How Long Does It Take To Replace A Side Mirror?

You’ve just discovered your side mirror is damaged, and now you need to get it fixed. A common question is, how long does it take to replace a side mirror? The good news is, it’s often a quick and easy replacement you can do yourself in under an hour.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the factors that affect the time, the tools you’ll need, and provide clear step-by-step instructions for both manual and power mirror setups. You’ll be back on the road safely in no time.

The total time to replace a side mirror can vary. For a simple, manual mirror on an older vehicle, you might finish in 20-30 minutes. For a modern car with power adjustment, heating, and turn signal lights, it could take 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Your experience level and preparation are the biggest factors. Having the right replacement part and tools ready before you start makes the whole process much smoother.

What Impacts the Replacement Time?

Several things determine how long the job will take. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type of Mirror: Manual mirrors are fastest. Power mirrors add wiring. Heated mirrors or those with blind-spot indicators add more connections.
Vehicle Make & Model: Some car doors have tricky interior panels. Others have mirrors bolted on from inside the door, which requires more disassembly.
Your Skill Level: If you’re comfortable with basic car repairs, you’ll be faster. First-timers should allow extra time to work carefully.
Preparation: Reading the guide first and gathering all tools and the correct part saves huge amounts of time.

Gathering Your Tools and Parts

Before you begin, collect these items. Having everything at hand prevents frustrating mid-job searches.

Replacement Mirror Assembly: Ensure it’s the exact match for your car’s year, make, model, and side (driver/passenger). Check if it includes the color-matched cover or if you need to swap yours over.
Basic Tool Set: Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), a set of socket wrenches and extensions, and a trim panel removal tool (or a flat, sturdy plastic piece).
Protective Gear: Safety glasses and gloves are recommended.
Optional Helpers: A towel to lay parts on, painter’s tape to hold the door panel, and a small container for screws.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Follow these steps for a safe and successful replacement. Remember, if you feel unsure at any point, consulting a professional is always a good idea.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Roll up the window on the door you’re working on. This gives you better access to the interior panel. Gather all your tools and the new mirror within reach.

Step 2: Remove the Door Panel (If Required)

Many mirrors are attached with bolts behind the door’s interior trim panel. Here’s how to remove it:

Locate and remove any visible screws. Common spots are in the door handle cup, under the armrest, and near the edges.
Use your trim tool to gently pop off the plastic clips around the panel’s perimeter. Start at a bottom corner and work your way around.
Once all clips are free, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill. Place it safely aside, often still connected by wiring for power locks/windows. You may need to disconnect these plugs if the mirror wiring runs through them.

Step 3: Remove the Old Mirror Assembly

Now you’ll access the mirror mounting points.

Peel back the plastic moisture barrier (if present) from the area behind where the mirror mounts.
Locate the bolts or nuts securing the mirror to the door frame. There are usually three or four.
Using the appropriate socket, loosen and remove these bolts. Have a helper hold the mirror from the outside, or support it with your hand to prevent it from falling.
Carefully guide the mirror assembly from the outside, pulling the electrical connector (if any) through the hole in the door. Disconnect the wiring plug by pressing the tab and pulling it apart.

Step 4: Install the New Mirror

This is essentially the reverse of removal.

Connect the new mirror’s wiring plug to the vehicle’s harness inside the door. Listen for a click to ensure it’s secure.
Feed the wire and connector through the hole in the door from the outside.
Position the new mirror on the door, aligning it with the bolt holes.
From inside the door, hand-tighten the mounting bolts, then snug them down firmly with your socket. Avoid overtightening, which can crack the mirror base or door metal.

Step 5: Reassemble the Door

Take your time here to ensure everything fits back correctly.

Reposition the plastic moisture barrier and seal it back with its adhesive if needed.
Reconnect any door panel wiring harnesses you disconnected.
Align the door panel with the window sill and hook it at the top first. Then, press firmly around the edges to snap all the plastic clips back into place.
Reinstall all screws you removed in Step 2.

Step 6: Test Everything

Before considering the job done, test all functions.

Turn on the ignition (but don’t start the engine).
Test the power mirror adjustment controls to ensure all directions work.
Test the mirror heater (if equipped) and turn signal light (if equipped).
Manually move the mirror glass through its full range to check for smooth operation.

What If You Only Need to Replace the Glass?

Sometimes, only the mirror glass is broken. This is an even quicker and cheaper fix, often taking just 10-15 minutes.

Purchase a replacement glass designed for your vehicle. It will often have adhesive backing or plastic clips.
Wear gloves. Adjust the old mirror glass to its furthest outward tilt to expose the edges.
Use a flat tool wrapped in cloth to gently pry the old glass out from behind. It’s held by plastic clips or adhesive.
Clean the mirror backing plate thoroughly.
Peel the protective film off the new glass’s adhesive and carefully press it onto the backing plate, aligning it properly. Hold it firmly for a moment.

When to Call a Professional

While this is a generally straightforward job, some situations warrant professional help. Consider taking it to a mechanic or body shop if:

The door has significant damage around the mirror mount.
The wiring harness inside the door is damaged or confusing.
Your vehicle has advanced features like auto-dimming, camera-based blind spot systems, or lane departure warning integrated into the mirror.
You simply don’t feel confident working on your car’s interior or electrical systems.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional

Understanding the cost helps you decide the best approach.

DIY Cost: You pay only for the part. A basic manual mirror assembly can cost $30-$80. A powered, heated mirror can range from $100 to $300 or more for luxury models.
Professional Cost: This includes the part plus labor. Labor typically adds 0.5 to 1.5 hours of shop time ($50-$150 per hour). The total bill can easily range from $150 to $500+.

Doing it yourself can save you a considerable amount, especialy if you have an older car.

FAQ Section

Can I drive with a broken side mirror?

It’s illegal in most places to drive with a broken or missing side mirror. You are required to have at least two functioning mirrors, and one must be the driver’s side outside mirror. It’s also a major safety hazard, creating a significant blind spot.

How much is it to replace a side mirror at a shop?

The cost varies widely. For a common sedan with a basic power mirror, expect $200-$350 at a standard repair shop. For dealerships or luxury vehicles with complex features, the price can exceed $600.

Is it hard to replace a side mirror yourself?

For most people, replacing a side mirror is a moderate DIY job. The hardest part is usually removing the door panel without breaking clips. If you follow a guide for your specific vehicle and take your time, it’s very achievable.

Do you have to remove the door panel to replace a side mirror?

On most modern vehicles, yes. The bolts that hold the mirror on are typically accessed from inside the door. Some older trucks or models might have mirrors that bolt directly to the exterior, but this is less common now.

Can you just replace the mirror cover?

Yes, if just the plastic color cap is damaged, you can usually order a replacement. They typically snap on and off. You might need to remove the mirror glass or the whole assembly to access the clips, though.

How do I find the right replacement mirror for my car?

Use your vehicle’s VIN number when ordering parts online or from a dealership. This guarantees a perfect match. You can also search by your car’s exact year, make, model, and trim level. Double-check features like power, heat, and signals.

Final Tips for Success

To wrap up, remember these key points for a quick and easy replacement. First, always disconnect the negative battery cable before working near any electrical connectors, just to be safe. Second, take photos with your phone as you disassemble things; they are invaluable reminders for reassembly.

Finally, don’t force anything. If a part isn’t coming loose, check for a hidden screw or clip you might of missed. Patience is your best tool. With the right part and this guide, you can restore your vehicle’s safety and appearance efficiently and save money in the process.