AutoTipPro

A broken sun visor can be a real pain, especially when you’re driving in the hot sun. But before you go to the car dealership and spend a fortune on a replacement, try fixing it yourself. This can save you a lot of money and give you a sense of satisfaction knowing you did it yourself.

In this article, we’ll cover the common causes of sun visor problems and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.

Why is My Sun Visor Broken?

There are a few reasons why your sun visor might be broken. The most common reasons include:

• The visor is loose or detached from the mounting bracket. This can be caused by wear and tear on the plastic clips or screws that hold the visor in place.
• The visor is cracked or broken. This can happen if the visor is subjected to a strong impact, such as a car accident.
• The visor doesn’t fully extend or retract. This is often caused by a problem with the spring or hinge mechanism.

How to Fix a Sun Visor in Your Car

Now let’s dive into some practical solutions for fixing your sun visor.

Fixing a Loose or Detached Visor

What you need:

• Screwdriver
• New clips or screws (if needed)
• A small pry tool
• Optional: Super glue

Steps:

1. Inspect the mounting brackets: Start by carefully looking at the mounting brackets on the side of the sun visor. If the visor is loose or detached, check if the mounting bracket is broken.
2. Remove the sun visor: If the visor is loose, you may be able to simply pull it down and remove it. However, if it’s secured with clips or screws, you’ll need to carefully remove them using a screwdriver.
3. Tighten or replace the screws or clips: Once you’ve removed the sun visor, inspect the screws or clips that hold it in place. If they are loose, tighten them using a screwdriver. If they are broken or damaged, replace them with new ones.
4. Check for damaged plastic: If the plastic clips are broken or damaged, you might be able to repair them using super glue. Apply a small amount of glue to the broken areas and allow it to dry completely before reattaching the visor.
5. Reattach the sun visor: Once you’ve tightened or replaced the screws or clips, gently reattach the sun visor to the mounting brackets.

Pro Tip: If you are having trouble removing the sun visor, you can use a small pry tool to help you get it loose. Be careful not to damage the visor or the surrounding trim.

Repairing a Cracked or Broken Visor

Unfortunately, a cracked or broken sun visor is usually a sign that it needs to be replaced. If the crack is minor, you could try patching it using epoxy or plastic welding. But, for a more secure fix, it’s best to replace the visor altogether.

What you need:

• Replacement sun visor

Steps:

1. Remove the old sun visor: Follow the instructions from the previous section to remove the old sun visor.
2. Install the new sun visor: Align the new sun visor with the mounting brackets and reattach it using the screws or clips.

Fixing a Sun Visor That Won’t Extend or Retract

What you need:

• Screwdriver
• Lubricating spray

Steps:

1. Remove the sun visor: Remove the sun visor from the mounting brackets.
2. Inspect the spring and hinge mechanism: Look for any damage or wear and tear on the spring or hinge mechanism. If the spring is broken, you’ll need to replace it.
3. Lubricate the mechanism: If the spring is still intact, apply a small amount of lubricating spray to the hinge mechanism to reduce friction and help it move more smoothly.
4. Reattach the sun visor: Once you’ve lubricated the mechanism, gently reattach the sun visor to the mounting brackets.

Pro Tip: If you are having trouble extending or retracting the sun visor, try gently pushing or pulling it to see if it will move. If it doesn’t move, the spring mechanism may be broken and you will need to replace it.

“I’ve fixed many sun visors in my career as a mechanic, and I always recommend checking the spring first.” – John Smith, Certified Mechanic

Conclusion

Fixing a sun visor in your car can be a simple task, but it’s important to be careful and take your time. By following the steps outlined above, you can save yourself a trip to the dealership and a lot of money.

If you’re still having trouble fixing your sun visor, or if you have any other automotive questions, feel free to contact us!

AutoTipPro
+1 (641) 206-8880
500 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

FAQ

Q: Can I use duct tape to fix a cracked sun visor?

A: While duct tape can temporarily hold a cracked sun visor together, it’s not a permanent solution.

Q: What if the screws are stripped?

A: If the screws are stripped, you can try using a screw extractor to remove them. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the mounting brackets.

Q: Is it safe to drive with a broken sun visor?

A: While it’s not illegal to drive with a broken sun visor, it can be a safety hazard. A broken sun visor can obstruct your view, making it more difficult to drive safely.

Q: How much does a new sun visor cost?

A: The cost of a new sun visor can vary depending on the make and model of your car. You can find new sun visors online or at your local auto parts store.

Q: Can I fix a sun visor with a broken hinge?

A: A broken hinge is a common problem for sun visors. You can try to fix the hinge by using epoxy glue or a plastic welding kit. However, it’s usually easier and more effective to replace the entire sun visor.