Many owners Skoda Octavia A7 They strive to give their car a more aggressive and sporty look, without resorting to expensive body tuning. One of the most effective and quickest ways to change the appearance of the machine is installation. mirror-plate. This styling element not only changes the visual perception of the car, making it more monochrome or contrast, but also often serves as protection against small chips and scratches on expensive paint.
Unlike full repainting of mirrors, which requires time, skill and high costs, replacing the overlays takes a matter of minutes. You can choose a matte black gloss that looks great on gray and white bodies, or glossy black, creating the effect of “black mud flaps”. It is important to understand that the correct selection of material and method of attachment directly affects the durability and appearance of the result.
Before you start buying, you need to determine what type of lining is right for your car. The market offers both cheap options made of hard plastic, and expensive products made of carbon or high-quality ABS plastic with a soft coating. An error in selection can cause parts to fall away after the first wash or look unnatural due to poor fitting.
Types of materials and their features
The main criterion for the choice is the material of manufacture. The most common options are ABS plastic and polycarbonate. Cheap pads from hard plastic They often have rough joints and can fade over time under the influence of ultraviolet light, becoming gray and dull. They are only suitable for temporary use or budgetary decisions.
A better option is products from ABS plastic. They have good elasticity, which allows them to fit tightly to the complex curves of the mirror body. Octavia A7. This material is resistant to temperature changes and does not crack even in severe frosts, retaining the original black color for many years.
The most premium choice is considered to be the linings of carbon or carbon-coated. They not only look incredibly stylish, but also have high strength. However, be careful: there are many fakes on the market, where plastic with a taped film is sold under the guise of carbon dioxide. True carbon has a characteristic texture and weight that is markedly different from plastic.
- 🚗 ABS plastic: the perfect balance of price, quality and durability for everyday use.
- 💎 Carbon: the choice for those who are willing to overpay for premium appearance and high strength.
- 🔧 Matte coating: hides small scratches better than gloss, and looks more restrained.
Pay attention to the way you paint. Quality products are not painted in mass, but have an additional layer of varnish. This provides depth of color and shine. If you buy patches in black, make sure that the manufacturer guarantees resistance to burnout, otherwise in a couple of years they will become ugly whitish.
How to fasten: glue or latches?
There are two main methods of fixing linings: on bilateral tape and on standard latches. Option C double-sided tape (usually 3M) is the most common for cars without standard mounts. It provides reliable grip, but requires careful surface preparation.
If your Skoda Octavia A7 equipped with standard mounts (for example, in versions with aerodynamic mirrors), the overlays can be attached to special clips. This is the most reliable option, as it eliminates the risk of peeling off when washing under high pressure. However, such details are more difficult to find, and they are more expensive than analogues on adhesive basis.
When using glue It is important to follow the application technology. Simply sticking a patch on a dirty or dry surface is not enough. It is necessary to degrease the mounting place and warm up both the part and the body of the car. This activates the adhesive layer and will provide maximum adhesion.
- 📏 Accuracy: with the adhesive method, you need to attach the part exactly the first time, since re-adhesiveness will weaken the grip.
- 🌡️ Temperature: the glue is best grasped at temperatures above +15 ° C, in winter a building hair dryer is required.
- 💧 Wash: After installation on Scotch, it is not recommended to wash the machine under high pressure for 48 hours.
- Price
- Durability
- Appearance
- Ease of installation
Preparing the vehicle for installation
The success of the whole operation depends on the quality of preparation for 80%. You cannot miss this stage, otherwise the result will be deplorable. You will need soft rags, alcohol or a special degreasing agent, as well as a building hair dryer. If you plan to remove old pads, stock up on a plastic card or a thin spatula.
The first thing to do is to thoroughly wash and dry the area around the mirrors. Dust and dirt are the main enemies of glue. Then you need to degrease the surface. Use it. Alcohol Or a special anti-silicone. Do not use aggressive solvents that can damage the paint coating of the car.
If you are changing old clothes, act carefully. Heat them with a hair dryer to soften the glue, and slowly plow with a plastic card. Sharp movements can lead to the tearing off of pieces of old paint or damage to the mirror body. If there is glue residue under the old linings, they must be carefully removed without scratching the metal.
⚠️ Note: Do not use metal tools to remove old glue or nozzles! You are guaranteed to scratch the paintwork and the rust will begin to manifest very quickly.
☑️ Preparing for installation
Step-by-step installation instructions
The installation process does not require special skills, but requires patience and accuracy. Start with fitting: Apply a patch to the mirror to make sure it fits in size and doesn't overlap the turn repeater or camera, if any. Make sure the holes match.
Remove the protective film from the double-sided tape. Quickly apply the pad to the mirror, combining the edges. Do not press it hard on the entire surface. First, fix one edge, then gradually press the rest, expelling air. This will prevent the formation of bubbles.
Once the part is installed, you need to warm it well with a hair dryer. This not only activates the glue, but also helps the material take the shape of a mirror. You need to warm up for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the hair dryer so as not to overheat the plastic. After heating, press the pad with your hands again for better contact.
- 🔥 Heat: Use a dryer at medium power, the distance to the part is about 15-20 cm.
- 🖐️ Pressure: Press the lining evenly, starting from the center to the edges.
- ⏳ Time: Allow the glue to be polymerized for at least 24 hours before active use.
What to do if the sticker comes off?
If the sticker is unstick, do not try to stick it back on the old tape. Clean the surface of the residues of glue, apply a new layer of high-quality 3M tape or liquid glue, warm up and press again.
It is important to note that for some models Octavia A7 With aerodynamic mirrors, the process may be different. There often requires removing the mirror itself or power cuts to dismantle the old part without damage. In such cases, it is better to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for a specific overlay.
Care and operation of black nozzles
Black body elements, especially glossy, require special care. They quickly collect dust and stains from the water. Regular washing should be carried out using soft rags and special means for plastic. Do not use hard sponges that will leave micro-scratches.
To protect against burnout and preserve shine, it is recommended to use special polishes for plastic or rubber ink. They create a protective layer that repels water and dirt. They should be applied once a month or after each wash if the water is hard.
Be very careful in winter. Ice and snow can get stuck between the lining and the body. Do not try to scrape the ice with a metal scraper. Use warm water or special defrosting devices. Sharp temperature changes can weaken the adhesive layer, so in winter it is better to avoid washing under high pressure.
⚠️ Never use aggressive antibitum chemistry on black plastic linings! The chemistry can eat away at the coating, and the part will be covered with whitish stains that cannot be removed.
To preserve the glossy shine of black linings, use wax polyrene for plastic every two weeks. This will create a hydrophobic layer and repel dirt.
Comparison of popular brands and models
There are many manufacturers of auto parts on the market. Chinese brands offer low prices, but the quality of the material often leaves much to be desired. Plastic can be too thin and brittle, and the color is different from the stated. However, for the budget option, this is an acceptable solution.
European and Russian manufacturers, such as Maxton Design or TechArtThey offer premium products. They use high-quality ABS plastic and guarantee perfect geometry. The cost of such parts is higher, but the service life is much longer. They are often supplied with a high-quality glue layer.
It is worth paying attention to the reviews of real owners in specialized forums. There you can learn about the nuances of landing a particular model for a specific year of release. Octavia A7. Sometimes even one manufacturer linings for facelift and dorestyling may differ in size.
| Brand | Material | Coverage type | Mounting method | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxton Design | ABS plastic | Matte black | Clips + tape | High |
| Local Brand | Polycarbonate | Gloss black | Scotch tape 3M | Average |
| China (No Name) | Hard plastic | Glossy/Matte | Low quality tape | Low |
| Carbon Fiber | Natural carbon | Carbon texture | Clips | Very high |
Choosing between branded and cheap overlays is a compromise between budget and guaranteeing that the part will last several years without losing its appearance.
Common mistakes when choosing and installing
One of the most common mistakes is to buy linings without taking into account the year of release of the car. Skoda Octavia A7 The mirrors were produced from 2012 to 2020, and during this time the shape of the mirrors changed slightly. The overlay from the pre-facelift model may not be suitable for the restyled one, even if visually they seem similar.
Another mistake is to ignore color. Black black rose. There is deep black, there is “wet asphalt”, there is matte coal. If you put overlays on white mirrors, the contrast will be too sharp. It is better to choose the shade as close as possible to the color of the body, if you do not plan to create a sports style.
The wrong choice of glue can also lead to problems. Regular stationery tape will not withstand either heat or cold. Use only specialized car scotch on a foamed basis, which compensates for vibrations and temperature expansions.
- 🚫 Do not buy details by eye - always check catalog numbers.
- 🚫 Don’t skimp on scotch – use only the original 3M or equivalent.
- 🚫 Don’t ignore the instructions – the manufacturer knows the details of the part better than you.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of linings on heated mirrors requires special care so as not to damage the heating element when dismantling old parts or gluing new ones.
In conclusion, installing black pads is a great way to update your look. Octavia A7 at minimal cost. The main thing is to choose the right material, prepare the surface and follow the instructions. The result will please you for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to remove old pads when they are worn?
It depends on how long they have been standing. If they were pasted recently, they can be removed by poking a plastic card. If they have stood for years, you will have to use a building hair dryer to heat up the glue and dental floss to cut through a layer of scotch.
Can I wash my car immediately after the stickers are installed?
Nope. The glue takes at least 24 hours to be fully polymerized. During this period, it is better to avoid washing under high pressure and strong vibrations, so that the part does not go away.
Will the overlays from the Octavia A7 fit the Octavia A5?
No, the shape of the mirrors in these models is radically different. The A7 will not fit the A5, and vice versa. Always check compatibility by VIN code or year of release.
What to do if the sticker is unstick in a month?
Most likely, the surface was poorly defatted or used poor-quality Scotch. Remove the sticker, remove the glue residue, thoroughly degrease and glue again using high-quality 3M scotch and warm-up with a hairdryer.
Do the overlays affect the operation of mirrors with automatic folding?
Not if the pads are properly selected and have the necessary thickness. They shall not obstruct the folding mechanism or interfere with sensors. Check this before you buy.