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Wing Mirror Replacement
Typical Cost: Low to Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes, this can be done at your location
Typical Lead Time: 2 - 48 hours due to part availability
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.
How do wing mirrors work and what are the components?
Wing mirrors are technically door mirrors, but are still referred to as wing mirrors as they were originally mounted on the car's wings. Modern cars have them attached to the door's, usually by two or three bolts that pass through the door structure so they can be tightened on with nuts from the inside.
The basic mirror unit comprises of a base part, that attaches to the door itself, a mirror containing unit and a backing case. Some mirrors now also have indicator lenses as part of the case, depending on the model.
There are then two basic types of wing mirrors, those that are electrically adjusted and those that have a manual lever.
Electric mirrors are controlled usually by a "joystick" type lever control from within the cabin. Depending on the way the lever is directed, the small electric motors behind the mirror glass will adjust the reflective surface to the desired position. Some of these mirrors have other qualities as well, such as a heated element, blind spot warnings and similar safety additions. In some high end models, there is also a motor that folds the mirror unit in when the car is locked (or when desired from within the cabin controls) to prevent damage when not in use.
Manual mirrors are manipulated by a lever adjacent to the mirror inside the car. These tend to use a cable type operation in order to position the unit. These rarely have heated elements and do not have the folding capability like the electric ones.
Typical symptoms that require wing mirrors to be replaced.
Sadly, physical damage is the most common one and is pretty obvious to spot! However, selecting which part needs to be replaced can lead to some confusion.
Whole mirror unit
If the mirror unit is "hanging off", the likelihood is that the whole unit requires replacing as the mounting bolts will have sheared from within the unit itself. However, if the backing case is intact, it may be able to be re-used which is ideal if it is painted the same colour as the car.
Base unit still attached
If the base unit is still attached and just the glass and or the backing cover has been broken, then chances are that all you need are those parts. Please note though, that ClickMechanic can only supply the backing cases in a base coat primer, you would have to have it resprayed by an accident repair centre or similar to match the car.
Mirror intact, but unable to be positioned
When this occurs and the mirror is an electric one, it could mean that the motors have seized in position. However, there is also a chance that the fuse that covers its electric supply has blown, there is a wiring problem or even the connector behind the lever.
If the mirror is manually adjusted, then the most likely cause is the cable mechanism has seized and that is going to require a whole new unit.
What happens during a wing mirror replacement?
Replacing wing mirrors and their components is a regular task for mechanics and one that can be done kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variation between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar
The mechanic will;
- Inspect the damage that is presented in front of them.
- Remove the internal covering and panels if required to remove the old mirror unit (if the whole unit is being replaced)
- Fit the new unit and replace the panels
- Test the unit for its movement
If there are only components being replaced, i.e. the glass, the mechanic will remove the appropriate items from the mirror unit and replace them with the new ones.
What do the different repairs cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your wing mirror will cover;
Wing Mirror Replacement
- The complete wing mirror including base unit, glass and back cover (unpainted)
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
Wing Mirror Glass Replacement
- The reflective glass component
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
Wing mirror cover replacement
- The wing mirror backing cover (unpainted)
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Wing mirror replacement (unpainted / electric) - driver side
Wing mirror replacement (unpainted / electric) - passenger side
Wing mirror replacement (unpainted / manual) - driver side
Wing mirror replacement (unpainted / manual) - passenger side
What ClickMechanic does not carry out.
Colour coding (painting) of the mirror casings and base units. This needs an accident repair centre or similar to carry this out.
How much does it cost to have a wing mirror replaced?
The cost of replacing a wing mirror depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having the wing mirror replaced by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/jobs/wing-mirror-replacement
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the mirror unit does not require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.
Associated repairs carried out by ClickMechanic.
Wing mirror glass replacement - driver side
Wing mirror glass replacement - passenger side
Wing mirror cover replacement (unpainted) - driver side
Wing mirror cover replacement (unpainted) - passenger side