23/09/2001
A damaged wing mirror is more than just a cosmetic nuisance; it's a significant safety concern and a potential hurdle for your car's annual MOT. The scenario you've described – a driver's side mirror with broken glass, a smashed plastic casing, and the entire unit 'flapping' – is unfortunately quite common. The good news is that you're proactively seeking information before your MOT, which is crucial. Let's delve into the specifics of UK regulations and what this means for your vehicle's roadworthiness and your impending test.
The Critical Role of Wing Mirrors
Wing mirrors, also known as door mirrors, are not merely accessories; they are fundamental safety components of your vehicle. They provide the driver with a crucial view of the road behind and to the sides, helping to eliminate dangerous blind spots. This unobstructed view is essential for safe driving manoeuvres such as changing lanes, overtaking, parking, and generally being aware of surrounding traffic. Without fully functional mirrors, your ability to react to hazards is severely compromised, increasing the risk of accidents.
In the UK, the law is quite clear about the requirement for mirrors. All cars must be fitted with specific mirrors to ensure adequate rearward vision. For vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1978, two mirrors are generally required: one obligatory mirror on the driver's side and either an interior mirror or a passenger-side exterior mirror. However, for modern cars, having both exterior mirrors (driver's and passenger's side) and an interior mirror is standard and expected for comprehensive safety. The driver's side mirror, in particular, is considered a legal requirement for all vehicles and its functionality is non-negotiable for road use.
MOT Requirements: What the Tester Looks For
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is designed to ensure that vehicles meet minimum road safety and environmental standards. When it comes to mirrors, the MOT test manual (specifically Section 3.3 for 'Mirrors') has very clear guidelines. An MOT tester will inspect your mirrors for:
- Presence: Are the required mirrors present?
- Condition: Is the glass broken, cracked, or discoloured in a way that significantly impairs the field of vision?
- Security: Are the mirrors securely attached to the vehicle? They must not be loose or 'flapping'.
- Field of Vision: Do the mirrors provide the driver with an adequate view of the road to the rear and side?
Given your description, the "flapping" aspect of your driver's side mirror is a significant concern. A mirror that is not securely fixed and stable cannot provide a consistent and reliable view, making it inherently unsafe. This alone is highly likely to result in an MOT fail. Furthermore, the broken glass, if it significantly obscures the view or presents sharp edges, will also contribute to a failure. While the smashed black plastic casing might be deemed cosmetic if it doesn't affect the mirror's function or security, the other issues are critical.
Will Your Mirror Pass? Assessing the Damage
Let's break down your specific situation against the MOT criteria:
- Broken glass: If the crack is minor and doesn't obscure the field of vision, it might be an advisory. However, if it's shattered or significantly impairs visibility, it will be a major defect and a fail.
- "Flapping" in the breeze: This is almost certainly a fail. The mirror must be rigidly fixed and not move independently of the vehicle's body. A loose mirror cannot provide a stable image and is therefore considered unsafe.
- Smashed black plastic (cosmetic): If this damage doesn't compromise the mirror's security, its ability to hold the glass, or its adjustment mechanism, it might be overlooked or result in a minor advisory at worst. However, if the damage to the plastic housing is contributing to the 'flapping' or the insecurity of the mirror, then it directly impacts the mirror's function and would contribute to a fail.
In summary, based on your description, the 'flapping' mirror is the most immediate and definite reason for an MOT failure. Even if the glass were intact, a loose mirror would fail. With both broken glass and insecurity, the chances of passing are extremely low.
MOT Mirror Check: Pass or Fail Indicators
To provide a clearer picture, here's a comparative table outlining common mirror conditions and their likely MOT outcomes:
| Mirror Condition | Likely MOT Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Missing driver's side mirror | Fail | Essential for road safety and legal compliance. |
| Missing passenger side mirror | Pass (usually) | Not legally required if central and driver's side mirrors are present and functional for vehicles post-1978. |
| Cracked glass (minor, not obscuring vision) | Advisory | May pass if vision is not significantly impaired. |
| Shattered/Severely cracked glass | Fail | Obscures vision, creates sharp edges, unsafe. |
| Insecure/Flapping mirror | Fail | Cannot provide a stable view, dangerous, fails security check. |
| Broken casing (cosmetic only) | Pass / Advisory | If the mirror itself is secure and functional, and no sharp edges. |
| Mirror folded in/cannot be adjusted | Fail | Cannot provide required field of vision. |
| Mirror missing reflector (if applicable) | Advisory / Minor Defect | Less common, but could be noted. |
Driving with a Damaged Mirror Before Your MOT
It's important to understand the legal ramifications of driving with a damaged mirror, even before your MOT. The law requires your vehicle to be in a roadworthy condition at all times. If your driver's side mirror is flapping or its glass is so broken that it significantly impairs your view, your vehicle is arguably not roadworthy. You could face a fine, points on your license, or even have your vehicle seized if stopped by the police. More importantly, you're putting yourself and other road users at risk. While you've admirably sourced a replacement, waiting for the eBay bid to finish and the item to arrive means driving with a known defect. If you absolutely must drive, exercise extreme caution, increase your reliance on your interior mirror, and be extra vigilant, particularly when changing lanes or turning.
Repairing or Replacing Your Wing Mirror
Given the situation, replacing the entire mirror unit seems to be the most sensible and safest option. Here's a general guide:
1. Sourcing the Right Part:
- eBay Bidding: Your current approach is valid. Make sure the mirror you're bidding on is specifically for your car's make, model, year, and side (driver's side in this case). Also, check if it includes features like electric adjustment, heating, or power-folding, as these need to match your car's existing wiring.
- New vs. Used: New parts offer peace of mind with no prior damage, but used parts (like from eBay or a reputable breaker's yard) can be significantly cheaper. Ensure the used part is in good, functional condition.
- Original Equipment (OE) vs. Aftermarket: OE parts are from the car manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies. Both can be good, but OE often guarantees a perfect fit.
2. The Replacement Process (General Steps):
While specific steps vary by vehicle, the general process for replacing a full wing mirror unit often involves:
- Gathering Tools: You'll typically need screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a trim removal tool (plastic pry tool), and possibly a socket set.
- Accessing Fasteners: The mirror is usually bolted to the door frame from the inside. This means you'll likely need to partially remove the interior door trim panel to gain access.
- Disconnecting Wiring: If your mirror is electric (most modern ones are), there will be a wiring harness to disconnect. Be gentle with clips and connectors.
- Removing the Old Mirror: Unbolt the old unit.
- Installing the New Mirror: Mount the new mirror, connect the wiring, and reassemble the door trim.
- Testing: Before fully reassembling, test the mirror's electric adjustment, heating, and any other functions to ensure it works correctly.
While replacing just the glass is sometimes an option for minor damage, the 'flapping' and smashed casing indicate a full unit replacement is necessary. If you're not confident doing it yourself, a local garage can usually replace a wing mirror relatively quickly and for a reasonable labour cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wing Mirrors and MOTs
Q: Can I drive without a passenger side mirror?
A: For cars first used after 1st August 1978, the law requires two mirrors. If your car has a functional driver's side mirror and a functional interior mirror, then a missing passenger side mirror is generally not an MOT fail. However, for optimum safety and visibility, having all three mirrors is highly recommended.
Q: Is a cracked mirror an MOT fail?
A: It depends on the severity. A minor crack that does not significantly obscure the driver's view may result in an advisory. However, if the crack is extensive, shatters the glass, or creates sharp edges, it will be a major defect and an MOT fail.
Q: How many mirrors are required by law in the UK?
A: For cars first used on or after 1st August 1978, at least two mirrors are required. One must be on the driver's side, and the second can be either an interior mirror or a passenger-side exterior mirror. Most modern cars come with all three as standard.
Q: What if my mirror is just taped up?
A: Taping up a mirror to secure it is highly unlikely to pass an MOT. The mirror must be securely fixed to the vehicle, and a temporary repair like tape will be seen as insecure and unsafe, leading to a fail. It also suggests underlying damage that hasn't been properly repaired.
Q: How long does it take to replace a wing mirror?
A: For a competent DIYer, replacing a wing mirror can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the car model and complexity (e.g., how easy it is to remove the door trim). A professional garage can often do it quicker, usually within an hour.
Q: Are heated or power-folding mirrors also checked in the MOT?
A: While the primary check is on the mirror's physical integrity, security, and field of vision, specific functions like heating or power-folding are generally not part of the mandatory MOT mirror check. However, if a faulty heating element causes the mirror glass to discolour or obscure vision, or if a power-folding mechanism prevents the mirror from being in its correct driving position, it could then become an issue.
Conclusion
The urgency of your situation is understandable, but unfortunately, the 'flapping' driver's side wing mirror, coupled with broken glass, makes an MOT pass highly improbable. The test specifically checks for the mirror's security and its ability to provide an unobstructed view. A loose mirror cannot fulfil this safety requirement. Your proactive step of bidding on a replacement is the correct course of action. If at all possible, try to have the replacement mirror fitted before your MOT on Monday. If the eBay bid doesn't conclude in time, or the mirror doesn't arrive, you might consider contacting a local breaker's yard or a motor factor for a quicker replacement, even if it means cancelling your eBay bid. Prioritising safety and ensuring your car is roadworthy is paramount, not just for the MOT, but for every journey you make.
If you want to read more articles similar to Your Broken Wing Mirror: MOT Pass or Fail?, you can visit the MOT category.