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Let’s be honest, few Australian vehicle standards are more straightforward than the guidance on side mirrors. That’s because they’re critical articles of safety equipment that, barring few exceptions, are mandatory accessories in every state and territory in the country. Their importance is quickly overshadowed by the fact that they’re common casualties of their surroundings.
Errant tree branches, careless pedestrians and even unscrupulous electronics thieves are all capable of cracking, damaging or ripping away unsuspecting side mirrors. And as driving a car or truck with a broken mirror would mean an instant defect during a roadside inspection, vehicle owners need to know that OE-fitting replacements are readily available through the aftermarket and that they won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Affordable Aftermarket Mirrors For Ford’s Finest Automobiles
The replacement Ford mirror assemblies are in such high demand with both DIY, and professional panel beaters for their high quality and affordable price. OE-quality, Australian-made aftermarket Ford mirrors are model-specific replacements for damaged or inoperative factory side mirrors, and are direct bolt-ons for some of their most common models manufactured between 1994 and 2015, including:
- Falcon AUs, BAs, BFs, and FGs;
- Falcon EF and EL sedan wagons;
- Fiesta WSs and WTs;
- Fairlane NF-NLs and DF-DL LTDs;
- Ranger PJs and PKs, and Mazda BT50s;
- Ranger PX utes, and Falcon XH utes; and,
- Transit VHs, VJs, and VMs.
Premium quality left- and right-hand replacement Ford mirrors are built to the same dimensions and specs, and are engineered to perform exactly like OE mirrors. And where offered as options on specific models, they also feature active auto folding, electric lenses and turn indicators that are exact matches for Ford’s own factory pin-outs and wiring.
Aftermarket Mirrors Built Around Compliance and Compatibility
Make no mistake: while cost is certainly a consideration when it’s time to replace a broken or malfunctioning mirror, compliance and compatibility are really the main issues. There’s always a risk of serviceability problems with “as-is”, no-warranty wrecking yard mirrors. And poorly manufactured aftermarket mirrors are notorious for defective swivel joints that are prone to fitting poorly and shaking at highway speeds. These aren’t worries that car owners have to confront with high quality, Australian-made Ford aftermarket mirrors, though.
Safety is the reason that compliance and compatibility are so important. Premium materials, together with convex lenses capable of providing a viewing field of up to 45 degrees are why top quality replacement mirrors for Ford cars and trucks are so highly revered. Process and quality control make all the difference where safety is concerned, which is why every premium replacement mirror for Ford vehicles is manufactured with the following features:
- ADR-approved, and E-Mark certified convex tempered glass lenses;
- UV-resistant, OE-quality ABS and polycarbonate housing materials; and,
- Durable, DC powered folding and auto tilting motors for precise lens adjustments.
Together with their special reflective and tinted lens coatings, premium quality aftermarket mirrors for Ford cars and trucks are designed to affordably fit and perform to the same exact standards as their OE equivalents. And with a choice of either primer grey, or chrome, aluminium, or black finished covers, replacement Ford mirrors for sale are also designed to look as good as originals.
Recognising the Risks of Driving With Defective Mirrors
In Australia, ADR 14 prescribes the standards for all indirect vision devices like high resolution camera and digital display systems. The truth, however, is that while there’s nothing cutting edge about classic side mirrors, they’re still considered the most reliable method of rearward viewing.
That’s because while everything from bad weather to poor driver depth perception can skew the effectiveness of camera views and sensor readings, side mirrors always provide real-time, zero latency viewing that leaves no room for misperception. Real-time visibility means recognising that even a cracked or hazed lens can leave a driver at a severe visibility handicap, with implications that could include:
- An inability to gauge the speed and distance of vehicles approaching from the rear;
- A dramatically reduced field of vision when it comes to vehicles moving in and out of blind spots; and,
- Reduced visibility for safely backing up or changing lanes.
A broken side mirror also runs the possibility of falling off of a vehicle, and causing an accident that understandably wouldn’t be covered by insurance. That alone makes looking into an affordable, high quality replacement a smart decision by any measure.
The Final Word
OE-quality replacement Ford mirror assemblies are the cost-savers that owners need when it’s time to change mirrors. They deliver everything that Ford owners expect, but at a fraction of the price.
At the end of the day, as tempting as it is to ignore damaged side mirrors, the risks associated with continuing to drive with one is too great to ignore. And for Ford owners in particular – while the cost of purchasing new mirrors through OE channels can be prohibitive, it’s good to know that there are aftermarket models of equal quality and functionality available right here in Australia.
