Getting involved in collisions, driving into narrow parking spaces, and getting side-swiped are some of the ways your side mirrors can get damaged. Driving with bad side mirrors is a safety risk, so you must replace yours right away if they’re broken in any way. Even small cracks or chips can impair your visibility while on the road.
Can you fix a cracked mirror? The great news is that it isn’t that difficult to have your side mirrors replaced. Here’s what you have to do:
Determine Which Part of the Side Mirror is Broken
Examine your side mirror and establish the extent of the damage. The side mirror is made up of several parts, including the mirror glass, cover, and base (mirror assembly). Depending on the vehicle, it might also have a turn signal light.
Side mirrors are only available as a complete piece for certain makes and models. But if that’s not the case for your daily driver, then you only have to replace the part of your side mirror that’s damaged. The only time you must replace the entire part is if the damage is too severe.
If all the other parts are intact, you can choose to replace the broken side mirror glass alone. To help you get a compatible glass for your ride, you can opt to order it using your vehicle identification number (VIN). The price of a side mirror glass can range anywhere between $70 and $700, depending on the brand and other factors.
Order a Replacement Side Mirror
The next step is to determine whether you want to buy a new side mirror on your own or let a dealership order the parts for you. This will also determine how much it costs to fix a car mirror.
Rely on Dealership
If you take your vehicle to a dealership, parts advisors will inspect the damage and order the part that needs replacement from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Then, they’ll set up a service appointment, which usually falls on the day the dealership will get the ordered part.
If you’re particular about having a manufacturer-specified part installed, then going to a dealership might be for you. However, take note that side mirror repair in a dealership can be costly. A complete side mirror replacement can cost anywhere between $290 and $420.
Order the Part on Your Own
If you’d like to save money, ordering a new side mirror by yourself might be a better idea. You can order a top-notch aftermarket side mirror replacement starting at around $5.
Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. They go through the same testing procedures as OEM parts, ensuring long-term durability and dependability. The only difference between aftermarket and OEM parts is that the former is less expensive because it does not bear the automaker’s brand name.
As long as you order your parts from legitimate sites such as CarParts.com, you won’t need to worry about quality and functionality.
What Does a Side Mirror Replacement Involve?
Replacing a side mirror is straightforward if you have the right tools and know-how for the job.
In most vehicles, it only involves removing the upper trim finish panel and the mirror retaining fasteners, then installing the new mirror. The process only gets complicated if you need to remove the door panel to access the mirror fasteners.
Additionally, some vehicles will require the mirrors and switches to be programmed after replacement. For example, if the side mirror has power folding functions, it might not work properly if it’s not programmed correctly.
If you want to learn more about the steps for side mirror replacement, you can check out this step-by-step guide.
You can also check out these videos for tips on how to replace your side view mirror:
Where Can You Get Your Side Mirror Fixed?
You have three options when it comes to replacement: let the dealership do it, buy the part and do it yourself, or buy the part and have mechanics do it for you.
Letting a dealership handle the job is likely the most hassle-free approach, but it’s also the most expensive. You’ll have to pay for the part and the service fee, which usually consider the dealership’s overhead costs like utilities, mortgages, and rent.
Buying a new side mirror and replacing the part on your own is more cost-effective, but it also has the highest risk of errors. Unless you’re a mechanic or have a lot of experience replacing your side mirrors, you could commit a mistake during the process that can affect the part’s performance and service life.
Finally, you can buy the replacement part yourself and go to a local auto repair for the installation. This is becoming popular among car owners who want to cut down their repair costs.
CarParts.com goes the extra mile to cater to customers by allowing them to book pre-vetted auto shopswith pre-negotiated labor rates. You can purchase replacement side mirrors from CarParts.com and then schedule an appointment with a trusted repair shop near you. Parts are backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you have peace of mind that you’re getting the best parts for your car.
Check Your Warranty and Insurance
Usually, a factory warranty only covers manufacturing defects. Accidental damage, scrapes, and other forms of damage are usually shouldered by car owners. However, depending on the cause of the damage, it might be covered by your car insurance.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
