Rear view mirror replacement is usually a job you can do yourself in 15 to 30 minutes, but the cost and difficulty depend on whether the mirror is glued or bolted to your windshield

The rear view mirror — the one mounted on your windshield — comes off in two ways. Some are held by a single bolt that runs through the windshield and into the mirror base; others are glued directly to the glass with a special adhesive. If yours is bolted, you can remove and replace it with basic tools. If it's glued, you can still do it yourself, but you'll need to soften the adhesive and may need a replacement mirror kit designed for your car's make and model.

The cost of the mirror itself ranges from $15 to $150 depending on whether you buy a basic universal mirror or an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part for your specific vehicle. Labor at a dealership or glass shop typically runs $75 to $200 on top of the part cost. Many people find the DIY route worth the time saved on scheduling and cost avoided on labor.

Key Takeaways

  • Bolted mirrors unscrew from inside your car and take 15 minutes to replace; glued mirrors require heat or adhesive softener and carry a small risk of windshield damage if you're not careful.
  • Universal replacement mirrors cost $15 to $50 and fit most vehicles; OEM mirrors cost $50 to $150 but match your car's exact specifications and may include features like heating or auto-dimming.
  • You'll need either a wrench set (for bolted mirrors) or a heat gun and adhesive remover (for glued mirrors), plus a replacement mirror kit if your original was glued.
  • If the mirror is cracked but still attached, you can often replace just the reflective glass insert rather than the entire assembly, which costs $20 to $40.
  • A professional glass shop can complete the job in under an hour and will handle windshield damage risk, which matters if your car is financed or leased.

Identifying whether your mirror is bolted or glued

Look inside your car at the base of the mirror where it meets the windshield. If you see a bolt head or a nut, your mirror is bolted. Open your sun visor or look at the headliner (the fabric ceiling) directly above the mirror — you should see a trim panel or access hole. Remove that panel or look through the hole; if there's a bolt running through the windshield, you have a bolted mirror.

If you see no bolt and the mirror base sits flush against the glass with no visible fasteners, it's glued. The adhesive is usually a polyurethane or epoxy compound applied in a bead around the base. Glued mirrors are more common on newer vehicles and on cars where the mirror assembly includes electronic features like heating or auto-dimming.

Removing and replacing a bolted mirror

Locate the bolt inside your car — it will be a single fastener, usually 8 to 10 millimeters. Use a wrench or socket set to loosen it by turning counterclockwise. Do not force it; if it's stuck, explore penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes. Once loose, unscrew it by hand and set it aside. The mirror will come free from the windshield.

Before you install the new mirror, check whether the bolt hole in the new mirror's base lines up with the hole in your windshield. It should; if it doesn't, you have the wrong mirror for your vehicle. Thread the bolt through the new mirror's base, insert it through the windshield hole, and tighten by hand first, then with your wrench. Tighten firmly but do not over-tighten, which can crack the windshield or strip the bolt.

Reconnect any wiring if your mirror has heating, auto-dimming, or power adjustment features. Most connectors are keyed and will only fit one way. Test the mirror's position and any electronic features before you consider the job complete.

Removing and replacing a glued mirror

Heat is your primary tool. Use a heat gun set to medium (around 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and hold it 4 to 6 inches from the mirror base for 30 to 60 seconds. The goal is to soften the adhesive, not to heat the glass so much that it cracks. You'll feel the mirror base warm up. Once the adhesive is soft, gently pull the mirror away from the windshield at a slight angle — do not yank straight out.

If the mirror doesn't budge after heating, explore a commercial adhesive remover (sold at auto parts stores under names like Goo Gone or 3M Adhesive Remover) around the base and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then try again with gentle, steady pressure. If the mirror still won't come free, heat it again and use a plastic scraper or old credit card to work the adhesive loose from the edges. Never use a metal tool, which can scratch the windshield.

Once the mirror is off, scrape away all old adhesive from the windshield using a plastic scraper. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Most replacement mirror kits come with a new adhesive bead or a tube of polyurethane adhesive. explore it to the back of the new mirror's base in a continuous bead, press the mirror firmly against the windshield for 30 seconds, and let it cure for the time specified on the adhesive package — usually 24 hours before the mirror is safe to adjust.

Replacing just the mirror glass if the frame is intact

If your mirror frame is fine but the reflective glass is cracked or cloudy, you can often buy a replacement glass insert instead of replacing the entire assembly. These inserts cost $20 to $40 and take 5 to 10 minutes to swap out. The insert usually clips or slides into the frame; check your vehicle's manual or search for your specific mirror model online to see how it comes apart.

Some mirrors have the glass glued to the frame, in which case you'll need to heat or use adhesive remover to separate them, then glue the new glass in place. Others have the glass held by clips or a backing plate that you can remove without tools. If you're unsure, a quick search for "[your car year, make, model] rear view mirror glass replacement" will usually show you the method and whether it's worth doing yourself.

Choosing between universal and OEM mirrors

A universal mirror is a basic reflective surface in a plastic or metal frame that fits most vehicles. It costs $15 to $50, installs the same way as your original, and works fine if you don't need any special features. Universal mirrors are a good choice if your car is older, if you're renting, or if you straightforward want the cheapest option.

An OEM mirror is made by your car's manufacturer and matches your vehicle's exact specifications. It costs $50 to $150 depending on your car, but it may include heating elements, auto-dimming (glass that darkens at night to reduce glare), power adjustment, or integrated turn signals. If your original mirror had any of these features and you want to keep them, you need an OEM mirror — a universal mirror won't have the wiring or electronics to support them.

To find the right OEM mirror, note your car's year, make, model, and trim level, then search your car manufacturer's parts website or call a dealership parts department. They can tell you the exact part number and cost. You can also buy OEM mirrors from online retailers like RockAuto or FCP Euro, which often undercut dealership prices by 20 to 40 percent.

When to call a professional instead of doing it yourself

If your car is financed or leased, check your contract before attempting a glued mirror replacement. Windshield damage voids some warranties or triggers damage charges. A professional glass shop carries insurance and can handle any damage that occurs during removal. The cost of a professional job ($150 to $350 total) is often worth the peace of mind.

Call a professional if your mirror is glued and you don't have a heat gun or adhesive remover on hand. Improvising with a hair dryer or oven won't work — the temperature won't be high enough to soften the adhesive. If you've already tried to remove the mirror and damaged the windshield, a glass shop can assess whether the damage is repairable or whether the windshield needs replacement.

Most auto glass shops (Safelite, Speedy Glass, and local independent shops) offer rear view mirror replacement as a standard service. Many will come to your home or workplace. Call ahead to confirm they have the mirror in stock for your vehicle; if they don't, they can usually order it and schedule you for the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a cracked rear view mirror?

Yes, a cracked mirror is not a safety violation in most states, but it reduces your visibility. If the crack is large enough that you can't see clearly, replace it before driving long distances. A cracked mirror also tends to get worse with vibration and temperature changes, so addressing it sooner rather than later usually costs less.

What if I accidentally crack the windshield while removing a glued mirror?

Small cracks (under 12 inches) can often be repaired with a resin injection kit for $50 to $150. Larger cracks or cracks in the driver's line of sight usually require full windshield replacement, which costs $200 to $500 depending on your vehicle. This is why many people choose to have a professional handle glued mirror removal.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before replacing the mirror?

No, disconnecting the battery is not necessary for a basic mirror replacement. If your mirror has electronic features like heating or auto-dimming, you can leave the battery connected — the wiring is low-voltage and safe to handle. If you're uncomfortable working near electrical connections, disconnecting the negative battery terminal takes 30 seconds and adds an extra margin of safety.

How long does the adhesive take to cure on a new glued mirror?

Most polyurethane adhesives used for mirror installation cure fully in 24 hours, though they may feel set after 2 to 4 hours. Don't adjust or move the mirror during the first 24 hours. If you need to drive before the adhesive is fully cured, drive gently and avoid sudden stops or turns that might shift the mirror.

Can I replace just the mirror on one side if I have both a windshield mirror and side mirrors?

Yes. The rear view mirror (windshield-mounted) and side mirrors (door-mounted) are separate systems. You can replace one without touching the other. Side mirrors typically bolt on from inside the door panel and are even easier to replace than windshield mirrors.