Who hasn’t experienced this? You come back to your car and discover damage to the side mirror. Annoying, but unfortunately not uncommon. It’s particularly frustrating when it’s not the entire mirror but “just” the mirror glass that is broken. Many drivers then ask themselves: Can the glass be replaced separately, and what costs should I expect?
Side Mirror Glass Replacement: Cost Overview
The good news first: In most cases, the mirror glass can be replaced separately from the rest of the side mirror. This not only saves money but is also more environmentally friendly. But what costs should you anticipate when replacing the side mirror glass?
Car side mirror glass with a crack
The costs for replacing the side mirror glass depend on various factors:
- Vehicle Model: Prices for replacement parts vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
- Type of Mirror Glass: Simple, heated, or aspheric mirror glasses have different prices.
- Auto Shop: Hourly rates at auto shops can differ.
- Additional Work: Sometimes additional work is required, such as dismantling the door panel, which can increase costs.
On average, you can expect the following costs:
- Material Costs: For simple mirror glass, you should expect to pay around 10 to 30 Euros. Heated or aspheric glasses are more expensive, costing between 20 and 80 Euros.
- Labor Costs: The labor time for replacing mirror glass is typically between 30 minutes and one hour. At an average hourly rate of 80 Euros, labor costs range from 40 to 80 Euros.
Overall, you should budget for costs of approximately 50 to 160 Euros for replacing the side mirror glass.
Replacing Side Mirror Glass Yourself?
If you are handy, you can also replace the mirror glass yourself. You can find instructions and videos online. However, be aware that improper replacement of the mirror glass can cause further damage to the mirror housing or the vehicle’s electronics.
When Does the Side Mirror Glass Need Replacing?
Damage to the side mirror glass should always be repaired as quickly as possible, as it affects your visibility and thus road safety. Replacement is necessary in the following cases:
- Cracks or Fractures in the Glass: Even small damages can significantly limit visibility and cause glare in the dark.
- Blind Mirror Glass: A blind mirror glass has become opaque due to corrosion or wear and must be replaced.
- Defective Mirror Heating: If the mirror heating no longer works, the glass can fog up in winter and obstruct visibility.
Tips to Save When Replacing Side Mirror Glass
- Compare Prices: Compare prices for replacement parts online or at different auto shops.
- DIY: If you are handy, you can replace the mirror glass yourself and save on labor costs. However, ensure the work is done correctly.
- Used Parts: For older vehicles, you can also look for used mirror glasses. However, pay attention to the condition of the replacement part.
Conclusion
Replacing side mirror glass is generally not a costly undertaking. With some mechanical skill and the right information, you can even further reduce the replacement costs. It is important to have any damage to the side mirror repaired as quickly as possible to avoid compromising your safety on the road.
Further Questions on “Side Mirror Glass Replacement Cost”?
- What does it cost to replace the entire side mirror?
- Where can I find the right mirror glass for my car?
- Can I also have the mirror glass replaced by a car glass specialist?
Our experts at autorepairaid.com are happy to answer all your questions about car repair and maintenance. Simply contact us through our website. We are here to help!
