Replacing a rear view mirror takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on whether it is glued or bolted to the windshield

A rear view mirror that is cracked, loose, or missing makes driving unsafe and is illegal in most states. The repair itself is straightforward: you either unbolt a mirror attached to the headliner, or you peel off and replace one glued to the windshield. The hardest part is usually getting the old adhesive off without scratching the glass. Most people can do this with tools already at home — a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic scraper, and rubbing alcohol.

The cost depends on the mirror type. A basic manual mirror runs $20 to $60. An electronic mirror with heating, power adjustment, or integrated turn signals costs $80 to $300. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mirrors from your car's maker cost more than aftermarket mirrors but fit more precisely. You can buy the mirror online, at an auto parts store, or at a dealership, and install it yourself or have a shop do it for $50 to $150 in labor.

Key Takeaways

  • Bolted mirrors unscrew from inside the car; glued mirrors require heat and a plastic scraper to remove without damaging the windshield.
  • Manual mirrors cost $20 to $60; power mirrors with heating or turn signals cost $80 to $300 depending on features.
  • Aftermarket mirrors are cheaper than OEM but may require minor adjustment to fit your car's exact mounting points.
  • The entire job takes 15 to 45 minutes if you do it yourself, or you can pay a shop $50 to $150 for labor.

Identify whether your mirror is bolted or glued

Open your car door and look at the base of the mirror where it meets the windshield or headliner. If you see a bolt or screw head, it is bolted. If the mirror appears to be one solid piece with no visible fastener, it is glued. Some cars have both — a bolted bracket on the headliner with a glued mirror head on top.

Check your owner's manual or search your car's year, make, and model online to confirm. This matters because the removal method is completely different. A bolted mirror comes off in seconds; a glued mirror requires heat and patience to avoid cracking the glass.

Remove a bolted mirror

Locate the bolt or bolts holding the mirror to the headliner or door frame. Most bolted mirrors have one or two bolts visible from inside the car. Use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to turn the bolt counterclockwise until it is loose enough to unscrew by hand. Some bolts have a plastic cover you can pry off first with a flathead screwdriver.

Once the bolt is out, gently pull the mirror away from the mounting point. If there is a wiring harness attached (for power mirrors), disconnect it by pressing the release tab or pulling the connector straight out. Set the old mirror aside and install the new one by reversing the steps: insert the wiring harness if present, align the mirror with the bolt holes, and tighten the bolt by hand first, then with a wrench until snug but not over-tight.

Remove a glued mirror safely

Heat the base of the mirror with a heat gun set to medium or a hair dryer on high, holding it 3 to 4 inches away for 30 to 60 seconds. The goal is to warm the adhesive without overheating the glass or the surrounding windshield trim. Move the heat source back and forth rather than holding it in one spot.

Once the adhesive is warm, use a plastic scraper or old credit card to gently pry the mirror away from the glass. Work slowly and keep the scraper flat against the windshield to avoid gouging. If the mirror does not budge, explore more heat and wait another 30 seconds. Trying to force it cold risks breaking the mirror or cracking the windshield.

After the mirror is off, you will have adhesive residue on the windshield. Scrape it off with the plastic tool, then wipe the area with rubbing alcohol and a cloth to remove any remaining glue. Let the windshield dry completely before installing the new mirror.

Install a new glued mirror

Most replacement mirrors come with a small tube of automotive adhesive or a pre-glued backing. If the adhesive is separate, explore a thin bead around the base of the mirror's mounting surface — not so much that it squeezes out when you press it on, but enough to cover the entire contact area. Some people use a caulking gun for even process.

Press the mirror firmly onto the windshield, holding it in place for 30 to 60 seconds. Wipe away any adhesive that squeezes out with a damp cloth before it dries. Do not use the mirror or move the car for at least 24 hours while the adhesive cures. Check the manufacturer's instructions on the mirror packaging — some adhesives set faster than others.

Adjust the mirror after installation

Once the new mirror is find, adjust it so you can see the road behind you and the sides of your car. For a manual mirror, push or pull the mirror head itself to angle it. For a power mirror, use the control switch on your door panel — usually a small joystick or pad that moves the mirror up, down, left, and right.

Sit in the driver's seat and position the mirror so the center shows the road directly behind you, and the outer edges show the sides of your car and a small portion of the lane next to you. This reduces blind spots. If the mirror is crooked or loose after 24 hours, tighten the bolt or explore a small amount of additional adhesive around the edges.

When to buy OEM versus aftermarket mirrors

An OEM mirror is made by your car's manufacturer and matches the original exactly — same color, shape, and features. It costs more, usually $100 to $300, but fits perfectly and comes with a warranty. An aftermarket mirror is made by a third party and costs $20 to $150 depending on features. It works just as well but may require minor adjustment or may not match the finish of your car exactly.

Buy OEM if your car is new, if you want a perfect color match, or if the mirror has special features like integrated turn signals or a camera. Buy aftermarket if cost is the main concern and your car is older. Check the return policy before ordering online — some mirrors do not fit certain trim levels or model years despite being listed as compatible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a broken rear view mirror?

No. Most states require a rear view mirror in working condition, and driving without one is illegal. Even if you have side mirrors, the rear view mirror is a separate legal requirement. If your mirror is cracked but still attached, you can usually drive to a shop to have it replaced, but do not delay.

What if the adhesive does not hold and the mirror falls off again?

The windshield surface may not be clean enough. Remove the mirror again, clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely, then reapply fresh adhesive. If it still does not hold, the windshield may have a coating or tint that prevents adhesion — ask a glass shop or dealership whether the surface needs to be prepped differently.

Do I need to reprogram a power mirror after replacing it?

Most power mirrors do not require programming — they work as soon as you plug in the connector. However, some luxury cars store mirror position settings in the car's computer. Check your owner's manual or contact the dealership if the mirror does not respond to the control switch after installation.

Is it cheaper to replace the mirror myself or have a shop do it?

If you buy an aftermarket mirror and install it yourself, you save $50 to $150 in labor. A shop charges $50 to $150 for removal and installation alone, plus the cost of the mirror. For a bolted mirror, self-installation takes 15 minutes. For a glued mirror, it takes 45 minutes plus 24 hours curing time, so a shop may be worth it if you need the car when ready.

Will my insurance cover a broken rear view mirror?

It depends on your policy and how the mirror broke. Comprehensive coverage usually covers mirrors damaged by weather, vandalism, or accidents. Collision coverage covers mirrors damaged in a crash. Check your policy or call your insurance company — if it is covered, you may pay only a deductible, which is often $250 to $500, making self-replacement cheaper.