Pontiac Grand Am Side View Mirrors

Without the use of a side view mirror (or mirrors) the simple act of changing lanes becomes a high risk driving maneuver. Statistically, if your side view mirror is missing, broken, cracked, or the glass is distorted the odds of being involved in an automobile accident are much greater.

What, exactly is a side view mirror?
The side view mirror is attached to the outside of the front passenger compartment door/s. Most late model vehicles are equipped with left and right side view mirrors but many older vehicles had only a driver‘s mirror. The mirrors are mounted inside a housing of either plastic or metal. The housing may have a chrome, black, or vehicle color finish on the outside. The mirror itself is attached to the housing in such a way as to be adjustable. The housing is typically bolted to the door, using studs and nuts accessible with the door open. In some applications the door panel will need to be removed, some will have an access cover over the attaching hardware. The driver (when seated comfortably in the driver’s seat) should be able to adjust the mirror/s in order to observe vehicles parked (or approaching) from the rear and along the left rear and right rear sides.

What do I need to know about before ordering a used side view mirror?
Let’s start with the vehicle make and model (and don’t forget left or right side). We are dealing with a Pontiac Grand Am, so we need to know what year the vehicle is, whether it is equipped with two or four doors, and what model it is (GT, SE, etc.) The model should determine the mirror housing’s outside finish but always be prepared to answer questions concerning the finish, anyway. On the Pontiac Grand Am the choices should be black or body paint color. If your mirror housing is body paint color and you want to attempt to purchase a mirror of the same color have your vehicle paint color code in hand when ordering. You should find the body paint color code on the vehicle option code label; a white sticker (normally on the spare tire cover). If you are attempting to order a mirror glass only ask if this option is applicable to this model first, as this will negate the need to specify color, code, etc. You need to know if your mirror is electrically adjustable, manually adjustable, or cable adjustable. If you mirror is heated or equipped with a turn signal indicator it should be evident when looking at the glass.