Dorman replacement side mirrors, like any other spare wing mirrors, can be roughly subdivided into 4 main categories. Basically, any time you face the need of replacing one of your mirrors, you will have to consider several options. Surely, the final decision will depend mostly on your vehicle model and its year of production. Yet, some autos can be modified and upgraded, so it is worth considering several factors before making a purchase.

Dorman replacement side mirrors: Manual or Automatic?

This category is also often referred to as manual and power mirrors. The definition already makes it pretty clear – manual mirrors are adjusted by hand and are usually seen in the older car models. Most of the modern cars already have automatic, or power, wing mirrors. They are controlled by buttons, and can be readjusted from inside the car. Like all automatic devices they have a number of advantages in comparison to their manual counterparts. First of all, you can preset specific positions, and the car will ‘memorize’ them. Plus, such spares typically have a function of heating, which significantly facilitates driving in the cold temperatures and in the fog. Also, depending on the sunlight, the mirror can be dimmed, if necessary. Some of them are equipped with light signals – a great thing for driving in the dark; and, of course, they can be folded with a push of a button – a very handy option while parking in the big city conditions.

Side Mirror visibility: telescopic or towing?

Telescopic and towing mirrors are terms used to define the way your mirror can be adjusted. The latter ones are normally installed in trucks because they allow seeing far behind the vehicle and are perfect if you are driving with a cargo trailer. Telescopic mirrors also facilitate rear vision and have a function of readjusting its length (literary, they function like a telescope).

Dorman replacement side mirrors: choosing a glass type

Then, there is, of course, a particular type of glass to consider. There are three types of glass that are being used in the wing mirrors: plain, convex, and tinted. Plain is plain – meaning that it is a flat, normal glass with no extra features. Convex glass is different, and the objects seen through such mirror seem farther than they appear. In practice, this significantly facilitates driving. However, while driving with a mirror like that, you should always remember that the objective distance is different from what it seems to be. Finally, tinted glass is a glass with an additional hue. Normally, tinted glass can be greyish or bluish. Brown or yellow tint is also pretty widespread. And, of course, apart from being tinted, a glass can at the same time be either plain or convex.

Replacement mirror texture: painted or textured?

This refers to the outer surface of your side mirror. It can be either painted to fit the color of your car, or textured, which eliminates the possibility of painting. The first ones are smooth, while the latter are not. Plus, there are also combinations where one part is smooth and another is uneven. Even though textured mirrors look cool, smooth texture has one undeniable advantage – that is, ability to exactly fit the color of your auto.