Rear View Mirror

RollTideRam · Oct 15, 2020

I have been working night shift for 7 in a row and have not been anywhere to check on this.
My sons rear view mirror fell off his windshield the other day. Has happened to me several times over the years, but the little metal tab that you glue on, actually had some glass stuck to it. It's not sharp and not 100% percent sure it is glass but I know it left a hole in the windshield. It does not go all the way through. Can this be fixed?

Wagtail · Oct 16, 2020

I'd say no.

Even if you were to perfectly glue the tab back onto the windscreen, the windscreen's tensile integrity has been compromised.

One moderate 'hit' and the whole thing will shatter.

Have his insurance company replace the windscreen via a claim. Mobile screen replacement companies can do it at his home or place of work.

Redlands Okie · Oct 16, 2020

^^^^^ why risk it ? I agree with the above.

Tinhack · Oct 16, 2020

Hog wash. I see "pings" in windshields all the time. Typically caused by rocks or gravel. The windshield is not going to explode. It's not like the side glass. I've seen the chips propagate to cracks if in the outer quarter of the sides. This is due to the windshield being a structural member of the car body. I've had a chip come out with the mirror mount on my own Ford Taurus. I put a dab of super glue in the hole, cleaned the mirror mount and remounted it with RVM adhesive. My Taurus is old. All I carry is the required liability insurance. Which doesn't pay squat for broken windshields.

Most times down here in South Texas, you find the mirror in the floorboard or front seat. It just falls off due to the heat/cool cycles. Sometimes, it takes a little glass with it.

workinonit · Oct 16, 2020

If you have extended coverage they aren't going to replace the windshield, they will repair it. Repairs are as good as new. I have several repairs on my truck windshield right now.