The side mirrors are one of the most vulnerable parts of a car. And I , unfortunately, got to learn that first hand while someone side-swept me and knocked out the side mirror on my brand new Fiat. While this could have easily resulted in a serious accident, I was lucky that only my door mirror got damaged.
Although they are the most vulnerable, side mirrors are also some of the easiest and least expensive car parts to replace. In fact, sometimes car owners decide to upgrade perfectly good mirrors for newer ones that look more appealing and come with better features. If you are looking for a new Fiat side mirror, for whatever reason you might have, here are some things I've learned can help you make the right choice.
Make Sure You've Got the Correct Side
If you prefer to purchase your Fiat side mirror from an online store, you can easily make the mistake of ordering the wrong side one. And taking into account the delivery costs, this can end up being a costly mistake. The left and right mirrors are different and have different roles, which means they cannot be swapped. The right mirror has convex glass that enables you to have a wide view of the road behind you, whereas the left mirror has flat glass. With that being said, if you're not sure what kind of mirror the website sells, make sure to contact them before buying.
Pick the Right Mode of Adjustment
The mirrors on most Fiat cars today can be adjusted either manually or electrically. The manual mirrors can be adjusted either from the outside of the car by hand, or from the inside of the car by means of a lever or cable. On the other hand, electrically operated mirrors are a more convenient option as they are connected to a control mechanism on the driver's door panel that allows them to fold or unfold by a push of a button. In addition, many aftermarket mirrors also include some extra features such as heating for defrosting or demisting the glass which can be very helpful to have in certain weather conditions.
Choose an Attractive Finish
And finally, don't forget that when it comes to such a noticeable car part, appearances matter big time. If you’re ordering both mirrors, you have the freedom to choose any kind of finish you like, whether smooth black, textured black, chrome or stainless steel. However, if you’re only replacing one side, be sure to pick a finish that matches the other. Some replacement mirrors can even be painted to match your vehicle.
