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A Comprehensive Guide

Wing mirrors, or side mirrors, are essential components of any vehicle, providing crucial visibility and safety while driving. Damage to these mirrors can occur due to various reasons, including accidents, vandalism, or wear and tear. This guide covers everything you need to know about wing mirror repair, from common types of damage to repair techniques and prevention strategies.

Types of Damage

Cracks or shatters in the mirror glass can obstruct the driver’s view, leading to potential hazards on the road. Depending on the severity, you may need to replace just the glass or the entire assembly.
The housing is the frame that holds the mirror in place. If it’s broken, the mirror may become loose, vibrate, or even fall off entirely.
Wing mirrors often come with electronic adjustment features. If the mirror cannot be adjusted correctly, it may need electrical repair or replacement of the internal components.
While superficial, scratches and scuff marks can still impact visibility, especially at night. These may be polished out, depending on their depth.
This comprehensive process requires skill and attention to detail, making it best suited for a qualified mechanic. Regular maintenance of your brake system is essential for safe driving and can extend the life of your vehicle’s braking components.

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Step-by-Step Repair Process

Begin by carefully inspecting the wing mirror. Determine whether the damage is to the glass, housing, or internal mechanisms.
If you need to replace the entire mirror or housing: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the mirror assembly in place. Gently pull the assembly away from the vehicle, taking care not to damage any wiring.
If only the glass is damaged, carefully detach the old glass from the housing. Clean the area and apply adhesive if necessary, then attach the new mirror glass.
For cracks in the housing, use epoxy or a similar adhesive to bond the pieces together. Ensure it cures fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the housing is severely damaged, consider replacing it entirely.
Monitoring these signs regularly can help ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s advisable to consult a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and appropriate action. Proactive maintenance can prevent more significant issues down the road and keep you safe on the road.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services.

What does a wing mirror do?

The wing mirrors on a car serve to enhance the vision around the car and enable the driver to see what is behind.

What does a wing mirror replacement involve?

Having a working wing mirror on both the driver’s and passenger’s door has been a legal requirement since 2010, so you’re risking a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points added to your license. This is a clear example when a delay in getting your car fixed with a straightforward repair could easily cost you more than actually getting the work done. When you are missing a wing mirror or the view is obstructed by a crack, you suddenly realise what a big blind spot this leaves you in your all-around vision from the driver’s seat. Having a missing or broken wing mirror makes it much harder to keep up with what is happening behind you, and potential hazards approaching you from the back – a fast-moving motorbike, for example. For safety’s sake, you shouldn’t delay getting your wing mirror repaired when you know it’s needed.

Can you replace a side mirror yourself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a wing mirror replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. Mechamz can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your cars registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What are the symptoms of a faulty wing mirror?

If you are unlucky the wing mirrors can get damaged. Either the mirror glass or the casing can break or get scratched. The glass mirrors itself are generally straight-forward to replace. In some cases, the mirror unit might be damaged beyond repair and would have to be replaced completely. Electric mirror units can suffer more complicated issues seeing as they will have various electrical components that can fail. Components inside might seize, with the result that the wing mirror cannot move.

How long will a wing mirror replacement take?

A wing mirror or door mirror replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicles make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through Mechamz.

Can you drive a car with a broken side mirror?

Wing mirrors are a crucial and legal requirement to improve vision and safety around the car so it is advisable to make sure the wing mirrors are in good condition. If the mirrors are damaged they should be inspected and replaced as it is possible to do so.

How often should I replace a wing mirror?

There is no set replacement interval for replacing a wing mirror. If the mirrors are damaged they should be inspected and replaced as it is possible to do so. Either the mirror glass or the casing can break or get scratched. The glass mirrors itself are generally straight-forward to replace. In some cases, the mirror unit might be damaged beyond repair and would have to be replaced completely. Electric mirror units can suffer more complicated issues seeing as they will have various electrical components that can fail. Components inside might seize, with the result that the wing mirror cannot move.

How common is a Wing Mirror replacement?

Sadly, replacing a wing mirror is more common than you might think – especially as modern cars have grown wider and longer, thanks mainly to all the modern safety features they have built-in. Lots of drivers have had a minor scrape in a car park, which resulted in a damaged wing mirror which had to be repaired.

Can I drive with one wing mirror?

No, having a working wing mirror on both the driver’s and passenger’s door has been a legal requirement since 2010, so you’re risking a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points added to your license. This is a clear example when a delay in getting your car fixed with a straightforward repair could easily cost you more than actually getting the work done.

Can I drive without a wing mirror UK?

No, as noted, having a working wing mirror on both the driver’s and passenger’s door has been a legal requirement since 2010. You will be risking a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points added to your license if you drive without. When you are missing a wing mirror or the view is obstructed by a crack, you suddenly realise what a big blind spot this leaves you in your all-around vision from the driver’s seat. Having a missing or broken wing mirror makes it much harder to keep up with what is happening behind you, and potential hazards approaching you from the back – a fast-moving motorbike, for example. For safety’s sake, you shouldn’t delay getting your wing mirror repaired when you know it’s needed.

Is a broken wing mirror an MOT failure?

Yes, a broken, damaged or missing wing mirror will likely result in an MOT failure. Sometimes what may seem like a minor crack on the body of the wing mirror but no damage on the actual reflective mirror can still result in an MOT fail.

A Comprehensive Guide

Types of Damage

Step-by-Step Repair Process

Find the Perfect Fit for Your Budget

£180

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Frequently Asked Questions

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