Side mirror buying guide — what to know before you buy
Side mirrors (wing mirrors) provide essential rearward visibility. Modern mirrors incorporate electric adjustment, heating, indicators, blind-spot monitoring, and auto-dimming. Replacing the complete mirror unit or just the glass depends on the extent of damage. At CarParts247 we stock side mirrors from Alkar, Hagus, and Van Wezel.
Types of mirror damage
Mirror damage ranges from a cracked glass element (cheap fix) to a complete housing assembly with integrated electronics (more involved). Identify exactly what is damaged before ordering.
- Cracked or shattered mirror glass — replacement glass clips into the backing plate
- Broken mirror housing or cover — the painted cap can often be replaced separately
- Failed electric adjustment motor — mirror does not move in one or more directions
- Heater element not working — mirror does not demist
- Indicator repeater in mirror not functioning
Replacement options
Many mirror repairs can be done by replacing just the glass element or the painted cover, rather than the entire mirror assembly. This saves significant cost on vehicles with complex mirror electronics.
- Mirror glass: clips onto the backing plate — lever off the old glass carefully
- Mirror cover/cap: usually unclips — match the paint code or buy primed for painting
- Complete mirror assembly: necessary when the base, motor, or wiring is damaged
- Heated mirrors: check the connector and wiring before assuming the element is faulty
- Folding mirrors: test the fold mechanism before ordering — the motor may just need resetting