There are a number of reasons you may wish to replace the side-view mirrors on your vehicle. Perhaps they've become damaged in some way, or if they are power mirrors it might be that electrical components are failing or wearing out.
Or, if you are an automotive enthusiast, you may be looking at replacing your mirrors, not for mechanical reasons, but to upgrade them.
Whatever your reason, there are some things you should be aware of before starting the process.
Finding the right mirror for your car
Mirrors play a critical role in safe driving, and because of that fact repairs or replacements should not be approached lightly. There are three main items you should look at before attempting to replace your mirror or having a trusted mechanic do the work for you.
Manual or power mirrors
Manual mirrors are relatively easy to replace, assuming you are simply swapping them out with the same model or style of mirror. If, however, you are planning to upgrade to power mirrors instead, that becomes a much more involved process.
As the name implies, power mirrors require electrical connections, and if your car does not have those connections because it was originally outfitted with manual mirrors, you will have to have those connections added in.
This can be a costly process, and a very involved one requiring new electrical lines being run into the door to connect up to the mirror. Installation of this new wiring is not an easy process, nor an inexpensive one.
You will also have to install the appropriate controls for the mirror somewhere within your vehicle's interior, and depending on the features of the new power mirror you may also have to install a display somewhere in your vehicle's console.
If your vehicle already has power mirrors, then a replacement can be fairly straightforward, although you will still need to take care of the electrical connections. It is also possible that you may be able to upgrade your mirrors to ones with added features.
This is not always available in every vehicle, however, and some mirrors may be incompatible with your electrical setup. Do your research before purchasing or attempting to replace or upgrade a mirror to ensure that it is in fact compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.
As a last piece of advice on this particular topic; if you are replacing a power mirror, always check the plugs on your vehicle to ensure that they are clean, free of corrosion, and have no loose wiring. Also, ensure that the connector is the same type as the mirror you are installing.
Not all mirrors are the same
Not all mirrors are created equal. You will not be able to replace a driver's-side mirror with a passenger-side mirror--both for the obvious reason that it will not fit in the space provided, and because the passenger-side mirror is convex to give the driver a wider field of view on that side.
Mirrors can be bought individually or in sets, depending on which ones you are replacing. If you are replacing both, it is simple to make sure you have the correct mirrors ordered.
If you are only replacing one, or are ordering them piecemeal, however, you should always ensure that you have the correct mirror for what you are planning to replace.
Also, make very certain that you get the proper mirror for the make and model of your vehicle. A little research upfront can save you a world of heartache. A mirror that is compatible with one specific year of your vehicle's model may be completely incompatible with another.
Always do your research and know exactly what mirrors are compatible with your specific year, make, and model vehicle. AutoShack makes this as easy as plugging your car’s information into a drop-down menu.
Determine how much damage there is
If you're replacing one or more mirrors due to damage to the mirror itself, it's always important to examine the damaged mirror and determine both the type and extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, such as cracks in the casing or small chips in the mirror glass that do not impede operation, the mirror may not even need replacing at all.
Some forms of damage, especially to the mirror glass, may not require the replacement of the entire mirror unit. While replacement mirrors are typically sold as self-contained units, it is possible to purchase individual components such as mirror glass for a fraction of the cost of the complete unit.
It may require a little extra effort to replace a single component than to swap the mirror out full stop, but the savings to you may be worth it.
One thing to keep an eye out for is damage to the mirror's mounting base. Most mirror units are not shipped with a mounting base, the assumption being that they will be slotted into an existing base.
If there is damage that prevents the proper operation of the mirror at the base, you will likely need to purchase a replacement mounting base separately.
Saving on mirror repairs
There are two main costs involved in any case of automotive repair or upgrades; parts and labor. Both of these costs can be mitigated to an extent through various means
Save on labor
The easiest way to save on labor costs is to purchase the mirror and install it yourself. For simple jobs, such as replacing a damaged or broken manual mirror, this may be a viable option.
For more involved jobs, especially those that involve installing new electrical systems, you may wish to hire a mechanic to perform the repairs.
Some schools of thought suggest that you should always get your repairs done at a dealership, but this is usually not the most cost-effective method of getting repairs or replacements done. Dealerships employ mechanics that are certified and trained to exacting standards, and as such tend to charge more than local mechanic shops.
A trusted local mechanic will typically be cheaper than going to a dealership.
According to Mechanicbase.com, non-dealership mechanics can charge anywhere from $45 [CA $61.65] to $135 [CA $198.65] on average, depending on where you live and which mechanic you use. The higher rates are typically charged by dealership mechanics, while the lower end is usually a reflection of local shops.
When upgrading a vehicle, it is always a wise decision to consult a mechanic to ensure both that your vehicle is compatible with the desired upgrade, and that you have the correct parts to perform the upgrade.
Aftermarket parts are a budget-friendly option when you are in a bind
When performing repairs, dealerships use factory parts, which are almost always more expensive than purchasing parts yourself through reputable after-market parts dealers such as AutoShack.
Aftermarket parts are a safe and cheap alternative to factory parts used by dealerships. They are often more readily available than factory parts, too.
AutoShack is a reputable and trusted source for aftermarket parts of all kinds, including replacement or upgrade mirrors. Our catalog is easily searchable via a drop-down menu into which you can input your vehicle's make, model, and year to exclusively find parts that are compatible with your make and model. Mirrors for your vehicle can be ordered individually or in pairs, depending on your needs.
Bringing aftermarket parts to your mechanic will help you save on parts and labor costs as well, as the mechanic will not have to spend time locating and ordering the correct parts for your vehicle, and will instead be able to concentrate on installing the parts you require.
AutoShack can get you driving with a clear view in no time
AutoShack provides fast, free shipping in most of the U.S. and Canada, and also offers expedited shipping options should you require the part as soon as possible. Simply visit our website and use the search bar at the top to find exactly what you need.