What material is the rearview mirror housing of the car made of?
The material of the car reversing mirror (i.e., the external rearview mirror) shell is not a single type. Instead, it is made of various engineering plastics or composite materials based on the vehicle model's positioning, cost control, and functional requirements. The mainstream materials focus on factors such as weather resistance, impact resistance, and processing performance.
Main material types
ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer): This is the most widely used basic material, featuring high strength, good toughness, and ease of injection molding. Most mid-range and low-end models use ABS or its modified versions, adding weather-resistant agents to enhance UV resistance to cope with the environment of sun exposure and rain.
ASA (Acrylate-Styrene-Acrylonitrile Copolymer): It performs exceptionally well in terms of weather resistance, especially suitable for high-end models. The acrylate component in its molecular structure can effectively resist ultraviolet rays, and it is less prone to fading and cracking under long-term exposure to the sun, making it a common material for rearview mirror shells of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
PC/ASA Alloy: Combining the high impact resistance of polycarbonate (PC) with the excellent weather resistance of ASA, its heat deformation temperature can reach 130°C, balancing strength and durability, and is often used for models with higher performance requirements.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): It is often used as the elastic covering layer or auxiliary material of the shell, providing better resistance to bumps and shock absorption, while also having the characteristics of being environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
PA (Polyamide): It has outstanding strength and toughness, often used in areas with high requirements for structural rigidity. Some models may use PA + GF (Glass Fiber Reinforced) to enhance dimensional stability and heat resistance.
Carbon Fiber: Commonly found in high-performance cars or modified parts, it has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, a fashionable appearance, strong resistance to bumps, and is usually treated with surface glue to enhance safety. It is often made of ABS + PC industrial materials, achieving a metallic texture through processes such as sandblasting and triple nickel electroplating, combining beauty with durability.
Metal Materials: Some high-end models may use metal chrome shells, with the base material mostly being ABS + PC industrial materials, achieved through processes such as sandblasting, triple nickel electroplating to achieve a metallic texture, combining beauty and durability. Summary
At present, the majority of car reversing mirror housings on the market are made of engineering plastics such as ABS, ASA or PC/ASA alloys. Among them, ASA is increasingly widely used in mid-to-high-end models due to its excellent weather resistance. The material selection balances cost, safety, aesthetics and durability, ensuring that the rearview mirror can work stably for a long time under various climatic conditions.
If the car reversing mirror housing is damaged, depending on the degree of damage, there are several ways to handle it. You can choose the most suitable solution based on the actual situation:
Minor damage (such as small cracks, scratches or a small piece falling off)
If the housing only has minor cracks, scratches or a small piece fallen off and does not affect the adjustment and field of vision of the mirror, you can try temporary repair:
Use special glue: such as AB glue or UV invisible glue. Clean the crack and stick it after cleaning, the cost is about 20-50 yuan, but the strength is limited and it may crack again in the long term.
Apply tape or plastic film: Use transparent tape or double-sided adhesive to cover the damaged area to prevent water from seeping in, it is only an emergency measure.
Repair with paint pen: If the paint surface is， you can use a paint pen of the same color as the car to apply， to improve the appearance.
Note： These methods cannot restore the original strength， it is not recommended to use them for a long time， especially in high-speed driving or bumpy sections， there may be safety hazards.
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