How do you install mirror covers? Easy as 1, 2, 3. The ambient air temperature needs to be 60 degrees F (15 degrees C) or above for installation. This temperature will provide the best adhesion for the adhesive. When you receive your mirror covers look to see if there is a list of items that should be enclosed. Usually you will have a cleaner, sometimes an adhesive promoter, and the covers. If the cleaner is not there or if you prefer you can use straight rubbing alcohol to clean the outside surface of your mirrors. You just want to make sure there is no oil, wax, bugs, or grime that might prevent the adhesive from sticking. Before you remove the adhesive backing, be sure to test fit the covers. I can never say that enough, always test fit any type of aftermarket accessory. Test fitting does 2 things for you: 1. It gets you more familiar with the best way to put the cover on. 2. Test fitting lets you see how they will look before you install them. Most times something can not be returned after it has been installed because it can not be resold. When the test fit is complete, remove the adhesive backing, install the cover and hold firmly in place applying consistent pressure. I like to use a towel and wipe firmly from the center to the edges to remove any air bubbles that might be trapped under the adhesive. Polish your mirror covers up, stand back, and admire. I bet you'll be quiet impressed with yourself.
Here's some more interesting notes regarding chrome mirror covers or chrome mirror overlays:
What are they? They are a cover that is placed over the front side of your existing car, truck, or SUV exterior rear view mirrors. Most mirror covers are made from an ABS composite material through an injection molding process and chrome plated. Some manufacturers have developed special branded products that are specific to that vendor such as 6061 T6 billet aluminum by Action Artistry.
Why would you want mirror covers or mirror overlays? Most people get a set because they like the look and style it adds to their vehicle. It's a way to give your car, truck, or SUV a little bit of a custom look without investing a lot of time or cash. It's a way to stand out from the crowd just a bit. If your one of those people who can never remember where you park and have been known to stand outside someone else's truck (it looks just like yours), pushing the little door unlock button, and thinking what's going on? A set of mirror covers can save that embarrassing moment when the real owner has to ask you to move so they can get in their truck. Perhaps there was a small incident with a drive up window or one of those pesky concrete post, you know, the really bright yellow ones. If you have a scratch or crack in your existing mirror, a set of covers is a great way to make that go away. You won't be reminded that you are a bad driver every time you walk up to your vehicle and your insurance company will never have to know.
Who makes them? Putco, Auto Ventshade, and Action Artistry are some of the most popular manufacturers. GM, Ford, Mopar, and Toyota all make mirror covers or overlays if you want to stay with an OE product.
Where can you get mirror covers? Most any automotive aftermarket accessory store like Cabelas or Jegs should have them on the shelf. You can order them on-line from hundreds of etailers.
Are mirror covers available for my vehicle? Probably. To find out, just search for them on-line. Search for Chevy HHR chrome mirror covers or Dodge Ram chrome mirror covers or whatever vehicle you have and chrome mirror covers.
What do I need to know before I get ready to purchase a set? You need to know the year, make, and model of your vehicle. If there are any special options on your exterior rear view mirrors it would be good to have that knowledge. My vehicle has exterior accent lights in the bottom of the mirrors that come on when the engine is off and you shut the doors. They stay on for about a minute then shut off. Turn signals are option available on exterior mirrors. Before you make a purchase give your mirrors a once over and become familiar with them and you won't have any problems.
There are many aftermarket automotive accessories that install with adhesive like door handle covers, rocker panel covers, head light and tail light trim rings and covers, and brake light covers. This installation process works for all of them. So go crazy and customize your ride. Here's an interesting article with pictures on a Ford F150 we put chrome accessories on.
