So my driver side mirror got cracked last week and of course the dealership wants $300 for a new one. Nah, screw that. I remember seeing those cheap reflective films online and figured I’d give ‘em a shot before dumping cash.
The Hunt Begins
Drove straight to the auto parts store after work. Grabbed the first mirror film I saw – some $8 generic roll. Got home, cleaned the mirror real good with rubbing alcohol like the package said. Cut the film roughly with scissors, pressed it on… and it looked like absolute dog crap. Air bubbles everywhere, edges peeling up like old wallpaper. Lasted two days before it curled into a sad little tube. Trash.
Round Two: Slightly Less Cheap
Ordered a “premium” $12 kit online that swore it was bubble-free. This one came with a squeegee and a spray bottle. Sprayed the adhesive side, slapped it on the passenger mirror. Used the squeegee like my life depended on it. Looked okay… until the next morning. Sun baked it overnight and suddenly it looked like a wrinkled prune. Threw the leftover roll in the garage junk drawer.
Third Time’s the Charm (Kinda)
Almost gave up, but spotted a $15 “cut-to-fit” film at the hardware store. Different approach this time:
- Measured the mirror with a tape measure like my grandpa taught me.
- Traced the shape on the film’s backing paper with a marker.
- Cut way slow with a fresh razor blade – no rushing.
- Misted the mirror surface AND the film adhesive side. Slippery as hell.
- Slid it into place, used the squeegee from top to bottom, working out bubbles like I was ironing a shirt.
Had to peel it back twice when I spotted dust specks. Dried overnight. No peeling, no major wrinkles. Still holding up after two weeks of rain and sun. It’s not OEM-clear, has a slight blue tint, but hell, I see cars behind me just fine. Total win for fifteen bucks.
Lessons learned? Skip the absolute cheapest crap. Take your damn time measuring and cutting. Water spray is your friend. And patience… yeah, lots of that. Worth the hassle to save $285.
