MINI Cooper Car Exterior Mirrors
The side-view mirrors on your MINI Cooper are accessories that play a vital role in helping you stay safe while driving on busy roads. These Mini Cooper parts allow you to check your cars blind spots and make sure the lane next to you is empty before you make your move. However, you may find that you have to replace one or both mirrors at some point, and if this is the case, you can use this guide to help you get started with finding the right MINI mirror.
What are the differences between Cooper manual and power mirrors?While the main function of both types of mirrors is to let you see what is in your blind spot, both manual and power MINI exterior mirrors work differently:
- Manual: Manual mirrors do not connect to your MINI Coopers power source. These parts have remotes installed in the front doors that allow you to adjust the mirrors from the inside. They can also fold toward the MINI Cooper depending on the model, although they must be folded by hand when you are parked. While there are few if any other features available for these types of mirrors, they are extremely reliable and will still work even if your MINI Cooper loses power.
- Power: These side mirrors offer a wide variety of features and functions that can include heat, memory settings, signal lights, and electric folding. These parts are able to offer these functions as they connect to your MINI Coopers power source once they are installed. These extra features can make driving safer for you, especially if you live in an area that experiences frost, snow, or other inclement weather.
There are three main types of auto glass that are found in exterior side-view mirrors for your Cooper. These glass types include:
- Flat glass: This type of glass does not distort the image of what is going on in your blind spot. As such, this is the type of glass that is found in most drivers side mirrors.
- Convex glass: This glass has a slight curve to increase the viewing angle for the driver. This type of glass is usually found in the passengers side-view mirror. The curvature of the glass can make some objects appear farther away than they actually are.
- Tinted glass: Some side-view mirrors have tinted glass. The colors used to tint the glass include blue, gray, brown, and other colors.
Painted or textured side-view mirrors refer to the finish of the mirror housing.
- Painted: These mirrors have finishes that match or accent your MINI Coopers paint job. Before they can be painted, the mirrors may have to primed and sanded for the paint to stick. However, if they are properly painted, the mirrors can look like they came with the car.
- Textured: Mirrors that have a textured surface are not designed to be painted. They usually come in black, but they may come in other colors depending on the manufacturer. These mirrors may accent your MINI Coopers paint job without necessarily matching it.