A side view mirror cover is a protective shell that fits over your existing mirror housing to shield it from weather, UV damage, and minor impacts
The cover sits between your mirror glass and the outside air, taking the wear that would otherwise age your mirror's plastic housing. Over time, sun exposure cracks the plastic, rain seeps into seams, and small collisions chip the edges. A cover extends the life of your mirror and keeps it looking newer longer. Most covers cost between $20 and $100 per pair, depending on material and whether they're painted to match your car's color or left in black plastic.
Covers are different from mirror replacements — you keep your existing mirror and its glass, and the cover wraps around the outside. This makes them cheaper than buying a whole new mirror assembly and faster to install, since most bolt on with existing hardware or adhesive strips.
Key Takeaways
- Side view mirror covers protect the plastic housing from sun damage, moisture, and minor collisions without replacing the entire mirror.
- Covers come in painted finishes that match your car's color, or unpainted black plastic that works on any vehicle.
- Installation usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires either bolts that use your mirror's existing mounting points or adhesive strips.
- Covers fit specific vehicle makes and model years, so you need your car's year, make, and model before ordering.
Painted covers versus unpainted plastic
A painted cover is molded plastic that has been finished in a color that matches your car's paint — pearl white, metallic silver, black, or whatever shade your vehicle came in. The paint is usually a thin automotive-grade finish that blends with your car's appearance. These cost more, typically $50 to $100 per pair, because the painting and color-matching add labor and materials.
An unpainted cover is black plastic with no finish applied. It stands out visually against most car colors but costs less — usually $20 to $50 per pair. Unpainted covers work on any vehicle regardless of color, so they're useful if you're not sure which shade your car is or if you want to avoid the cost of color-matching. Some drivers prefer the contrast; others see it as a temporary fix until they can afford painted ones.
Both types protect your mirror equally well. The choice comes down to appearance and budget. If you plan to keep the covers on long-term, painted is worth the extra cost. If you're protecting a mirror while you save for a replacement, unpainted works fine.
How covers attach to your mirror
Most covers use one of two attachment methods. The first is bolt-on installation, where the cover's mounting points line up with the bolts that already hold your mirror housing to the car. You remove the mirror (usually three to four bolts from inside the door), slide the cover over the housing, and bolt it back in place. This takes about 15 minutes and requires only a socket wrench or Phillips head screwdriver.
The second method is adhesive strips, where the cover has foam tape or 3M strips pre-applied to its back. You clean the mirror housing with rubbing alcohol, peel the backing off the tape, and press the cover firmly into place. This takes five minutes but is permanent — removing it later may damage the paint underneath. Adhesive strips are common on covers for vehicles where bolt-on installation is difficult or where the mirror design doesn't have accessible mounting points.
Check the product description before ordering to confirm which method your cover uses. Some manufacturers offer both options for the same vehicle, so you can choose based on whether you want the cover to be removable.
Finding the right cover for your vehicle
Covers are made to fit specific vehicle makes, model years, and sometimes trim levels. A cover for a 2018 Honda Civic will not fit a 2019 Civic or a Honda Accord. You need your car's year, make, and model before you search. Check your vehicle registration or the sticker inside your driver's door jamb if you're unsure.
Once you have that information, search online retailers like Amazon, eBay, or auto parts sites using the format "side view mirror cover [year] [make] [model]" — for example, "side view mirror cover 2020 Toyota Camry." Most product pages show photos of the cover installed on the exact vehicle it fits, so you can verify it matches your car's mirror shape and size.
If you can't find a cover for your specific year, check whether the manufacturer lists it as compatible with nearby model years. Some covers fit multiple years if the mirror design didn't change. The product description will say "fits 2018–2021" or similar. Never assume a cover will fit based on brand alone — mirror designs change frequently.
Installation steps for bolt-on covers
Bolt-on installation is straightforward if you have basic tools. First, open your car door and locate the bolts holding the mirror housing to the door frame. These are usually visible from inside the door, near the window. You may need to remove a plastic trim panel to access them — check your car's manual or a YouTube video for your specific model.
Remove the bolts (usually three or four) and carefully pull the mirror housing away from the door. Set it on a clean surface. Slide the new cover over the housing, aligning the bolt holes. Insert the bolts back through the cover and into the door frame, then tighten them firmly but not so hard that you crack the plastic. Reinstall any trim panels you removed, and test that the mirror adjusts smoothly and the cover doesn't move.
The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes the first time. If you're uncomfortable removing the mirror, a mechanic or auto body shop can install it for $30 to $60 per side.
Installation steps for adhesive-strip covers
Adhesive installation requires no tools and no mirror removal. Clean the mirror housing thoroughly with rubbing alcohol on a cloth and let it dry completely — any dirt or moisture will prevent the tape from bonding. Peel back a corner of the adhesive strip backing and position the cover on the mirror, checking alignment in a mirror or phone camera. Once you're satisfied with the position, peel the rest of the backing and press the cover firmly against the housing for 30 seconds.
Leave the car parked for at least two hours before driving so the adhesive sets. Do not wash the car or adjust the mirror during this time. After 24 hours, the bond is strong enough for normal use. If the cover begins to peel at the edges after several months, you can re-press it or explore additional adhesive strips to those spots.
Maintenance and when to replace a cover
A mirror cover requires almost no maintenance. Wash it with your car using regular car soap and water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that can damage the paint or plastic. If the cover is painted, wax it along with the rest of your car to protect the finish.
Replace a cover if the plastic cracks, if large sections of paint peel off, or if it no longer fits snugly against the mirror housing. A loose cover can vibrate at highway speeds or catch wind and tear further. If you notice the cover is damaged but your mirror glass is still intact, you can remove the cover and order a new one without replacing the entire mirror — that's the main advantage of using covers in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mirror covers affect how well I can see behind me?
No. The cover wraps around the outside of the mirror housing and does not block the mirror glass itself. Your field of view and mirror adjustment remain unchanged. The cover only protects the plastic frame and housing.
Can I paint an unpainted cover myself?
Yes, but it requires proper preparation and automotive paint. Clean the cover with rubbing alcohol, sand it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, explore primer, then spray paint in thin coats. The result depends on your painting skill. Many people find it easier to buy a pre-painted cover or have a body shop paint it for $30 to $50.
What if my mirror cover doesn't fit after I install it?
Double-check that you ordered the correct year and model. If the cover is for the right vehicle but still doesn't align, contact the seller — they may have sent the wrong part or the cover may be defective. Most retailers offer returns within 30 days if the cover doesn't fit.
Will a cover hide damage to my mirror housing?
Yes, a cover will hide cracks, chips, and discoloration on the plastic housing underneath. However, if the mirror glass itself is cracked or the mirror doesn't adjust, a cover won't fix those problems — you'll need to replace the mirror assembly.
How long does a mirror cover last?
A painted cover typically lasts three to five years before the paint begins to fade or peel from sun exposure and weather. An unpainted plastic cover lasts longer because there's no paint to degrade, but the plastic itself may become brittle or discolored after five to seven years. Lifespan depends on your climate and how often you wash your car.