Automatic functions
One of the best things about the Tesla mirror is the number of automatic features. If you're tired of constantly repositioning your mirrors to get the perfect view, you should definitely invest in a Tesla. Here are some of the features you can find on a Tesla.
Automatic folding
Automatic folding is a feature now available in many cars. It's been around for a while, but Tesla has really revolutionized the concept. In Model 3, the exterior mirrors automatically fold whenever you step out and lock your car. And they unfold when you unlock it.
To activate this feature, follow these steps:
- Select Touch controls on the screen
- Tap Quick Controls
- Tap Mirrors
- Tap Mirror Auto Fold
Automatic folding according to position
The side mirrors can also fold automatically depending on their position. It's a neat feature that saves you from manually folding or unfolding the mirrors in different places. For example, you won't have to reach into tight parking spaces for the mirror and fold it down.
To set up automatic folding, you need:
- Slow the car to less than 3 mph or 5 km/h. Since your vehicle needs to remember this place, it's even better if you can stop in place for a few seconds.
- From the Tesla screen, select Touch Controls
- Tap Quick Controls
- Tap Mirrors
- Select Always fold mirrors at this position.
Each time you reach this location, your Tesla will remember the setting and fold or unfold within 25 feet (7,5 meters) of your destination.
You can also use Tesla mirrors with HomeLink by following these steps:
- Select Touch Controls from the screen
- Selecting HomeLinks
- Tap Auto Fold Mirrors.
Automatic tilt
Don't you wish your side mirrors could tilt down and assist you when reversing? Well, Tesla mirrors can do just that. They tilt down when reversing and return to their original position when changing gears.
To use this feature, follow these steps:
- Select Touch Controls
- Tap Quick Controls
- Tap Mirrors
- Tap Auto Tilt Gauge.
Auto dimming
It always annoys me when my mirrors are flooded with lights from the car behind me. This problem does not exist in a Tesla. Under certain conditions, the mirrors automatically dim to reduce glare.
Simply put, the auto-dimming feature automatically dims the mirror when certain conditions like bright headlights or direct sunlight hit it. Because of this, the amount of glare reflected by the mirror is significantly reduced.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors reduce driver distraction and allow you to concentrate on driving. Also, this feature reduces the number of times you need to adjust the mirrors while driving.
To use this feature, follow these steps:
- From the touchscreen, select Touch Controls
- Tap Quick Controls
- Tap Mirrors
- Select Mirror Auto Dim
You can read more about it in this article.
Tesla mirror adjustment
Adjusting the mirrors on your Tesla is easy. For the wing mirrors, all you have to do is follow the steps below:
- Select the mirror icon in the quick controls.
- Use the left scroll button on the steering wheel to select the mirror you want to adjust, left or right.
- Use the same scroll button to adjust.
- To move it up or down, slide the same scroll button accordingly.
- To move it in or out, rotate the scroll button left or right accordingly.
Fixing the Tesla mirror
The Tesla mirror is just like any other mirror except for its features and the number of wiring harnesses inside. So unlike other mirrors, if your Tesla's wiring becomes damaged, it may need to be replaced with a new one.
For other types of damages, you can quickly fix them yourself or take the help of a guide or forums like Reddit and Tesla Owners Online.
How to troubleshoot your Tesla rearview mirror
To repair the rear view mirror, the following steps must be followed:
- Remove the ring from the circular prongs attached to the ball on the mirror holder. You can use pliers or a screwdriver.
- Put it over the ball and then push the mirror into the ball until it is reattached. You may need to put some force into it.
- Put the ring back in its original place.
How to fix a detached Tesla side mirror?
Fixing a detached side mirror isn't a big deal in a regular car. However, on a Tesla, that can be quite a task. First, you need to see what has come off. Depending on this, you must take the necessary measures.
If the mirror cap or chrome base is detached, you can replace it with a new one. Contact Tesla customer support and they will guide you. They also have experts who will fix the mirror for you.
Why are Tesla mirrors so dark?
Tesla mirrors appear so dark because they don't reflect much light from the sun. That's what auto-dimming does: it blocks high-intensity glare or light reflected from other cars, so it makes driving safer and more enjoyable for those on the road.
Auto-dimming mirrors can make a big difference on a typical day with bright sunlight, bright headlights, and dense traffic. However, that doesn't mean they're without risk, as they can interfere with your visual perception of the road behind you.
However, if the mirror automatically dims when you don't need this feature, you can easily turn off the mirror dimmer.
How do you turn off a Tesla Mirror dimmer?
As I mentioned, there are instances where you might find the auto-dimming feature inconvenient or inconvenient. In these cases, turning off the dimmer requires you to follow the same steps as you would when turning it on, but deselecting the automatic mirror dimming at the last step.
To turn off the mirror dimmer on your Tesla, do the following:
- Select Touch Controls
- Tap Quick Controls
- Tap Mirrors
- Use the left scroll button on the steering wheel to select the mirror you want to adjust, left or right.
- Select Turn off to turn off automatic dimming
How to turn on a Tesla heated mirror
- Open your Tesla app
- Tap Weather
- Select Air Conditioning.
Alternatively, you can turn on the heated mirrors by activating the rear defogger from the touchscreen. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Tap the temperature controls icon at the bottom of the screen
- Tap the power button to activate climate controls
- Tap the rear defrost button (it's located just below the power button)
Replacement price of a Tesla mirror
The cost of replacing a mirror on any Tesla model really depends on what you're trying to fix. If you are looking to replace the mirror cap or chrome base, it can cost you around $300. Professional fees for fixing the parts can run up to around $150.
Replacing the entire mirror with a new one can cost somewhere around $700 for one mirror. The rear view mirror could be a little less. There is an excellent Tesla Motors Club discussion on this.
If you would like to find more valuable information on Tesla forums, such as the Tesla Motors Club, check out this article to find the best Tesla forum.
How do you remove a Tesla mirror cap?
To remove the mirror cap on your Tesla, do the following:
- Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the screw holding the side mirror cover down.
- Use your fingers to pop the cover out of its frame.
Done! Now you can replace the mirror cover with a new one or clean the mirror itself.
How do you replace the side mirror on a Tesla?
In some cases, the mirror may need to be replaced, which is not difficult for a Tesla. You can do it yourself without breaking the bank.
Here's how to replace the wing mirror on a Tesla in 4 easy steps:
- Remove the mirror cap
- Remove the screws
- Remove the old mirror
- Install the replacement mirror
1. Remove the mirror cap
The first step is to remove the cap covering the mirror. To do this, you have to detach the cap cover using a flathead screwdriver.
Caution: When removing the cap, do not use force. Try to gently pull it out as you would a ring stuck on your finger. Otherwise, you may crack or break the mirror.
2. Remove the screws
After removing the cap, you need to undo the screws holding the mirror in place. To do this, remove the brackets that keep the mirror attached to the structure or body of your car. You can find screws on both sides of the mirror.
3. Remove the old mirror
After all screws have been removed, the mirror can be removed. To do this, gently pull on the mirror base until it releases from the brackets. Next, detach the wires from behind and pull out any additional fasteners once the mirror is detached. Be as gentle as possible to avoid breaking the cord.
4. Install the replacement mirror
Once the old mirror has been removed, it's time to affix a replacement. Connect the wires or fasteners that held your old mirror in place to the new one. Then, secure everything using screws and brackets.
Now all you have to do is put on the cap and you're done.
Caution: Avoid overtightening the mirror. A misaligned mirror will not look good and may even interfere with visibility and the defogger's ability to properly heat the mirror.
Also, make sure the replacement mirror is the correct model for your Tesla. You can find this information by comparing the replacement mirror packaging with information about your current mirror. If you have lost the original, contact your dealer or manufacturer to find the best replacement for your model.
