair was very competitive. Their mobile glass replacement crew was on-time, communicative, and took exceptional care of my vehicle. 100% will use again!"

- Tyson Miller, via Google Review

“A rock got kicked up to the windshield when I was driving down the highway and put quarter-sized "star" chip in. Smiley's was able to fit me in for a repair even though I didn't have an appointment. The staff was very professional and informative on the process. The only thing you can really see from the chip is a small mark where the impact happened. Everything else filled in nicely… Would certainly go back here for any future windshield repair needs.”

- Bryan Metrick, via Google Review

“The windshield was replaced in my truck. They did a great job. They arrived on time and cleaned up. It's like they were never there, other than new glass.”

- Keith Throckmorton, via Google Review