What does a wing mirror do?

Wing mirrors are one of the most vital safety features on your car. Although they may not seem that important, your wing mirrors keep you aware of vehicles, people and other obstacles around your car.

In fact, wing mirrors are so vital that according to UK law, all cars must have at least two mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car, one of which must be the driver’s side wing mirror. So if you’re unlucky enough to damage or lose a wing mirror it’s important that you get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Wing mirrors are generally straight-forward to mend. In some cases, if a wing mirror has been completely knocked off or damaged beyond repair, a new wing mirror may need to be fitted.

Electric wing mirrors can cause more complex issues and can be more complicated to replace. They have various electrical components that can fail and will need to be rewired if you require a replacement wing mirror. As with any other safety component in your car, you should ensure that both your wing mirrors remain in good condition and intact at all times.

How often should wing mirror glass need replacing?

As soon as the glass breaks in a wing mirror, particularly if it’s on the driver’s side, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly. Wing mirrors are an important safety feature so should be kept in good condition at all times. Remember, whenever you’re on the roads you must have at least two functioning mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car. Therefore if the broken wing mirror glass obstructs your view, you definitely need to get it replaced.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

According to UK law, all cars must have at least two mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car, one of which must be the driver’s side wing mirror. So if you’re unlucky enough to damage your wing mirror glass it’s important that you get it replaced as soon as possible.

What happens when we do a wing mirror glass replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the damaged wing mirror by removing the casing or panels.

• Test the electrical systems, if the wing mirror is electric.

• If necessary, they will replace the outer casing, the mirror glass or both. If there is a fault in the electrics they may fit a completely new wing mirror.

• Test if the mirror moves properly and ensure it provides a view of the car’s rear.

What causes wing mirror glass to break?

There are many ways you might end up with a broken wing mirror. You may be parked on a busy and another car knocks it, you might accidentally bump your wing mirror on a wall or lamppost (it happens to the best of us!).

As soon as wing mirror glass breaks, particularly if it’s on the driver’s side, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly. Wing mirrors are an important safety feature so should be kept in good condition at all times.

When should wing mirror glass be replaced?

As soon as the glass breaks in a wing mirror, particularly if it’s on the driver’s side, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly. Wing mirrors are an important safety feature so should be kept in good condition at all times. Remember, whenever you’re on the roads you must have at least two functioning mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car. Therefore if the broken wing mirror glass obstructs your view, you definitely need to get it replaced.

What are the symptoms of a broken wing mirror?

Below are some signs that you may need to replace your wing mirror glass:

• If the glass panel in your wing mirror is smashed or cracked to the extent that it prevents you from clearly viewing the rear of your car, it will need to be replaced.

• If your wing mirror glass is stuck in the incorrect position it may have seized so will need repairing.

• If snow, water or dew take a while to clear off the glass, the electric heating element in your wing mirror could be broken.

How often should you replace your wing mirror glass?

Wing mirror glass replacements don't need to be part of your regular car maintenance - they should only be replaced when damaged. As soon as the glass breaks in a wing mirror, particularly if it’s on the driver’s side, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired quickly. Wing mirrors are an important safety feature so should be kept in good condition at all times.

Remember, whenever you’re on the roads you must have at least two functioning mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car. Therefore if the broken wing mirror glass obstructs your view, you definitely need to get it replaced.

What happens when we do a wing mirror glass repair on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the damaged wing mirror by removing the casing or panels.

• Test the electrical systems, if the wing mirror is electric.

• If necessary, they will replace the outer casing, the mirror glass or both. If there is a fault in the electrics they may fit a completely new wing mirror.

• Test if the mirror moves properly and ensure it provides a view of the car’s rear.

What is the average life of a wing mirror?

There is no set lifespan of wing mirrors, and in reality they should only need to be replaced when they get damaged. Most wing mirrors are designed to snap back into place if they hit something at low speeds. However, sadly we all know it’s a common case to leave your car parked and come back to find your wing mirrors damaged. They’re the most likely things to get hit by passing traffic or bad parking offenders.

Can you drive with broken wing mirror glass?

According to UK law, all cars must have at least two mirrors that offer an adequate view of the rear of the car, one of which must be the driver’s side wing mirror. So if you’re unlucky enough to damage your wing mirror glass it’s important that you get it replaced as soon as possible.

What happens if you don't replace broken wing mirror glass?

Having working wing mirrors is a legal requirement on the roads in Britain. Failing to ensure all your wing mirrors are intact puts you at risk of being pulled over by the police, receiving a hefty fine and adding 3 points to your license.

Missing or damaged wing mirrors create huge blind spots, making it much harder to keep up with what’s happening behind you, and potential hazards approaching you from the back. Replacing broken or missing wing mirror glass quickly will save you being fined and will keep you safe on the road.