Windshield Repair Forum

Use a mirror every time, air is often trapped just under the injector on small or large damages and I want to see it. Drystar how without seeing the quality of my repairs do you know yours are as good, or maybe as bad?

From experience I have found that repairs done without the use of a mirror in lots of cases tend not to be so well done as those with. Now you guys not using one may feel different but that is my opinion.

Surely you guys would agree that inspecting the damage whilst injecting is easier and better with a mirror behind, without one you are just guessing as seeing black against the dark background of most vehicle interiors is not easy.

Honestly,

My own opinion. No the mirror isn't what's going to make a "Quality Repair" however it can aid in ensuring that the break is completely filled with lesser air and other unspken things from a different angle! I truly enjoy using the mirror and advise anyone to do so!

JMHO

Mirror, mirror on the windshield,
Who does the best repairs in the field,
The people who use mirrors....that's for sure.

The use of a mirror will also give you a different viewpoint if you angle it right. I use a mirror on my retail customers and if the fleet account car is unlocked. I do most of the car lots without a mirror without a mirror.. To see if the repair is filled properly I will have to slide the injector to get a view the run a few more vacs just to get were I left off....
If I think the repair does need a mirror on a locked car instead of walking across the lot, I will use my lock out tools to get in the car.
I was a cert locksmith yrs back for a short time.... I also do lockouts for my accounts that do lock the keys in their cars by accident.... Free service to them..
Also for folks in the parking lots I am in. Verified ownership of cars only.

You guys that dont use a mirror act like it is just too much work and takes way too much time to use a mirror...I can't understand that....I mean I would estimate that attaching and detaching a mirror would take all of 5 seconds. I can't imagine being so busy that I just couldnt spare a few seconds to attach a mirror but ok.

Puka pau,

I'm always interested in reading other techs opinions but when you mention a method I and many others use as a "crutch", well that just puts a sour taste in my mouth!

The only disadvantage, I can think of, when using a mirror, may happen when working on a car lot and having to source keys to open the vehicles.

screenman wrote:Use a mirror every time, air is often trapped just under the injector on small or large damages and I want to see it. Drystar how without seeing the quality of my repairs do you know yours are as good, or maybe as bad?

From experience I have found that repairs done without the use of a mirror in lots of cases tend not to be so well done as those with. Now you guys not using one may feel different but that is my opinion.

Surely you guys would agree that inspecting the damage whilst injecting is easier and better with a mirror behind, without one you are just guessing as seeing black against the dark background of most vehicle interiors is not easy.

Screenman,

I don't think I made any reference to the quality of your repairs using a mirror as apposed to me not using one. If I did please copy and post it and I'll send an apology. Don't think you'll find one though.

A mirror is simply used to reflect an image. That same image I acquire while looking inside the shield during a repair. My preference is to do that. May not be yours which is OK and I respect that. Kinda like brushing your teeth. Some like using electric tooth brushes while others prefer it simple. Both can achieve the same results if done properly.

As far as my Windshield Repair Olympics comment I wasn't there to witness as to who used mirrors during repair or who didn't. Second hand information was that most didn't. SGT could probably share more on this, seeing he won gold.

Didn't post for a cat fight, just was curious as to how many still used mirrors in the process. I do not and my repairs haven't changed at all since not using it. Peace out guys!

Mirror all the way for OBVIOUS good reasons, unless the vehicle is locked. My mirror also has slight magnification. Also for OBVIOUS reasons. The bottom line is this........in some instances with severe or unique damages you really need the added visual perspective that a mirror gives you.

Drystar,
"Managed to get everybody on fire this evening! Love the input even though I don't need a mirror to provide the same repair results as your providing."