So, you somehow managed to break the left side mirror of your Range Rover? We won’t ask how, and we are not judging. Believe it or not, wing or side mirrors get broken off or damaged a lot more than you think. Maybe you scraped it on the garage walls while trying to park, or a brush with another driver or even, the mirrors could be removed by vandals. Whichever way don’t beat yourself up about it. But hey, you need to have it fixed as quickly as possible.
What is a wing mirror and why is it important
A wing mirror or a side view mirror is a mirror built into the outside of a vehicle. It’s usually attached to the A-Pillar part of the car door, and its purpose is to enable the driver to see the sides and back of his car. These areas are areas outside the driver's normal field of peripheral vision. However, there are still small areas which due to the unavoidable design of the vehicle, the driver is unable to see anything even with the side mirrors. This is known as the “blind spot.”
The side mirrors have a lot of uses for driving safety and comfort. When changing lanes, looking at you side mirrors will alert you to any other vehicle coming up behind. It’s only when the cost is clear that you can safely pull out.
Also, while trying to reverse into a parking space, your side mirror will let you know how close you are to the vehicle your trying to park by its side.
Then there is an even more compelling reason to fix your broken side mirror. Driving with a damaged or broken side mirrors makes it difficult for the driver to see what is happening around him. And since the driver is unable to see potential dangers, they will put themselves and other road users at serious risk.
In this condition, your car endangers other road users, and you are liable to as much as £2,500 in fines in the UK. Plus, three points on your driver license.
Getting your range rover’s side mirror fixed may cost anything from £150 to £500 depending on the extent of the damage. Yes, it’s not worth risking the huge fine.
Even if you need to change the entire side mirror assembly, the procedure is pretty basic, and you can do it yourself without many hassles.
Here’s how to go about it.
Tools you need
A ratchet, A 10mm socket, and A screwdriver
Step-by-step procedure
Open the door and wind down the window glass.
- 1. Remove the door card. Flip out the little badge close to the door latch to expose a 10mm bolt. Use the 10mm socket to undo the bolt. Unscrew the three torque screws holding the door card. Hold the door firmly at the bottom and pull it out. Slide it upwards to remove it from the door.
- 2. Remove the plastic trim. Grip the plastic trim on the inside of the A-Pillar and gently pull to expose the wires connections and screws holding the side mirror assembly.
- 3. Trace the wiring connection and unplug it from the control assembly. It’s plugged in just under the control assembly. Grasp it firmly while pushing a small latch by the side to release it.
- 4. Undo the three torque screws holding the mirror assembly.
- 5. Pull out the mirror assembly from the outside.
- 6. Replace it with the new Side Mirror Assembly. Tighten the three torque screws holding the new mirror in place.
- 7. Plug in the side mirror wiring connection to the control assembly.
- 8. Replace the plastic trim.
- 9. Mount the door card back into position. Tighten all three torque screws and the 10mm bolt.
- 10. Replace the little badge.
- 11. Test the mirror controls to check if it’s working correctly.
That is it. In less time than it takes to brew a cup of coffee, you would have restored the pristine look of your Range, and potentially avoided a hefty fine.
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