You don't have to replace the entire side view mirror assembly just because the glass is broken. Replacing the mirror glass is a do-it-yourself project that is usually inexpensive. Several manufacturers offer precut glass mirrors to fit vehicles of all makes and models.
Replacing a broken side view mirror is easier and cheaper than you might think. Once you have the right tools, the hardest part is just finding the hidden fasteners.
You can find a generic replacement mirror at your local auto parts store.
Depending on the complexity of the repair process, it can take one to two hours for an experienced technician to replace the mirror. Sometimes the interior door panel has to be removed, and sometimes it does not.
It is not illegal to drive with a single broken mirror, but you do need to be careful. The mirror needs to be secure to the vehicle so that it doesn't fall off. You also want to make sure that the glass is stable enough so you won't be leaving broken glass all over the place.
Rear-View Required
So, if your state's traffic laws require that a car have one or two side-view mirrors, and one of your side mirrors is broken, you can be pulled over and ticketed. Fortunately, if it is just a matter of a broken side mirror, many states allow officers to issue "Fix-It" tickets.
You can also repair a mirror crack using a specialized resin-based repair kit. Because each of these kits is unique, you'll want to follow the instructions included with your repair kit. This option works best for mirrors with small gaps resulting from cracks, as the resin fills the gap to restore a mirror's surface.
Cost Of Replacing A Mirror
On average, one broken side mirror will set you back by about $299, with the final price heavily relying on two components. The first one is the cost of materials, which ranges from $139 and $328. The second one is labor cost; here, an additional $90 is usually added to the price.
Car side mirror repair typically entails one or more of these parts: the base (mirror assembly), mirror glass, cover and the turn signal (if equipped). And while many of these individual components can be repaired depending on the extent of the damage, oftentimes complete side mirror replacement is necessary.
Common causes of side view mirror damage include: Backing into or out of a tight parking space. Collisions, especially T-bone accidents. Leaving your car in a high-risk area.
You can use some epoxy glues for car side mirror repairs. For example, Loctite Epoxy Gel is suitable for outdoor and vertical applications and creates strong, impact-resistant bonds with several materials you find on vehicles, including metal and many rigid plastics. Epoxies are suited for repairing mirror housings.
Modern cars make the replacement of wing mirror glass a very easy, and inexpensive task. More often than not, you might not even need any tools for the job.
Unfortunately, while gorilla glue is a strong adhesive that can bond things together and hold them firmly, it can be unsafe for use on car rear view mirrors when not done properly. Any little mistake and the glue can cause the mirror to become cloudy and distorted, making it quite unsafe for you to use while driving.
Though light scratches can be fixed with home remedies, larger scratches may lead to cracks and should be repaired immediately. Here are some common household repair methods that may be helpful: Rub the mirror with toothpaste. The abrasive ingredients in toothpaste can occasionally polish out scratches.
To repair a broken mirror, use a glue formulated for glass, such as Aleene's Glass & Bead Adhesive, an industrial-strength glue that has a thick gel formula made for instantly grabbing slick surfaces like glass and mirrors.
That said, if your wing mirror is missing entirely then it is an offence to drive and you should have it replaced immediately. It is not legal for your wing mirror to be hanging off or wobbling either.
Your wing mirrors should have coverage under a comprehensive car insurance policy. However, whether or not you decide to go ahead with making a claim depends on how expensive your wing mirror is to replace or repair. This is because making a claim on your car insurance will step back your no claims bonus.
Penalties for Mirror Violations in New York
Most mirror violations will result in a fine and points on your license if the police officer gives you a ticket. If your mirrors are missing, your car is unsafe to drive, and it will probably be impounded on the spot.
a piece of reflective plastic vinyl whatever you want to call it with glue on the other side which is eight inches by five inches. this was big enough for my small hatchback's wing mirror the reflective surface is covered by a protective film.
Mirrors. 7.04(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an inside mirror that provides the driver with an undistorted reflected view of the highway directly to the rear of the vehicle extending to the horizon from a point on the road surface not more than 61 m behind the vehicle.