A1 Auto Towing Mirrors: Definition, Types, and Other FAQ

Towing isn’t without its fair share of risks. With a heavy trailer hitched to your vehicle, the simplest driving tasks become much more difficult. Turning a corner, backing up, and stopping requires more patience, skill, and effort. It also requires the use of towing mirrors, which differ from most standard side mirrors.

What Are Towing Mirrors?

Also called a tow mirror, a towing mirror is a type of auto mirror with a greater span than standard side mirrors. It allows you to see further behind you when towing a trailer. You get a better view of the sides of your trailer as well as any vehicle behind it.

What Are the Advantages of Using Tow Mirrors?

Given their benefits, towing mirrors are sure to be a worthy investment. Here are the advantages of using tow mirrors:

Increased Visibility

Mirrors for towing are specifically designed to help you see behind your trailer, eliminating the blind spots that a standard side mirror can’t. Paired with cautious driving, this increased visibility reduces the risk of getting into an accident.

Safer Towing

Thanks to the increased visibility, towing mirrors can help you keep an eye on your trailer. You can catch any trailer sway or loose cargo faster, and it’s also easier to drive in reverse.

Peace of Mind

Towing a trailer isn’t easy, which is why it can be scary even for experienced drivers. With towing mirrors, however, you can rest easy knowing you have fewer blind spots to worry about. This can help eliminate distracting thoughts from your mind and make you feel more confident as you drive.

Legal Requirements

The exact rules can vary depending on where you live, but most states will require you to use towing mirrors that allow you to see at least 200 feet behind your car. You can get pulled over if you don’t have the proper mirrors, and in some states, you could end up paying a fine of around $200.

What Are the Different Types of Towing Mirrors?

Today’s market is chock-full of towing mirrors to choose from. Choosing the right one can be hard, but here are the common types of towing mirrors you can consider:

Manual Towing Mirrors

This is the most basic type of towing mirror. Manual towing mirrors have no wiring, and while they aren’t as fancy as other types, they still get the job done. They’re relatively cheap and easy to install, making them a great choice if you’re on a budget.

Power Towing Mirrors

Power towing mirrors have extra features, such as heating, blind spot monitoring, and adjustable viewing angles. They have wires that connect to the power mirror switch in your vehicle’s door.

Extended Towing Mirrors

Also known as telescoping or telescopic mirrors, extended towing mirrors let you adjust the length of the mirror to your liking. This means you can extend them when you’re towing and then shorten them when you aren’t.

Some extended towing mirrors are manually operated, while others can be adjusted with a switch or button.

Directional Tow Mirrors

Sometimes called turn signal tow mirrors, directional tow mirrors come with built-in turn signals. These turn signals are typically mounted behind the mirror’s glass or molded into the plastic housing. Because they’re made of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), they light up fast, giving other drivers around you more time to react to you.

Clip-on Mirrors

An easy way to add extended side mirrors to your car is by using clip-on tow mirrors. Clip-on mirrors attach to your existing mirrors and can be removed when you’re done towing. They’re affordable, convenient, and easy to install.

How To Replace Your Towing Mirror

The exact process of installing a towing mirror can vary, but here are some tips that can help:

Buy the Right Towing Mirror

Towing mirrors vary in size, shape, and design, which means not all of them will fit your vehicle. Make sure you get one that fits your car by doing some research or consulting your owner’s manual.

Don’t forget to double-check the label of the towing mirror for further instructions. Some towing mirrors are sold as upgrade kits, which means you’ll have to start by installing new wiring meant for tow mirrors. Others are designed as plug-and-play mirrors that come with an electrical connector that plugs into existing wiring.

Remove Your Old Mirrors

This typically requires removing the sail panel and door panel. To do so, you’ll need to unscrew the nuts holding them in place. Be sure to hold the mirror as you work, so it doesn’t fall after you loosen all the nuts.

Install the New Mirrors

Most towing mirrors are easy to install. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the packaging.

Perform a Test Run

Don’t forget to test your new towing mirrors after installing them. The last thing you want is for them to fail when you’re already on the road towing your trailer. If you installed a power mirror, run through each function to see if everything’s working as it should.

How Much Does a Towing Mirror Replacement Cost?

The exact price of towing mirrors can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, you can expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $920.