What happens when you replace a side mirror
A side mirror replacement means removing the old mirror assembly and bolting a new one in its place. The job takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on whether you do it yourself or take it to a shop, and whether your mirror has power adjustment, heating, or a camera built in. The mirror itself is held by three or four bolts on the inside of the door, accessible from inside your car—you do not need to remove the door or take apart the body panel.
The real decision is whether to buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) mirror made by your car's manufacturer, an aftermarket mirror from a parts supplier, or a used mirror from a salvage yard. Each option has different costs, fit, and durability trade-offs. If your mirror has power adjustment or heating, you also need to decide whether to replace just the glass or the entire mirror assembly.
Key Takeaways
- Side mirrors bolt to the inside of the door with three or four fasteners and can be replaced without removing the door or taking apart the body panel.
- OEM mirrors fit perfectly and preserve all features but cost more; aftermarket mirrors are cheaper but may have looser tolerances or missing features like heating.
- If only the glass is cracked or missing, you can sometimes replace the glass insert alone rather than the entire mirror assembly, which is faster and cheaper.
- Power mirrors and heated mirrors require you to reconnect electrical connectors during installation, and some vehicles need a small amount of adjustment after bolting the mirror in place.
- A shop will charge labour on top of the mirror cost; doing it yourself requires only basic hand tools and takes less than an hour for most vehicles.
OEM mirrors versus aftermarket mirrors
An OEM mirror is made by your car's manufacturer or an authorized supplier and matches the original mirror exactly. It will have the same shape, colour, finish, and all the same features—power adjustment, heating, integrated turn signal, or camera—that your car came with. The fit is precise because it was designed for your specific vehicle model and year. The downside is cost: OEM mirrors typically run 40 to 60 percent higher than aftermarket alternatives.
An aftermarket mirror is made by a third-party supplier and sold through parts retailers. It is cheaper, sometimes by $100 or more, but the fit may be slightly looser, the paint or chrome finish may not match perfectly, or features like heating or power adjustment may not work the same way. Some aftermarket mirrors are very good; others have poor build quality or missing functions. Reading reviews from other owners of your specific vehicle model helps you avoid the worst options.
A used mirror from a salvage yard or online marketplace is the cheapest option but carries risk: you do not know how it was stored, whether it was damaged before removal, or whether all the electrical connections still work. If you choose this route, inspect the mirror in person if possible, test the power functions before you leave, and confirm the seller's return policy in case the mirror fails after installation.
Replacing just the glass versus the whole mirror
If only the mirror glass is cracked or missing but the mirror housing and frame are intact, you can buy a replacement glass insert instead of a whole new mirror. The glass slides or clips into the existing housing and takes five to ten minutes to swap. This is much cheaper than replacing the entire assembly and makes sense if the housing is still in good condition.
However, if the mirror housing is cracked, the frame is bent, the power adjustment motor is broken, or the heating element does not work, you need to replace the whole assembly. Trying to repair a damaged housing usually costs more in labour than buying a new mirror. Check whether your vehicle's mirror is glued or clipped together; some are designed to be user-serviceable, while others are not.
Tools and steps for a DIY replacement
You will need a socket set or wrench set (usually 8 mm, 10 mm, or 12 mm depending on your vehicle), a screwdriver, and possibly a panel removal tool if your car has trim clips around the mirror. Open the door and look at the inside edge of the door frame where the mirror bolts attach. You will see either a triangular panel or a rubber cover that you may need to peel back or unscrew to access the bolts.
Unbolt the three or four fasteners holding the mirror in place. If your mirror has power adjustment or heating, you will see an electrical connector—usually a plastic clip with two to six wires—plugged into the back of the mirror. Unplug this connector before you fully remove the mirror. Slide the old mirror out, then slide the new mirror in, reconnect the electrical connector, and bolt everything back down. Tighten the bolts firmly but do not overtighten, as you can crack the plastic housing.
After installation, test the power adjustment and heating to confirm the electrical connection is find. If the mirror sits at an odd angle or does not align with the body line, loosen the bolts slightly and adjust the mirror position, then retighten. Some vehicles have adjustment screws on the mirror housing itself for fine-tuning the angle.
When to take it to a shop
If your mirror has a built-in camera (common on newer vehicles with backup camera or surround-view systems), a shop is the safer choice. The camera alignment is critical, and misalignment can affect the backup camera image. A shop has the tools and experience to install the mirror and recalibrate the camera system if needed.
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical connectors or bolts, or if your vehicle has a complex mirror assembly with multiple motors or sensors, a shop will handle it correctly and quickly. Labour costs typically run $50 to $150 depending on the shop and your location. If you choose a shop, bring the vehicle with the old mirror still attached so the technician can confirm the exact part number and features before ordering a replacement.
What to expect after replacement
A new mirror should sit flush against the door and align with the body line. The glass should be clean and free of defects. Power adjustment should move smoothly in all directions, and heating should warm the glass evenly within 30 seconds of set up. If the mirror is loose, the glass rattles, or the power adjustment is sluggish, the installation may not be complete—check that all bolts are tight and the electrical connector is fully seated.
Keep the receipt and any warranty information that came with the mirror. Most OEM mirrors carry a manufacturer's warranty of one to three years; aftermarket mirrors vary widely. If the mirror fails within the warranty period, contact the seller or manufacturer for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a broken side mirror?
Laws vary by state and country. Most U.S. states require both side mirrors to be present and functional, and some require the passenger-side mirror to be convex (curved outward). Driving with a missing or severely damaged mirror may result in a traffic citation. Check your state's vehicle code or contact your local DMV for the specific rule in your area.
How long does a side mirror last?
A side mirror typically lasts the life of the vehicle if not damaged. The glass can crack from impact or temperature shock, the power motor can fail after 10 to 15 years of use, and the housing can crack from a collision. Heating elements usually last longer than power motors. Proper care—avoiding impacts and extreme temperature changes—extends mirror life.
What if the mirror glass is fogged or discolored?
Fogging inside the glass usually means moisture has entered the sealed space between the glass and the backing. This cannot be repaired; you must replace the glass insert or the entire mirror. Discoloration on the surface can sometimes be cleaned with glass cleaner, but if it is inside the glass, replacement is the only fix.
Do I need to reprogram the mirror after installation?
Most side mirrors do not require reprogramming. Power adjustment and heating are straightforward electrical circuits that work as soon as the connector is plugged in. However, if your mirror has a built-in camera or is part of a surround-view system, a shop may need to recalibrate the camera alignment using diagnostic software. Check your vehicle's manual or ask the parts supplier whether reprogramming is necessary.
Can I replace just one mirror, or do I need to match both sides?
You can replace just one mirror. However, if the remaining mirror is old, faded, or damaged, replacing both at the same time ensures they match in colour, finish, and features. If you replace only one, the new mirror may look slightly different in shade or reflectivity, especially if the old mirror has faded from sun exposure.