Your Renault Master’s mirrors can get easily damaged with contact, and they’re prone to falling off and cracking even in minor accidents. Sometimes, you may only lose the cover of the side mirror, and all the other parts can be intact and fully functional. But other times, you may lose the entire assembly, at which point you’ll have to buy replacement Renault Master mirrors. Either way, you need fully functional side units for your own safety and the safety of everyone you share the road with. When buying replacement mirrors, there are a couple of important things you’ll want to consider in order to make sure you get a functional and suitable replacement that fits your Renault Master.
Nowadays, replacement Renault Master mirrors can come with a wide range of advanced features, such as blind spot detection, built-in turn signals and more. The first step to buying the best one is to figure out what exactly you need to replace. In some cases, all you’ll need to change is the mirror’s glass, which is a simple and cheap fix. If that’s the case, the replacement glass you choose can come either with or without a backing plate. If it includes a backing plate, you’ll only need to take out the old mirror glass and backing plate and install the new piece in its place. It if doesn’t include a backing plate, however, you may need to replace the entire assembly or take a couple of extra steps to install it.
These steps include wearing hand and eye protection when removing the old mirror glass and clearing broken glass pieces off the backing plate with something like a putty knife. Once you’ve done that, clean the mirror base with an ammonia-free window cleaner and remove the old adhesive from the backing plate with the help of a blow-drier. The new glass will probably come with some sort of an adhesive on the back, but you should still add black rubber sealant to guarantee a firm hold. Just be careful to not apply any sealant in the areas where the glass adhesive pads attach to the base of the mirror. Finally, use masking tape to secure the new glass in place while the adhesive sets.
There are two types of replacement mirrors – original equipment replacement and aftermarket ones. Original equipment replacement ones provide the same function and fit as your stock mirrors for a fully-restored, plug-and-play, original equipment-style performance. They are a great solution for customers who want a straightforward, cost-effective alternative that provides the best value. Aftermarket models, on the other hand, provide a custom look and extra features that can range from telescopic and towing mirrors to aerodynamically-designed performance mirrors. When buying aftermarket models, you need to make sure they’re compatible with your vehicle.
Depending on your Renault Master’s model, make and year, its side mirrors can be either manual or electric. Manual ones don’t have any electrical components and you’ll have to adjust them by hand. There are manual remote mirrors that are also electrical component-free, but you can adjust them remotely from the inside of your vehicle, typically through a steel cable that goes through a hole in the door and ends in a small knob, lever or joystick. Electric mirrors, on the other hand, are adjustable with the push of a switch or button inside your vehicle, and many of them come with a variety of functions, such as heated, auto-dimming glass, memory settings, in-built turn signal lights, puddle lights, blind spot detection, etc.
Further, these units can be either foldable or fixed. Most modern vehicles have manual holding mirrors to help you get in and out of tight spots without damaging them, but some models come with an electric folding feature so you can fold them with the push of a button. If you’re frequently towing with your Renault Master, you should consider towing mirrors that typically come with two glasses – one that lets you see the lane right next to you, and the other one that allows you to check on trailers and such. The mirrors can also be telescopic, meaning they extend either manually or electrically to improve your rear field of view.
Lastly, consider their finish. Side mirrors come with a textured, chrome or paint-to-match finish. A textured, polished, chrome or matte finish is recommended if you prefer to bolt your mirror as is. If you want to paint it yourself, you can save a lot of money, but doing so can be a difficult task, especially if your Master’s paint job has faded due to exposure to elements and aging. Professionals can paint the mirror for you, but you’ll need to pay a service fee.
