The adage that “you can find anything on the internet” is barely an exaggeration. Consumers can type “car glass repair near me” into Google and see their shop options. But the same tool that guides potential customers to businesses can also lead them to do-it-yourself (DIY) situations that bypass the professionals.
Just as quality can vary by product, so can installation. Different do-it-yourselfers have distinct levels of skill, so it’s impossible to say how any one mirror type will vary. Glass companies must be aware, however, that they are and do compete with DIY products, some of which are also sold through glass shops, while others are not.
Online retailers give consumers access to many side-view mirrors. AGRR magazine purchased several online to see if these readily available parts could compete with in-shop mirror installations.
We ordered four mirrors from three locations, choosing parts at a consumer-friendly price point. The mirrors all fit a base-model 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, which does not have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology to complicate mirror replacement.
All pricing was gathered in December 2024. Take a look at what’s out there on the DIY market.
Advance Auto Parts
Mirror supplier: Burco, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Automotive aftermarket and original-equipment mirror maker and supplier.
Listed number: Part Number 4482
Price: $29.99 plus shipping
Customer rating: None listed.
Amazon
Mirror 1 supplier: DNA Motoring, City of Industry, California. Automotive aftermarket parts and accessories provider.
Listed number: Global Trade Identification Number 00194286006907
Price: $21.62 plus shipping
Customer rating: The mirror received four stars out of five from 27 ratings on the Amazon product listing. Only three raters provided reviews. All indicated the product fit well and was easy to install. One of the reviews included an image clearly taken in an automotive services shop.
Mirror 2 supplier: Karparts360, South Plainfield, New Jersey. Aftermarket automotive parts supplier.
Listed number: OEM Part Number 20873491
Price: $24.99
Customer rating: Four and a half stars from 40 ratings on the Amazon product listing. Most reviewers said the mirror was easy to install and fit the vehicle well. The one review with a two-star rating says, “It is very cheap quality and scratches easily. The blind spot mirror doesn’t function as it should. It is only good if you need a budget-friendly mirror quickly.”
Walmart
Mirror supplier: Kool Vue. Automotive parts brand.
Listed number: OE Number 22906956 and Interchange Part Number 22906956
Price: $12.98
Customer rating: Five stars from two ratings on the Walmart listing. The only review says the mirror has the “perfect fit, looks great and is very, very durable.”
Final Thoughts
The price of the mirrors is appealing, and a determined consumer with general technical knowledge or good research may be able to install them. Customers without those skills or patience won’t find the mirrors useful. Some of the mirrors AGRR examined are better quality than others, but none will last long if installed improperly, meaning the consumer could need professional help anyway.
Abby Bowman is the editor of AGRR magazine. Email her at abowman@glass.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.
To view the laid-in version of this issue in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.
