Are a car's wing mirrors just a decorative part? In reality, many drivers don't give them the value they deserve, since they are a very important active safety element.
Thanks to them we have the visual field needed to check whether we can safely overtake the car in front, to make sure every manoeuvre can be carried out without putting the safety of those in the cabin at risk, and as an aid when parking the car. Unfortunately, it is one of the parts most exposed to damage, since they protrude from the sides and a simple scrape in the garage or an impact can render it useless.
But have you ever wondered which wing mirrors are mandatory on your car? If one has broken, how much does it cost to repair it? Or, are you more interested in knowing how you can replace the wing mirror yourself? We're going to delve into this topic, analysing what the DGT regulations say and how certain decisions could affect you when it comes to the MOT, while looking for alternatives to save money during the replacement — such as buying a second-hand wing mirror.
Which wing mirror is legally required for driving?
We are used to cars having three mirrors — the side ones and the one inside the cabin — but which wing mirror is mandatory?
According to the General Vehicle Regulations, there are two mandatory wing mirrors for vehicles. The first is the one on the driver's side, i.e. the left one, as it is the one that provides a direct view of the overtaking lane.
The second is the interior mirror, known as the central rear-view mirror, which provides a complete view of the rear windscreen and serves as an aid when performing certain manoeuvres, such as parking or checking the traffic behind your car when you decide to overtake (with the support of the left mirror).
So, is the right wing mirror not mandatory? Be careful, because that is not the case. The right wing mirror is mandatory when the view from the central mirror is obstructed — that is, when you can't see because you are carrying cargo that blocks the view, or if it is a van….
Can you drive with a broken left wing mirror?
Having said all of the above, let's suppose that due to some knock or accident the left wing mirror on your car gets broken. It happens more often than we think, and we can't always afford the luxury of rushing to the garage, either because of a lack of time or because they take a while to give us an appointment.
So, until you replace it, could you drive with a broken left wing mirror? We'll be straight with you: No, and doing so could expose you to very harsh consequences:
Traffic fine
In the "best case scenario", if you drive with a broken left wing mirror, it won't matter whether you've done a quick fix like taping it up or whether the glass is broken but you can still see a little through it.
If you are stopped at a checkpoint, or a police officer sees you, you could face a fine of around 200 euros for driving with this important safety element damaged.
Vehicle immobilisation
In a very "extreme" case, if officers consider that the condition of the wing mirror compromises visibility or that it could come off while driving, they could immobilise the vehicle, which would also mean having to pay the towing costs.
You will fail the MOT
Is your MOT coming up soon? Bear in mind that a broken left wing mirror is considered a serious defect, so your vehicle will fail the inspection.
What's more, you will only be allowed to use the car to drive to the garage or to the vehicle inspection centre. And, if you bring the car in with the part damaged — even if you've done a minor fix — you will have to bring it back until it is in perfect condition.
Condition of the left wing mirror glass
The condition of the wing mirror glass will also be very important — it must be clean and free of cracks.
If it has been broken by someone hitting it or by you accidentally, you won't be able to see the outside clearly, as the image will be distorted or could create dangerous reflections for you or other drivers. It doesn't matter if the casing is intact — you will still need to replace the glass.
How much does it cost to fix the wing mirror?
As with any other component of your vehicle, the answer depends on several factors, since replacing just the glass is not the same as having to replace the entire part. Likewise, it also makes a difference whether it is a manual or an electric wing mirror.
How much does it cost to replace a wing mirror?
Let's suppose you need to replace the entire part, for which you will have to go to a garage that sources the part directly from the manufacturer, since wing mirrors are not universal and must match the same model.
In this case, if it involves repairing a manual wing mirror — that is, the kind fitted to most cars — the price usually ranges between 80 and 150 euros.
Now, what about electric wing mirrors? Here things change, because not only do you have to remove the part, you also have to verify that all the cables are working correctly, and the installation is more complex, so the price can exceed 300 euros.
What if you only replace the wing mirror glass?
This will be good news for you, because if it is only a matter of replacing the wing mirror glass, then its price is much lower, being under 80 euros, and it is a fairly cheap part to buy.
Saving money by buying a second-hand wing mirror
When we need to replace the wing mirror, we face a major problem: since it is not a universal part, we have to buy the one that matches our car's exact model.
For newer models this is usually not a problem, but for older ones it is possible that the manufacturer no longer has spare parts, especially if the car is more than 12–15 years old. Although we are only using it as an example, if you are going to take the car to a garage for a mechanic to do the replacement, you can always opt to buy a second-hand wing mirror.
The only things you need to check before making your purchase at the salvage yard are these four points:
- The number of pins on the wing mirror, which can be up to 12 pins depending on the model (especially on electric ones).
- If it is for a vehicle that would have a smart mirror — i.e., an electric one — it must include the same functions.
- Ideally the colour of the casing should be the same, but if you find one in a different colour it doesn't matter, because the casing is interchangeable.
- Finally, there is the chassis number (VIN) of your vehicle, the most important detail you should check before making your purchase.
Regarding the last point, is it really that important? Yes, it is, because even if the manufacturer has released several models of your vehicle, there can be subtle differences, such as in the number of pins or the design of the wing mirror. If you replace it with one that fits but is not the same model, it is highly likely that you will not be able to pass the MOT.
And where is the VIN code found? It's very simple — you will find it in the vehicle's registration document under section "E", and it is also recorded on the circulation permit. Another place where you will find it is in the lower corner of the windscreen, on the driver's side.
How to replace a wing mirror? Follow these steps!
If your car's wing mirror is manual and you have decided to buy it second-hand, we have good news for you: it is a part you can replace yourself, as the process does not require any mechanical knowledge or heavy tools.
You just need a little patience and the tools we will list below:
Tools for replacing a wing mirror
For this process you will need the following tools:
- Set of flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers.
- 8 or 10 mm socket or fixed spanners (this may vary depending on the car model).
- Plastic wedge or fine flat-head screwdriver.
Steps for replacing the wing mirror
Let's move on to the steps you need to follow to replace this part. Follow the steps exactly as we indicate so as not to make a single mistake:
1 – Open the door and locate the plastic piece that covers the mirror's fixing point on the inside.
2 – Use a plastic wedge or a fine-tipped flat-head screwdriver to apply leverage.
3 – You will see that when you apply leverage the mirror will move, so you will need to unscrew the trim around the lever or pull it off.
4 – While another person holds the wing mirror from the outside, remove the screws that keep it attached to the door. If you want to do it alone, roll down the window and hold the wing mirror with your other hand.
5 – Remove the damaged wing mirror and clean the contact area on the door.
6 – Place the new wing mirror, fitting it into the holes.
7 – Reverse the process: put the screws back in, place the adjustment control and press the trim piece until you hear a "click".