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.

Toyota

The Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, established in 1937, over 80 years ago.

How popular is Toyota in the United Kingdom?

Toyota was the first manufacturer to produce more than 10million vehicles a year, and it has continued to do so since 2012. There are currently 1.7million on the roads in the UK—a number that has shown consistent growth since their introduction to the UK market.

High-quality motoring—right across the board

Toyota’s current range features luxury saloons, hatchbacks and SUVs, all of which are receiving the steady design upgrade from what were once sensible and steady looking vehicles, into sleeker looking executive sports lines, capable of turning heads at every junction.

Toyota: Market leaders in all-electric and hybrid motoring

Worldwide, Toyota is the market leader in hybrid electric vehicle sales. It’s introduction of the Prius in 1997, the first commercially mass-produced vehicle of its kind, set them on their way as leaders in the field. The UK is no exception, as there are over 80k Prius models on our roads.

There’s more to Toyota than good economy and sensible motoring

As much as the modern market leans towards family SUV motoring and super efficient hybrid fuel economy, don’t be fooled into thinking Toyota is stuck into a single groove.

For those who want more excitement than economy from their driving experience, Toyota makes a selection of cars with much more clout than their sensible city options.

Grab a Toyota GR Supra and you’ll be propelled from 0–62mph in 4.3 seconds using every ounce of its 335bhp. If you want a car that was built for fun and have a spare £52k to lose, then why not put one on your shopping list? As with other Toyota models, it offers great value for the amount of car you’ll be getting.

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.