How To Replace A Car Side Mirror | O'Reilly Auto Parts | O'Reilly Auto Parts

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The side mirrors of a vehicle are designed to increase your visibility and awareness when on the road, and replacing a broken, cracked, or missing side mirror can improve the overall functionality and safety of your vehicle. Whether it’s been damaged in an accident, or its powered or heated features have stopped working as they should, installing a new side mirror on a car is a straightforward task that can save you time and money. Learn how to replace a vehicle’s side mirror with our step-by-step video and instructions. Our video details a side mirror replacement on a 2007 Chevy Impala, but repair steps will vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, so consult your service manual before beginning your repair. Replacing a car side mirror not only improves the look of your vehicle but also provides essential visibility of vehicles or objects in your blind spot, helping you navigate lane changes and traffic with confidence. Find the parts, tools, and guidance your repairs require at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Tools & Materials List

Step-by-Step Instructions

Additional Resources

In two images, our expert disconnects the battery cable of a 2007 Chevy Impala.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.

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Our expert uses a socket to unscrew the panels securing the door.

Step 2: Remove the Main Panel Trim

Open the door on the side where you’ll be installing the new mirror. The main panel on the inside of your door includes various trim pieces and fasteners that you’ll need to remove in order to gain access to the inside of the door.

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After the fasteners are removed, our expert is able to remove the main door panel.

Use the tools necessary to remove those trim pieces and fasteners so that the main panel can be lifted off.

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In two images, our expert disconnects the panel from the interior of the vehicle.

Step 3: Remove the Main Door Panel

Remove the main door panel. Disconnect any wires or wiring harnesses attached to the panel. Once any wires and cables are detached, you can set your door panel to the side.

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In three images, our expert disconnects and removes the old side mirror.

Step 4: Disconnect Your Old Side Mirror

Now you can disconnect the side mirror’s wiring harness. Loosen the fasteners securing the side mirror. Remove the fasteners the rest of the way by hand, securing the mirror itself with your other hand. Once those fasteners are removed, you should be able to remove the old mirror from the vehicle.

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In three images, our expert places and secures the new side mirror to the vehicle.

Step 5: Connect Your New Side Mirror

Thread the harness of your new mirror in through its opening and the studs through their openings. Reinstall the fasteners securing the side mirror assembly, and make sure they’re snug, but not over-tightened.

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The new side mirror is connected to the vehicle’s interior wiring.

Step 6: Reconnect Your New Mirror

Reconnect the mirror’s wiring harness. Reattach any wires and harnesses to the main door panel and reinstall the panel.

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In three images, our expert reattaches the main door panel and reconnects the battery.

Step 7: Reattach the Main Panel

Secure the panel using the fasteners you removed earlier. Reinstall any trim pieces you removed. Close the door. Reattach the negative battery cable and close the hood.

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Replacing a car side mirror yourself can help save you time and money, and helps ensure that your vehicle has the visibility needed to stay safe on the road. For your automotive repair needs, O'Reilly has the parts, tools, and expert advice to help you get the job done right. Whether you're replacing a side mirror assembly, changing side mirror glass, or performing other regular maintenance tasks, we have the information you need to perform a complete, confident repair. Be sure to visit our How-To Hub for more DIY tips, diagnostic advice, product selection guides, and more. Visit your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store or shop online to find the replacement side mirror to fit your vehicle and more to get the job done right the first time.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.