Can You Replace Just the Side Mirror Cover?

Yes—on many vehicles, you can replace just the side mirror cover (also called the mirror cap) without changing the entire mirror assembly. The cover is often a separate, clip-on piece that can be removed and swapped, though the exact process and parts availability depend on your make and model.

What Is the Mirror Cover, and When Is Cap-Only Replacement Possible?

The mirror cover is the outer shell or “cap” that snaps onto the mirror housing. On a wide range of modern cars, trucks, and SUVs, this piece is separate from the internal mirror assembly that contains the motor, glass, heaters, and any cameras or sensors. If your vehicle uses a separate cap, you can typically replace it independently—often the most economical fix for scratches, scuffs, or minor cracks. Some mirrors, however, are molded as single-piece housings or have complex integrated lighting or cameras that may complicate cap-only replacement.

How to Tell if Your Car Allows Cap-Only Replacement

Before ordering parts, you’ll want to confirm whether your vehicle’s mirror cover is a separate, replaceable component. The following checks will help you verify compatibility and avoid surprises.

• Look for a visible seam between the painted cap and the black mirror base/housing.
• Check your vehicle’s parts catalog or dealer EPC for a distinct “mirror cover/cap” part number.
• Search for your make/model/year alongside “mirror cap” to see if OEM or aftermarket caps are sold separately.
• Inspect whether turn signals, cameras (360-degree/side-view), or blind-spot indicators are built into the cap or the housing—this can affect complexity.
• Compare both sides of the vehicle: intact side often reveals how the cover interfaces with the housing.

If you find a separate part number and a clear seam, cap-only replacement is likely feasible. If everything appears to be one molded shell or the parts diagram shows only a full assembly, you may need the entire mirror unit.

Tools and Parts You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools and materials ahead of time makes the job quicker and reduces the risk of breaking clips or scratching paint.

• Replacement mirror cover (OEM or quality aftermarket; painted or unpainted)
• Vehicle paint code (for color-matching if painting)
• Plastic trim removal tools (to avoid marring the housing)
• Torx and/or Phillips screwdrivers (some models use hidden fasteners)
• Painter’s tape and microfiber cloths (to protect surrounding paint)
• Isopropyl alcohol (to clean surfaces before installation)
• Heat gun or hair dryer (optional; softens stubborn clips)
• Primer, base coat, and clear coat or touch-up kit (if your cap is unpainted)
• Gloves and safety glasses

Having these items on hand helps you complete the job cleanly—especially if the cover requires painting and clear-coating for a factory-like finish.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

The exact procedure varies by vehicle, but the following steps cover most cap-style mirror designs. Consult your owner’s manual or a model-specific service guide for fastener locations and safety notes.

1. Park safely, turn off the ignition, and fold the mirror. Protect the surrounding paint with painter’s tape.
2. Adjust the mirror glass to its inward-most position. On some models, carefully pry the glass out from the tabs to access screws or clips; support the glass and disconnect heater wires if needed.
3. Identify and remove any screws securing the cap (often Torx). Many caps are also retained by plastic tabs.
4. Using plastic trim tools, gently release the cap’s tabs. Work methodically from one edge to the other to avoid snapping clips.
5. If your cap integrates a turn signal lens or light strip, disconnect its connector before fully removing the cap. Do not tug on wiring.
6. Test-fit the new cap to confirm alignment. If unpainted, prep and paint now: clean, apply plastic primer, base coat, and clear coat per product instructions; allow full cure.
7. Reconnect any wiring for integrated lights, then snap the new cap into place, ensuring all tabs engage. Reinstall screws if applicable.
8. Reinstall the mirror glass (if removed), reconnecting heater leads and pressing evenly until it snaps into its mounts.
9. Function-test: fold/unfold, mirror adjustment, heat, turn signal, and any cameras/sensors. Check panel gaps and stability.

Take your time with clips and fasteners—forcing parts is the most common cause of avoidable damage. A careful test-fit before painting can save time and money.

Costs and Time

Unpainted replacement caps typically run $20–$200 each depending on the vehicle; factory-painted caps are often $80–$300. Professional painting can add $100–$250. DIY installation usually takes 15–60 minutes per side once the cap is painted. In contrast, replacing the entire mirror assembly can cost $200–$1,000+ (more for vehicles with integrated cameras or blind-spot sensors), plus potential calibration on ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Common Pitfalls—and When You Need the Whole Mirror

Cap-only replacement is straightforward on many cars, but there are exceptions and risks to consider.

• Broken tabs on the housing: If the base housing’s mounting points are damaged, a new cap won’t secure properly.
• Integrated electronics damage: Cracked turn signal modules, cameras, or puddle lights may require additional parts beyond the cap.
• Water intrusion or wobble: Impact damage that causes looseness or vibration often indicates internal damage to the mirror assembly.
• One-piece designs: Some mirrors are not designed with separate caps; only full assembly replacement is viable.
• Paint mismatch: Skipping proper paint prep or ignoring the paint code can leave a noticeable color difference.

If structural components, electronics, or the mirror mount are compromised, replacing the entire assembly is usually the safer, longer-lasting fix.

Warranty, Insurance, and Calibration Considerations

Replacing a mirror cap generally does not affect powertrain or vehicle warranties, but misuse or damage during DIY work may not be covered. If your mirror houses a 360-degree/side-view camera or blind-spot indicator, cap-only swaps usually don’t require sensor calibration—provided you don’t disturb the camera bracket or sensor mounts. After any repair, verify that turn signals, cameras, and indicators function correctly. If the damage resulted from a collision or vandalism, comprehensive insurance may cover the part and paint; check your deductible and the insurer’s preference for OEM vs. aftermarket parts.

Painting Tips for an OEM-Like Finish

If you’re painting an unpainted cap, use products rated for automotive plastics. Apply light coats, respect flash times, and finish with clear coat for durability. Wet-sand and polish only after full cure per paint instructions.

Summary

In many cases, you can replace just the side mirror cover—an affordable, practical fix for cosmetic damage. Verify that your vehicle uses a separate cap, source the correct part and paint, and follow a careful removal/installation process. If the mirror’s structure, electronics, or mounting points are damaged, a full mirror assembly replacement may be necessary.

Can I replace just the glass of a side mirror?

Yes, you can usually replace just the mirror glass on a side view mirror, as long as the mirror’s housing and other electrical components (like heating elements) are intact and functioning. You can buy replacement glass, which may be snap-on or stick-on, and follow a process of removing the old glass, cleaning the housing, and installing the new glass. This is a viable and often cheaper alternative to replacing the entire mirror assembly if only the glass is broken.
 
This video demonstrates how to replace the side view mirror glass: 1mO’Reilly Auto PartsYouTube · Jun 5, 2018
When to Replace Just the Glass

• Intact Housing: The plastic housing that holds the mirror is not damaged, loose, or broken. 
• Working Electronics: If your mirror has heating or power adjustment functions, these components and their connections are intact and working properly. 
• Minor Damage: Only the glass itself is cracked, chipped, or shattered. 

Steps to Replace the Mirror Glass

1. Safety First: Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass. 
2. Remove Old Glass: Carefully remove any loose pieces of the old mirror. For snap-on glass, you may need to pry out the old backing plate. If the mirror is heated, you’ll need to detach the electrical connectors first. 
3. Clean the Housing: Clean the area thoroughly to remove any old adhesive or debris, ensuring a good surface for the new mirror. 
4. Attach New Glass: 
   • Snap-on: If your new glass comes with a new backing plate, snap it onto the actuator until it clicks into place. 
   • Stick-on: If it’s a stick-on replacement, apply the provided adhesive or double-sided tape and carefully press the new mirror onto the backing plate. 
5. Reconnect (If Heated): Reconnect the electrical connectors if your mirror is a heated model. 
6. Test: Check that the mirror functions correctly by adjusting it. 

This video shows the entire process of replacing a side view mirror: 34sClark Howard: Save More, Spend LessYouTube · Jun 21, 2018
When to Replace the Entire Assembly 

• Loose or Broken Housing: If the mirror assembly is loose or the plastic casing is cracked, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.
• Internal Damage: A strong impact that knocks the mirror off its swivel could indicate broken internal components.
• Faded or Corroded Mirror: If the mirror is old, corroded, or the housing has significant cosmetic damage, it might be best to replace the whole assembly.

How much is a car side mirror cover?

typically cost between $15 to $130, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Mirror covers can come in a variety of finishes such as chrome, carbon fiber, plain ABS plastic, or painted in primer, which can be painted with the color of your choice.

Can you drive without a mirror cover?

California law stipulates that it is unlawful to operate a vehicle with any object placed or installed on the vehicle that reduces their view through the windshield or side mirrors.

Can you replace a car mirror cover?

It’s the housing that covers the entire assembly (except the glass). Its purpose is to protect the wiring and other components from moisture and debris. If your side mirror cover is broken, you have two different repair options to choose from: replacing just the cover or doing a full replacement.