What does a car wing mirror do?
Wing mirrors are one of the most vital safety features on your car. They keep you aware of other vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles around your car whether you're on the road or parking.
In fact, wing mirrors are so vital that according to UK law, all cars must have at least two mirrors, both of which have to offer an adequate view of the rear of the car, and one of those must be the driver’s side door mirror. So, if you’re unlucky enough to damage or lose a wing mirror, it’s important that you get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Wing mirrors are generally pretty straightforward to mend. In some cases, if a wing mirror has been completely knocked off or damaged beyond repair, a new wing mirror may need to be fitted.
Electric wing mirrors can be subject to more complex issues and can therefore be more complicated to replace. They have various electrical components that may need to be rewired if you require a replacement wing mirror.
What are the symptoms of a broken wing mirror?
Below are some signs that you may need to replace your wing mirror:
If your wing mirror is damaged and no longer provides an adequate view of the rear of your car.
If your electric wing mirror no longer moves or is stuck in one position.
If your driver’s side wing mirror is missing, legally you must have it replaced.
What happens during a wing mirror replacement on your car?
During a wing mirror replacement, our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the damaged wing mirror by removing the casing or panels.
Test the electrical systems, if the wing mirror is electric.
If necessary, they will replace the mirror unit, the mirror glass or both. If there is a fault in the electrics they may fit a completely new wing mirror.
Test if the mirror moves properly and ensure it provides a view of the car’s rear.
How often should a wing mirror need replacing?
Over time, components in the wing mirror might seize, the mirror may shatter or the wing mirror may fall off in an accident. As soon as a wing mirror breaks, particularly if it’s on the driver’s side, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly. Wing mirrors are an important safety feature so should be kept in good condition at all times. Remember, whenever you’re on the roads you must have at least two functioning mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
Having working wing mirrors is a legal requirement on the roads in Britain. Failing to ensure all your wing mirrors are intact puts you at risk of being pulled over by the police, receiving a hefty fine and adding 3 points to your license.
Missing or damaged wing mirrors create huge blind spots, making it much harder to keep up with what’s happening behind you, and potential hazards approaching you from the back. Replacing broken or missing wing mirrors quickly will save you being fined and will keep you safe on the road.
What causes a wing mirror to break?
There are many ways you might end up with a broken wing mirror. You may be parked on a busy and another car knocks it off, you might accidentally knock your wing mirror on a wall or lamppost (it happens to the best of us!). Over time, components in the wing mirror might seize, meaning the wing mirror can no longer move.
As soon as a wing mirror breaks, particularly if it’s on the driver’s side, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly. Wing mirrors are an important safety feature so should be kept in good condition at all times..
What happens when Fixter carry out a wing mirror repair on your car?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the damaged wing mirror by removing the casing or panels.
Test the electrical systems, if the wing mirror is electric.
If necessary, they will replace the mirror unit, the mirror glass or both. If there is a fault in the electrics they may fit a completely new wing mirror.
Test if the mirror moves properly and ensure it provides a view of the car’s rear.
What is the average life of a wing mirror?
There is no set lifespan of wing mirrors, and in reality they should only need to be replaced when they get damaged. Most wing mirrors are designed to snap back into place if they hit something at low speeds. However, sadly we all know it’s a common case to leave your car parked and come back to find your wing mirrors damaged. They’re the most likely things to get hit by passing traffic or bad parking offenders.
Can you drive with a broken or missing wing mirror?
Having working wing mirrors is a legal requirement on the roads in Britain. Failing to ensure all your wing mirrors are intact puts you at risk of being pulled over by the police, receiving a hefty fine and adding 3 points to your license.
Missing or damaged wing mirrors create huge blind spots, making it much harder to keep up with what’s happening behind you, and potential hazards approaching you from the back. Replacing broken or missing wing mirrors quickly will save you being fined and will keep you safe on the road.
What's the average cost of wing mirror replacement?
The average cost of a wing mirror replacement can be anywhere between £160 and £346 for mechanics to fit complete wing mirror units in the UK (the wing mirror cover and the glass). It's often possible to save money by just receiving replacement wing mirror glass if the cover isn't damaged though.
It'll be more expensive if you take the car to the garage of a main dealer to repair a wing mirror. You can, instead, keep your mirror repair cost down by opting to repair or replace your wing mirror with Fixter.
How to book a repair or replacement wing mirror
Ready to get started? Here are the steps to take to get your new wing mirror with us. It'll only take a couple of minutes!
Enter your postcode and registration number at Fixter to find the make and model of your car
Pick a date and time that works for you to have your vehicle collected
Sit back and relax while our mechanics take care of the work for you
