2004 Toyota Avalon XLS 178,000 miles
I recently noticed that the drivers side mirror glass was abnormal in appearance. As I inspected it it has a discoloration that makes it look amber in color. At first I thought perhaps over time the glass coloration had morphed from age or UV damage but when I compared it to the passenger side mirror, it looks original with no changes. And I noticed also that around the perimeter the of that mirror the glass extends all the way to the edge whereas the oddly tinted drivers side has a shiny black rubber gasket or seal around the perimeter. So it was obviously changed. By whom I don’t know. I just got in the car one morning and noticed it, as if it had been changed overnight. I had in a shop about 6 weeks prior for work to repair an evap leak and leaking power steering hoses. They seem to be a reputable shop specializing in Toyotas and did a lot of maintenance on my car two years ago without incident.(timing belt/water pump, struts x4, brake pads and rotors x4, lower control arms, new radiator and hoses and fuel filter) So it doesn’t seem plausible that they would have damaged and replaced it without informing me, plus it would be odd that it would have taken 6 weeks for me to notice.
My second consideration was that someone had damaged their mirror, ordered a replacement and when it arrived they didn’t like the tinted glass and switched it out with mine. But then I thought why would they take the time to install theirs on my car after removing mine risking being detected.
I suppose I may never solve this mystery but I would like to replace the amber colored one for an OEM colored one. Just a clear glass mirror but not one that just sticks on to the current mirror with adhesive pads like I see advertised. I checked car parts.com, autozone, rock auto and parts geek without success so I may have to check the local stealership unless you boys have a solution. Thank you.
it has a discoloration that makes it look amber in color.
Maybe there is some algae or something inside that is tinting reflected light?
The first link which you so kindly provided was for the complete side mirror assembly.
I am aware. I provided it in the event it was the only option that works.
The second link for the mirror only I did see previously but they are attached with adhesive pads which I was trying to avoid. For some reason I thought they would not be of the same quality as a mirror that attached as the OEM one does. Perhaps not as solid and prone to warping and distortion. Have you had any experience with the stick-on type?
OK I couldn't tell from the product images. I don't see any reason why the adhesive ones can't work. Provided the glass is thick enough, it shouldn't distort. Especially on a plastic backing. Seems like an economical option. I do not have experience though. When someone shattered my mirror 8 years ago, I replaced it with one that included the backing plate ( https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6102570&cc=3294165&pt=6484&jsn=2). The brand is K-Source. You might try contacting them: https://www.ksource.org/
By the way my mirror is not heated nor is it self dimming. Thank you.
A heated replacement should still work if needed. Maybe it could even be an upgrade.
glass mirrors don't really degrade that way. I've never seen glass yellow over time.
Do you have a photo?
I checked... rock auto ... without success
I had success
@imperator Thanks Joe.
The first link which you so kindly provided was for the complete side mirror assembly.
The second link for the mirror only I did see previously but they are attached with adhesive pads which I was trying to avoid. For some reason I thought they would not be of the same quality as a mirror that attached as the OEM one does. Perhaps not as solid and prone to warping and distortion. Have you had any experience with the stick-on type?
By the way my mirror is not heated nor is it self dimming. Thank you.
Just replace the whole mirror its not very difficult to do you can get them just about anywhere even matching colors...
