Everything You Need to Know About Car Mirrors
Wing mirrors, so often overlooked but indispensable, are crucial for road safety. From tracking vehicles behind you, to alerting of potential hazards, they play a silent yet crucial role in driving. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about wing mirrors, wing mirror replacement and maintenance. As we explore car wing mirrors further, we'll cover their components, common issues, and maintenance tips to ensure they remain in top condition.
Interesting fact - did you know that the first recorded use of wing mirrors on automobiles dates back to the early 20th century? Back then, these mirrors were often referred to as "wing mirrors" due to their resemblance to the wings of a bird.
Understanding Wing Mirrors
Wing mirrors come with a lot of different features, each serving a specific purpose to enhance driver convenience and safety:
Heated or Not Heated
Heated wing mirror glass helps prevent fogging and ice build up, ensuring clearer visibility during cold weather conditions. It's important to note that the heating function works only if the wing mirror unit is equipped with this feature. Not all wing mirror units have a built-in heating function, so when looking for a replacement wing mirror glass, ensure that your mirror unit supports this functionality. Heated mirror glasses can be more expensive than non heated glasses, so it is better to check before buying your new mirror glass. If your wing mirror unit is not equipped with a heating function, and you buy a heated mirror glass, it will still fit your vehicle, but the heating function won’t work.
Electric Adjustment or Manual Adjustment
Electrically adjustable mirrors offer drivers precise customization through intuitive electronic controls, ensuring optimal positioning tailored to individual preferences. In contrast, manual adjustment requires physical manipulation of the mirror using basic controls within the car, potentially resulting in less accurate positioning compared to electronic adjustments. It's better not to replace electrically adjustable mirrors for manual ones. This change would mean losing the convenience of adjusting the mirror from inside the car, as vehicles with electric mirrors usually don't have the necessary controls for manual adjustment. If your car has electrically adjustable mirrors, you should only replace them with electrically adjustable mirrors.
Manual Folding or Power Folding
Manual-folding mirrors can be folded or unfolded by physically pushing or pulling them into the desired position, without the assistance of any motorised or automated mechanism. Power-folding mirrors can be electronically folded or unfolded either automatically, upon locking the vehicle, or by using a dedicated button within the car. If your vehicle is equipped with power folding mirrors, you can only replace them with power folding wing mirrors because fitting a manual folding mirror would result in the loss not only of the power folding feature, but also of the electric adjustment function due to differences in connectors.
Puddle Lights on Mirrors
Puddle lights (also called puddle lamps) are small lights located on the underside of the wing mirrors or near the vehicle's door handles. These lights illuminate the ground around the car's doors when the vehicle is unlocked, making it easier for drivers and passengers to see where they are stepping, especially in dark conditions. The name 'puddle lamps' comes from their ability to illuminate puddles or other obstacles that may be near the vehicle's doors, helping occupants avoid stepping in them as they enter or exit the vehicle. In addition to enhancing safety by providing better visibility, puddle lamps also add a touch of convenience and luxury to the vehicle, offering a welcoming glow that guides occupants towards the door handles. If your vehicle’s wing mirrors are equipped with puddle lights, you should check the product description to make sure you purchase a wing mirror equipped with puddle lights. Generally, if the wing mirror description doesn't mention puddle lights, it means the product doesn't have them.
Mirror Indicators
Some wing mirrors are equipped with built-in indicators directly on the mirror unit. This feature enhances safety by increasing the visibility of the turning signal to surrounding vehicles. If the wing mirror indicator requires replacement, it's often possible to do so without replacing the entire wing mirror unit. If you need to do a complete wing mirror unit replacement, and your vehicle is equipped with indicators on the mirrors, you should carefully check the description and the image to make sure you purchase a wing mirror equipped with indicator. In some cases, the same vehicle might have different types of indicators (clear or amber) depending on where the vehicle was made, so it is safer to also check the colour before buying the indicator or the wing mirror unit.
An example of a wing mirror indicator and wing mirror puddle light included in the mirror unit.
Convex mirrors or flat mirror glass
Convex mirrors offer a wider view, great for spotting objects in blind spots, while flat mirrors provide a more accurate reflection for judging distances. Drivers choose between them based on their preferences and driving needs.
Temperature sensors on the mirrors
Some advanced wing mirrors are equipped with temperature sensors designed to detect the presence of ice or frost build-up. These sensors continuously monitor the temperature around the mirror, and when they detect a drop in temperature indicative of freezing conditions, they trigger a warning or activation of specific features. This helps drivers anticipate and address potential visibility issues caused by ice or frost, ensuring safer driving in cold weather conditions. If your vehicle’s side mirrors have temperature sensors, make sure to check the product description before buying new ones. Fitting a wing mirror not equipped with a temperature sensor to a vehicle equipped with temperature sensors on mirrors, might cause the loss of some other functions due to a different plugs/electric attachments. Generally, if the wing mirror description doesn't mention temperature sensors, it means the product doesn't have them.
Parking sensors on the mirrors
In some vehicles, wing mirrors can be equipped with parking sensors. These sensors are often integrated into the mirror housing and work in conjunction with other sensors located around the vehicle to assist drivers in parking manoeuvres. When activated, the parking sensors emit signals to detect obstacles or objects near the vehicle, including those within the blind spots of the wing mirrors. This feature helps drivers navigate tight spaces and avoid collisions while parking, enhancing overall safety and convenience. If your vehicle’s side mirrors have parking sensors, make sure to check the product description before buying new ones. Fitting a wing mirror not equipped with a parking sensor to a vehicle equipped with parking sensors on mirrors, might cause the loss of some other functions due to a different plugs/electric attachments. Generally, if the wing mirror description doesn't mention parking sensors, it means the product doesn't have them.
Facelifts
It's essential to note that there may be variations in wing mirror designs between pre-facelift and post-facelift models of the same vehicle. For instance, let's consider the Wing mirror for Toyota Corolla or a Ford Focus Wing Mirror. The pre-facelift models may have a different wing mirror shape or feature set compared to the post-facelift models. Therefore, when purchasing replacement wing mirrors or accessories, it's crucial to ensure compatibility with your specific model year to avoid any fitting issues or discrepancies in functionality. It can be difficult sometimes to know if the car is the pre-facelift and post-facelift because in the same year, both versions were on sale. The easiest solution is to check if your vehicle looks like the one from one year before the facelift or the one from one year after the facelift.
Common Problems and Solutions
Wing mirrors are not immune to the wear and tear of daily driving: from minor scrapes to major collisions, they can suffer damage that compromises their functionality and appearance. In this section, we'll explore some of the most common problems encountered with wing mirrors and provide practical solutions for addressing them.
Frequent Damage
Wing mirrors worldwide are prone to damage due to various factors, including narrow roads, bustling urban areas, and cramped parking conditions. In countries with Left-hand traffic, such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Japan, left-side wing mirrors are frequently affected because they are closer to oncoming vehicles. On the contrary, in nations with Right-Hand Traffic, such as the United States and much of Europe, right-side wing mirrors are at greater risk due to their exposure to oncoming vehicles. Whether it's a minor brush from a passing car or an unexpected collision with an obstacle, wing mirrors often endure the brunt of such incidents across the globe.
A damaged car wing mirror. Depending on the level of damage, a simple wing mirror glass replacement may be all that's needed.
Is it legal to drive with a broken mirror?
In Ireland, the requirement for vehicles to have functioning mirrors is outlined in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment, and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963, as amended. Specifically, Regulation 98 states that vehicles must be equipped with "a mirror or mirrors of such characteristics and so maintained as to afford the driver an adequate view of the road to the rear and to the side of the vehicle." Driving with broken or non-functioning mirrors would be a violation of this regulation, potentially resulting in penalties or fines.
In the UK, it is considered illegal to drive with damaged or obscured mirrors because it significantly reduces driver visibility and compromises safety. According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers must ensure that all mirrors are clear and correctly adjusted before starting a journey. Therefore, driving with broken or non-functioning mirrors would be against the law to drive and could result in penalties or fines, and points may be added to the driving licence. Penalties may vary depending on the circumstances and the discretion of law enforcement officials.
Is it illegal to drive without wing mirrors?
In Ireland, according to Regulation 26 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, and subsequent amendments, vehicles are required to have mirrors that offer a clear view of the road behind and to the side of the vehicle. In simpler terms, this means drivers must have working wing mirrors to see what's around them while driving. Failing to meet this regulation can result in penalties, fines, points being added to the driving licence, or other legal repercussions.
In the UK, the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, specifically in Article 33, mandates that it is illegal to drive a vehicle without wing mirrors. This regulation requires vehicles to have mirrors that provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and to the side of the vehicle. This means that drivers must have functioning wing mirrors to ensure they can see what's behind and beside them while driving. Failure to comply with this regulation can lead to penalties, fines, points being added to the driving licence, or other legal consequences.
For a safe driving environment, and to avoid fines and penalties, it is crucial to make sure the vehicle is equipped with wing mirrors, and that the mirrors provide a sufficiently clear view of the road behind and of the sides.
How much for driving with a broken mirror
Driving with impaired visibility due to damaged or obscured mirrors is a violation of traffic laws and can result in penalties. If you are wondering, the exact consequences for this offence may vary depending on the severity of the offence and the discretion of law enforcement officers. The specific fine amount for this offence is not explicitly stated in legislation but can vary depending on the circumstances. However, fines for traffic offences in Ireland can range from €60 to €120 or more, and in the UK can range between £50 to 100 or more, depending on the severity of the offence, the circumstances, and the discretion of law enforcement officers.
NCT and MOT Considerations
Vehicle inspections, like the MOT (in the UK) and NCT (in Ireland), are designed to ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. During MOT and NCT inspections, examiners thoroughly assess all aspects of a vehicle, including its wing mirrors, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Any issues with wing mirrors, such as cracked glass, broken casing, or malfunctioning adjustment mechanisms, can result in inspection failures.
In the event of a failed MOT or NCT due to a broken mirror glass, or a damaged wing mirror, drivers will need to rectify the issue with the wing mirror and have their vehicle retested. To avoid the inconvenience, and potential additional expense, of retesting, it's better to make sure your wing mirrors are in proper working condition before booking the NCT / MOT appointment. By proactively addressing any issues with your wing mirrors, you can save both time and money and ensure a smoother inspection process.
3. How to choose the correct wing mirror parts for your car
Let's have a closer look at the wing mirror components and their functions:
Wing Mirror Covers
Wing Mirror Covers, known as wing mirror casing, serve as the outer protective layer of the wing mirror assembly. It shields the internal components from environmental elements, impacts, and debris encountered during driving. Wing mirror covers are easily damaged on contact and are prone to cracking or falling off completely in minor accidents. If all other parts of the wing mirror are still intact and functioning, then you may be able to replace just the cover on its own. If your car has wing mirrors with built-in indicators, then you will need to select a mirror cover that allows for this. This is in general easy to see in the picture because there is a gap for the indicator. Also, it should be noted, in the automotive industry, it is quite common to find primed wing mirror covers, which means the covers are unfinished and require to be sprayed to match the vehicle's colour. In some cases, when a vehicle is always equipped with black mirror covers regardless of the car body colour, it might be possible to find black covers.
Wing Mirror Glass
Wing mirror glass is the reflective surface of the wing mirror, providing the driver with a clear view of the surrounding environment. It's essential for checking blind spots, monitoring traffic behind the vehicle, and ensuring safe lane changes. There are two types of replacement mirror glass available. The direct replacement of the original mirror glass is normally a wing mirror glass mounted onto a black plastic backing plate, which is designed to clip straight back onto the car's mirror housing. The glass and backing plate is likely to include the heating element for your heated mirrors. The other type of mirror glass is a 'stick-on' replacement, which is simply a piece of mirror cut to the correct shape for your car, with a strong adhesive backing. Stick-on mirror glasses are designed to be stuck directly on the broken glass! They're a very cheap and quick solution to get you back on the road again quickly, but you will lose some of the functionality of your original mirror (e.g. the heating and wide angle section).
Complete Wing Mirror
It is the entire wing mirror unit with wing mirror glass and cover. If the wing mirror is equipped with an indicator, it will include the indicator. When replacing the entire wing mirror unit, you should always make sure the new wing mirror is equipped with the same features of the wing mirror you are replacing. If the wing mirror is listed for the same vehicle, and has the same feature, it will definitely fit. If some features do not match, the connector might be different, and the new mirror might end up not having any features electrically powered (heating function, electric adjustment, power folding function, indicator,..).
An example of a wing mirror cover, wing mirror glass, and a complete wing mirror unit, which can be found on MicksGarage.com
4. How to Keep Your Wing Mirrors Safe
Wing mirrors are vulnerable to damage from various sources, including collisions, vandalism, and environmental factors. To protect these essential components and ensure their longevity, consider implementing the following tips:
Park Strategically
When parking your vehicle, choose spots that minimise the risk of wing mirror damage: park in a garage or designated parking space away from high-traffic areas and potential hazards. When the car is parked, remember to always fold the mirrors to protect them from oncoming traffic.
Be Careful
When driving through tight spaces or narrow passages, be mindful of your surroundings. Take extra care to avoid scraping your wing mirrors against obstacles such as walls, pillars, or other vehicles.
Regular Maintenance
Check for any signs of damage in your wing mirrors quite regularly, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage or deterioration. If you promptly replace the damaged wing mirror part, you might be able to avoid replacing the entire wing mirror unit, which would certainly be more expensive. Do not underestimate the importance of the wing mirror covers in protecting the wing mirrors from the elements. A broken wing mirror cover could lead to problems to the entire wing mirror unit.
Adjust Mirrors Properly
Ensure that your wing mirrors are correctly adjusted to provide optimal visibility while driving. Properly positioned mirrors help minimise blind spots and enhance overall safety on the road.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning
When washing your vehicle, avoid using harsh chemicals or an abrasive sponge or cloth on the wing mirror surfaces. Instead, use gentle cleaners and soft cloths to prevent scratching or damaging the mirror glass or housing. Be careful when using pressure washers, because wing mirrors covers can be quite easy to damage.
Monitor Weather Conditions
During winter months, regularly check for ice build-up on the mirror surfaces and use the heating function (if available) to prevent fog and frost.
By implementing these tips and best practices, you can help protect your wing mirrors from damage and ensure their continued functionality and performance for miles to come.
6. How to replace a wing mirror glass with backing plate
Introduction:
If your car's wing mirror glass breaks or develops cracks, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to ensure road safety. Replacing broken mirror glass may seem difficult, especially in modern vehicles, where the glass is often equipped with a backing plate. However, with our simple guide, you will be able to successfully tackle this task on your own.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by positioning the wing mirror glass to face inwards towards your car to create a larger working gap. Then, use a trim removal tool or a similar plastic tool to gently detach the glass and backing plate from the wing mirror unit. Wiggle the tool from side to side to release the mirror glass, without causing damage to the paintwork. During this process, it is recommended to use a microfiber cloth to cover the wing mirror, thus safeguarding its surface.
Step 2: Disconnecting Wires
For heated glasses, the backing plate is typically connected to the wing mirror unit through two wires, which serve as heating connections. Carefully disconnect each wire from the wing mirror glass, making sure to remember the specific terminals for proper reassembly.
Step 3: Installing the New Unit
Once the damaged glass and backing plate are removed, proceed to install the new mirror glass. Begin by reconnecting the wires in the new mirror backing plate. Then, fit the backing plate, using the fittings on the back as a reference to ensure proper alignment. Apply even pressure across the glass surface to avoid breakages.
Step 4: Final Checks
After fitting the new mirror glass, perform a final inspection to ensure it's securely in place and functioning correctly. Test the mirror adjustments to verify its functionality, and adjust it to be ready for your next journey.
7. How to fit a stick on wing mirror glass
Stick-On mirror glasses are a convenient solution for repairing cracked or damaged wing mirror glasses. Specifically designed to adhere onto your original mirror glass, this replacement offers a simple and effective fix. Fitting a stick on mirror glass is very simple, just follow a few simple steps:
Step 1: Preparation
Before starting the fitting, it is essential to double the new Stick-On mirror glass to have the correct shape. Before removing the adhesive backing paper, you can prepare the surface of your broken mirror glass. Ensure that it is free from any dirt, stains, water, or grease, as these contaminants can hinder the adhesive's effectiveness. Cleaning the surface beforehand guarantees optimal adhesion and longevity of the repair.
Step 2: Application Technique
The Stick-On mirror glass features a robust adhesive pad on its back, facilitating easy attachment to the broken mirror glass. To begin, it's advisable to practise aligning the mirror glass without removing the adhesive backing paper. This allows for precise positioning and ensures a seamless application process. It is essential to practise the positioning a bit before peeling the protective paper on the adhesive pad, so that the fitting will be smooth once the paper is removed.
Step 3: Fixing the Mirror Glass
Once you're confident with the alignment, it's time to proceed with the attachment. Peel away the protective paper covering the adhesive pad, revealing its sticky surface. With caution and precision, press the Stick-On mirror glass firmly over the broken glass area. Apply even pressure to ensure uniform adhesion and a secure fit.
Step 4: Final Checks
After affixing the mirror glass, conduct a thorough inspection to verify its placement and adherence. Check for any air bubbles or gaps between the Stick-On mirror glass and the original glass surface. Smooth out any imperfections by gently pressing down on the mirror glass
