Dealing with a sagging sun visor can be frustrating, especially when it blocks your vision while driving. Fortunately, fixing a loose or broken sun visor is often a simple and inexpensive task that you can tackle yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair a sagging sun visor, whether it’s attached with a fixed mount or a swivel mount.
Identifying the Type of Sun Visor Mount
Before you begin the repair process, it’s important to identify the type of sun visor mount in your car. Sun visors are typically attached using one of two methods:
- Fixed Mount: A fixed mount features a straight bar across the roof of your car with a clip on which the visor is secured on one end. This allows you to swing the visor up and down and dislocate one corner to rotate the visor and block incoming light from the windows.
- Swivel Mount: A swivel mount holds the visor in place with a single swivel bar on the outside corner of a car’s roof and a single clip for the opposite end of the visor to hold it in place when it’s not in use. Swivel mounts allow for greater range of motion and more effective glare blocking.
Repairing a Loose Sun Visor with a Fixed Mount
If your sun visor is attached with a fixed mount and it’s not staying in place, the issue is likely with the clips on the mounting bar that hold the visor in place. Here’s how to fix it:
- Locate the screws holding the mounting bar to the roof of your car.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten all of the screws securely. Be careful not to overtighten them, as this could damage the threads or the mounting bar.
- Check the visor clips to ensure they are holding the visor firmly in place. If the clips have widened over time, you can add rubber stripping or caps to the clip to tighten the grip on the visor.
Repairing a Loose Sun Visor with a Swivel Mount
If your sun visor is attached with a swivel mount, the repair process is similar to that of a fixed mount:
- Locate the screws surrounding the swivel mount.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten all of the screws securely. Again, be careful not to overtighten them, as this could make the visor too difficult to adjust.
- You want the screws tight enough to securely hold the visor in place in any position, but not so tightly that you can’t easily adjust the visor while driving.
Replacing a Broken Sun Visor
If your sun visor is completely dislocated due to broken parts or stripped screws, you have a few options:
- Generic Repair Kit: You can pick up a generic sun visor repair kit at most auto supply stores. However, keep in mind that a replacement visor most likely won’t match the other visor in your car.
- Manufacturer Replacement: You can contact a local dealer to order the appropriate replacement for your car’s make and model. This will ensure a perfect fit and color match, but it may be more expensive than a generic replacement.
Remember, the purpose of a visor is to ensure a clear field of vision and glare protection for drivers and passengers. If the visor on the driver’s side falls out of place and blocks your field of vision while driving, you can secure it with tape or remove it completely until you can properly repair it. It’s always best to address loose or broken visors as soon as possible to avoid potential hazards while driving.