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.

Porsche

Porsche AG is a German automobile manufacturer, established over 88 years ago in 1931, and is renowned for producing high-performance sports cars, SUVs and saloon cars.

Porsche is owned by Volkswagen AG and carries a total equity of over €10billion (according to 2015 figures).

How popular is Porsche in the United Kingdom?

Who wouldn’t want a Porsche? Porsche has been setting standards in high-performance sports vehicles for as long as they’ve been in the industry.

There are currently around 146k Porsche vehicles on the roads in the UK, showing a steady rise in numbers over the past 10 years.

Luxury, high-end performance sports cars

With a back catalogue of historic models too numerous to mention, the current range provides typical 2-seat mid-engine sports cars in the Porsche 718 and Porsche 911 models, luxury touring in the Panamera 4-seat full-size saloon and a luxurious level of crossover driving in the Cayenne and Macan SUVs.

Sporting a selection of SUV models

Given the popularity of the SUV in modern driving, it was only a matter of time until the high-end marques got involved in revving up the performance and presentation.

For example, the Cayenne Turbo can accelerate from 0–62mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 177mph. The hybrid electric model is equally as impressive with figures of 5.0 seconds and 157mph. That should take care of the school run in record time.

Porsche electric: the plug-in hybrid range

In 2010, the both Porsche SUV models and the Porsche 918 were released as hybrid electric versions. Currently, only the Cayenne is available as an electric hybrid, but Porsche is building towards the release of their E-performance range: with the new Taycan all-electric sports car being developed through the Mission E Cross Turismo concept study.

How often should a wing mirror need replacing?

Over time, components in the wing mirror might seize, the mirror may shatter or the wing mirror may fall off in an accident. As soon as a wing mirror 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. 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.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

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 mirrors quickly will save you being fined and will keep you safe on the road.

What happens when we do a wing mirror 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 mirror unit, 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 a wing mirror 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 off, you might accidentally knock your wing mirror on a wall or lamppost (it happens to the best of us!). Over time, components in the wing mirror might seize, meaning the wing mirror can no longer move.

As soon as a wing mirror 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 a wing mirror be replaced?

Over time, components in the wing mirror might seize, the mirror may shatter or the wing mirror may fall off in an accident. As soon as a wing mirror 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. 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.

What happens when we do a wing mirror 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 mirror unit, 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 a broken or missing wing mirror?

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.

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

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 mirrors quickly will save you being fined and will keep you safe on the road.