Skip to content

Car Side Mirror Vibrating? Common Causes and Easy Fixes

car not starting in winter

Vibration in the car’s side mirror is not common and can cause safety problems. If the car’s side mirror (external mirror) vibrates while driving, you should consider consulting a professional. A car’s side mirror vibrating can cause a blurry reflection that can be dangerous while driving on the road. There can be various reasons for a vibrating car side mirror. A professional will help you diagnose the right cause for this problem and offer an appropriate solution. However, having an idea about what causes vibration in the car mirror and its easy fixes will help you resolve the issue at the earliest, or contact a professional if needed:


Common causes of a car’s side mirror vibrating 

There are various causes behind a vibrating car side mirror. Here are some of them:

Mirror-specific causes

Among various reasons for the car’s side mirror vibrating, there are some mirror-specific causes. Here, we will discuss these reasons in detail:

A. Worn pivot joint 

The internal or pivot joint in a car mirror helps in adjusting the mirror if needed. The pivot joint can wear out as time passes. A worn pivot joint can cause the car’s side mirror to droop or vibrate. Replacing the worn-out pivot joint can resolve this issue.

B. Loose mirror assembly

The assembly of the car’s side mirror can also become loose. For example, the adhesive that holds the mirror glass to the backing plate can fail. Also, the screw at the base of a car’s side mirror can become loose. These can make the mirror glass shake or look wobbly.

C. Loose electrical connections

Some car side mirrors are electric-powered. And if the wiring is broken or the motor malfunctions, the mirror can stop working properly or vibrate while driving. Loose electrical connections are a common reason for the car side mirror vibrating.



Wheel-related and other mechanical causes

brake pad replacement

Other than mirror-specific causes for car side mirror vibrating, there are also wheel- or suspension-related reasons for this issue:

A. Worn suspension part

A worn suspension part is one of the most important reasons for a vibrating car side mirror. Bushings and other suspension components, when worn out, can cause car vibration that also affects the car’s side mirror.

B. Unbalanced wheel

Car wheels can become unbalanced over time. When car wheels are not properly balanced, they can  cause vibration throughout the car, including the car side mirror. An unbalanced wheel can cause the car’s side mirror to vibrate while driving.

C. Misaligned wheels

Misaligned wheels are also a common reason for a car side mirror vibrating while driving. Misaligned wheels not only cause car side mirror vibration but also car vibration. Addressing this issue is essential, as it can be damaging to the car.

D. CV joint issues

Problems in the CV joint or axles can also contribute to the cause of the car side mirror vibration. These factors cause the mirror to shake or vibrate while driving, especially when the car is driven at a higher speed.



Engine-related causes

periodic car maintenance 4

There are also engine-related causes for car side mirrors vibrating. Two such reasons are

A. Engine resonance 

Engine resonance is when the car engine’s rotation or combustion resonates with the frequency of the vehicle’s other components, especially when driving at a higher speed. Engine resonance can also cause a car side mirror vibration. Avoiding harsh driving can help in case of engine resonance.

B. Clogged fuel or air filters

If the air or fuel filter in the car engine gets clogged, it can cause your car side mirror to vibrate or shake while driving. Regularly inspecting the car engine is essential. It helps you avoid a clogged fuel or air filter, reducing the chances of the car side mirror vibrating.



Easy fixes for a vibrating car side mirror

car maintence checklist

As we have already discussed, the common causes for a shaking or vibrating car side mirror while driving are. It is time to learn about the easy ways to fix these problems. Here are some easy fixes for a car side mirror vibrating:

A. Read here the mirror glass

In most cases, the failure of the adhesive that holds the mirror glass to its backing plate causes the mirror to vibrate. In such a scenario, one must use an adhesive to re-adhere the mirror glass. One can use double-sided tape, epoxy, or automotive-grade adhesive for this reason. You can also take professional help to re-adhere the mirror glass.

B. Tighten the mount

If the car side mirror mount becomes loose, it can cause car side mirror vibration. Usually, there are fasteners on the car door panel. Tightening them can help you secure the mount of the car side mirror. Opt for professional help if you are not confident about doing this work on your own.

C. Check wheel balance

Wheel balance and alignment are essential for your car to perform properly. Unbalanced and misaligned wheels can also cause your car side mirror to vibrate while driving. Regularly check the car wheel balance and alignment with the help of professionals. Also, align and balance the wheels if they are misaligned or unbalanced. 

Finally, checking for these signs in your car and addressing them is crucial to addressing car side mirror vibrating issues. Sometimes, fixing a vibrating car side mirror is not easy for an individual who is not an expert. Regularly get your car inspected by professionals to understand the reasons behind the car side mirror vibration and fix them.



Conclusion

Vibrating a side motor of your car can indicate various underlying reasons, including wheel-related issues, engine-related issues, a worn-out pivot joint, and more. Also, leaving it untreated can cause serious damage to the car’s health. So, if you can get a quality repair of a car side motor vibrating, visit Viswakarma Automobiles immediately.