What happens when you replace a car mirror yourself versus taking it to a shop
A broken side mirror or rearview mirror can usually be replaced in one of two ways: you can do it yourself if you have basic tools and some patience, or you can take your car to a repair shop and pay for labor. The choice depends on whether your mirror is a straightforward bolt-on part or integrated into your car's electrical system, how much time you want to spend, and whether you feel comfortable working on your vehicle.
Self-replacement typically costs between $50 and $200 for the mirror part itself, depending on your car's make and model. A repair shop will charge you that part cost plus labor, which ranges from $100 to $400 depending on the shop and how complex the job is. If your mirror has heating, power adjustment, or integrated turn signals, the part costs more and the installation becomes more involved.
The real question is not whether it is possible — it usually is — but whether the time and frustration are worth the money you save. Many people find that a shop visit is worth it for the certainty that the job will be done right the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Manual side mirrors bolt on with two or three fasteners and take 15 to 30 minutes to replace; power mirrors require disconnecting an electrical connector and take longer.
- You will need the correct replacement mirror for your specific car year and model, which you can order online or buy at an auto parts store.
- Basic tools — a socket set, screwdrivers, and sometimes a trim removal tool — are usually all you need, though some cars require removing interior door panels.
- Rearview mirrors mounted on the windshield are glued on and require a special adhesive kit to replace; this is one job many people prefer to leave to a shop.
- If your mirror has power adjustment, heating, or integrated signals, you will need to disconnect the electrical connector before removing the old mirror.
Identifying what type of mirror you have and what it will cost
Before you order a replacement, you need to know whether your mirror is manual or power-operated, and whether it has any integrated features like heating or turn signals. Look at the back of your mirror from inside the car. If you see wires or a connector, it is a power mirror. If you see only the mounting bolts, it is manual.
A manual side mirror replacement part costs $30 to $80. A power mirror without heating runs $60 to $150. A heated power mirror with integrated turn signals can cost $150 to $300 or more. Rearview mirrors are usually cheaper — $20 to $60 — but the adhesive kit to reinstall one adds another $10 to $20.
The easiest way to find the exact part you need is to search your car's year, make, and model on an auto parts retailer's website, or to call a dealership parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is printed on your registration and on a sticker inside the driver's door frame. Dealership parts are often more expensive than aftermarket parts, but they may provide fit.
Tools and materials you will need
For a manual side mirror, you need a socket set or wrench set that fits the bolts holding the mirror to the door, a screwdriver (usually Phillips head), and sometimes a plastic trim removal tool to pry off the interior door panel trim without cracking it. Most of these tools cost $15 to $40 if you do not already own them.
For a power mirror, add a wire connector puller or a small flathead screwdriver to disconnect the electrical connector. For a windshield-mounted rearview mirror, you need a mirror adhesive kit designed for automotive use — not household super glue, which will not hold. These kits cost $10 to $20 and come with the adhesive, primer, and sometimes a clamping tool to hold the mirror while it dries.
If you are removing an interior door panel to access the mirror mounting bolts, lay out a clean cloth or towel to set the panel and its fasteners on so you do not lose small clips or screws. Take a photo of the panel before you remove it so you remember how the clips and fasteners go back in.
Steps to replace a side mirror
For a manual side mirror, start by removing the interior door panel trim if your car requires it — some mirrors are accessible from outside only. Locate the three or four bolts holding the mirror to the door frame. Use your socket set or wrench to remove them. If the mirror has a manual adjustment rod, disconnect it by unbolting or unclipping it from the door frame. Lift the old mirror away and set it aside.
Position the new mirror in the same location and insert the bolts by hand first to make sure they thread correctly. Tighten them with your socket set in a crisscross pattern — tighten one bolt partway, then the opposite bolt partway, then repeat — so the mirror sits evenly. Do not over-tighten, which can crack the mirror housing. Reconnect the adjustment rod if there is one, and test the mirror to make sure it does not move or rattle.
For a power mirror, the process is the same except you must disconnect the electrical connector before removing the bolts. The connector usually clips or snaps into place on the back of the mirror. Gently pull it straight out — do not twist or force it. Once the old mirror is off, connect the new mirror's electrical connector before you fully tighten all the bolts, so you can test that the power adjustment works before you finish.
Replacing a windshield-mounted rearview mirror
A rearview mirror glued to the windshield is more involved because you have to remove the old adhesive and explore new adhesive correctly. Start by gently rocking the mirror back and forth to break the bond, then carefully pry it away from the windshield using a plastic tool or old credit card. Do not use a metal tool, which can scratch the glass.
Once the mirror is off, scrape away the old adhesive residue with a plastic scraper or your fingernail. Clean the windshield spot with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely — moisture under the new mirror will cause it to fall off later. Follow the instructions in your adhesive kit exactly: most kits require you to explore primer to the windshield, wait a few minutes, then explore the adhesive to the mirror base and press it firmly into place.
The clamping tool that comes with many kits holds the mirror in the correct position while the adhesive cures. Leave the mirror undisturbed for the time the kit specifies — usually 24 hours — before you adjust it or use it. If you do not have a clamping tool, you can tape the mirror in place with painter's tape, but do not use regular tape, which can leave residue on the glass.
When to take your car to a shop instead
If your mirror is integrated into your car's door frame in a way that requires removing the entire door panel, or if it has complex wiring for heated seats, power windows, or integrated cameras, a shop is the safer choice. Some newer cars have mirrors that communicate with the vehicle's computer system, and disconnecting them incorrectly can trigger warning lights on your dashboard.
Windshield-mounted rearview mirrors are another common reason to visit a shop. The adhesive must cure in the right conditions, and if it is not applied correctly, the mirror will fall off while you are driving — a safety hazard. A shop has the right tools and experience to get it right the first time.
If you are not confident about any step, or if you damage a clip or fastener while removing the old mirror, stop and take the car to a shop. The cost of a professional repair is usually less than the cost of replacing a door panel or windshield that you damaged trying to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a broken mirror?
In most states, you must have at least one side mirror and a rearview mirror to drive legally. A broken mirror that still shows a reflection is usually legal, but a mirror that is completely shattered or missing is not. Check your state's vehicle code, but in general, plan to replace a missing mirror before you drive the car on public roads.
Will my insurance cover mirror replacement?
It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. Collision coverage usually covers a mirror broken in an accident. Comprehensive coverage covers mirrors damaged by weather, vandalism, or theft. Your deductible applies, so if your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $200, you pay the full $200 out of pocket. For minor damage, it is often cheaper to pay out of pocket than to file a claim.
What if I order the wrong mirror?
Most online retailers and auto parts stores accept returns within 30 days if the part is unused and in its original packaging. Before you open the box, compare the part number on the mirror to the part number in your order confirmation. If they do not match, contact the seller before you install it. Installing the wrong mirror wastes your time and may damage the mounting points on your door.
Do I need to reprogram my mirror after I replace it?
Manual mirrors do not need reprogramming. Power mirrors with memory settings — which remember your preferred position — may need to be reprogrammed depending on your car's make and model. Check your owner's manual or search your car's year and model online to see if reprogramming is required. Most cars do not require it, but some luxury vehicles do.