Side View Mirror

Linus Auto Glass offers full service side view mirror replacement. We can also provide just the mirror lenses or full mirror body – depending on damage done (vandalism/stolen)

Today side view mirrors are full of options: heated, turn signals, puddle lights and blind spot sensors. We can have mirror’s body painted (outsourced) if necessary.

You come out of the store and find the side mirror on your car is broken. This unfortunate situation is familiar to many. We need side mirrors for safe driving; what are the repair options and cost? The first question is which part is broken? The side mirror consists of several parts:

Side mirror parts.

the base (mirror assembly), mirror glass, cover and the turn signal (if equipped). For certain cars, the part might be available only as one complete piece. In some cases the cover is sold already painted, in others it comes black and might need to be painted separately.

Side Mirror

Is the side mirror covered by the warranty?
Yes, but the factory warranty only covers manufacturing defects and not accidental damage, scrapes or vandalism.
What are the less expensive repair options? Depending on your coverage and cause of damage, the side mirror might be covered by your insurance. Another option is to replace the mirror with an aftermarket or used part; both will be cheaper than going to car dealer.
Linus Auto Glass offers both the highest quality new original equipment as well as aftermarket mirrors. Used side view mirrors are also offered when available/appropriate for installation to save you more money.

Meanwhile, if your broken mirror is hanging by the wires, it’s a good idea to secure it temporarily so it won’t cause a safety hazard if separated or damage the wires or paint.
How easy is it to replace a side mirror? If the side mirror is attached to the small triangle in front of the glass, by the A-pillar, it’s usually easier to replace, see this photo. Often it’s just three little bolts covered by a little plastic cover plus one electrical connector. Replacing the mirror that is attached to the side of the door takes more work, as the door cover and other parts will have to be removed.

Can I just replace the glass on my side view mirror? Yes, if all the other parts are not damaged, the side view mirror glass can be replaced separately.

Is it illegal to drive with broken or missing mirrors?

In order to drive safely, you must be able to see what’s behind and beside you. With side and rear-view mirrors on your vehicle, you have a good visual range while driving. But what happens if you have a broken mirror or a mirror is missing from your vehicle? Can you still legally drive? The laws governing vehicle mirrors vary by state. Most states do require at least two mirrors that allow you to see behind you. If that’s true for your state, you can legally drive the vehicle as long as two of your three mirrors are intact. While it may not be illegal, a police officer can still pull you over if they notice you have a broken or missing mirror. While you can legally drive a car with two mirrors, can you do so safely? It depends on which mirrors are intact. It’s hard, for example, to get a view of the traffic on the passenger side of the car from the driver’s side with no side-view mirror.

What car mirrors do for you

Each of your vehicle’s mirrors serves to keep you safe by allowing you to see what’s behind you or on either side of you while you drive. There’s a reason the law requires them. The views they provide help you avoid any potential accidents. The rear-view mirror is an adjustable convex mirror designed to let you see through the rear window of your vehicle. They are typically affixed inside the front windshield. They often feature day and night positions to cut the glare of bright headlights at night that can impede your vision. They allow you to see what’s behind you while keeping your attention on the road. Side-view mirrors are outside of the car, attached to the driver and passenger doors. These mirrors are vital in helping drivers see what’s behind and beside them as well as what’s beyond the driver’s peripheral vision. They can also help view what’s in blind spots. While you can drive with a broken or missing mirror, it doesn’t mean you should. Without all three mirrors in place and in good condition, you’re not as safe while you drive. The side mirrors are most valuable because they show what’s behind your vehicle as well as what’s on either side. To be as safe as possible, repair or replace missing or broken mirrors ASAP. In many cases, the repair is simple. If just the glass is broken or missing, the replacement can be done quickly at a reasonable price. If the actual housing on a side-view mirror breaks, or the entire power window unit must be replaced, the repair may take more time and cost more. But it’s definitely worth the effort and expense.