Buy Hyundai Accent Side View Mirrors

Overview

Hyundai Accent side mirrors-also called door mirrors, side-view mirrors, or wing mirrors-give the driver a clear look down each flank of the car and are legally required on the driver's side in every U.S. state. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 sets the minimum field-of-view rules, and a driver-side outside mirror is mandatory on all passenger cars (Federal Register). Modern Accent mirrors add power adjustment, heating, LED turn-signal repeaters, and even blind-spot warning lamps on higher trims (IIHS Crash Testing). Because these mirrors stick out, they are among the most frequently damaged body parts, yet DIY replacement is straightforward and inexpensive compared with body-shop labor (The Motor Guy).

Fit & Compatibility

• Generations - Mirrors differ by Accent generation (1995-1999 X3, 2000-2005 LC, 2006-2011 MC, 2012-2017 RB, 2018-present HC/RB2). Bolt spacing, wiring connectors, and paint codes vary, so match mirror to model year. Installation torque for 2013 models is 6.9-10.8 N·m on the three mounting bolts (Charm).
• Left vs. right - U.S. cars always use flat glass on the driver side and convex glass on the passenger side; the convex lens carries the "Objects in mirror are closer..." safety legend.
• Manual vs. power - Early base trims carry a cable joystick. Power adjustment arrived for most trims after 2000 and is standard from 2012 onward.
• Heated glass - Heating grids appeared on GLS/SEL/Limited trims starting in 2018, sharing the rear-defroster circuit (NHTSA).

Key Features

• Turn-signal repeaters - LED indicators embedded in the cap improve side visibility during lane changes (YouTube).
• Power-fold - Some export models and Canadian Accent Preferred trims include motorized folding to protect the mirror in tight parking spaces (Fuelly).
• Blind-spot lamps - On SEL/Limited, an orange icon lights up when radar detects a car in the adjacent lane (IIHS Crash Testing).

Safety & Law

• FMVSS 111 requires a 200 ft (61 m) rearward view; if the interior mirror is blocked, a passenger-side mirror also becomes mandatory (Federal Register).
• State laws add fines; many states write tickets if either outside mirror is missing or cracked beyond safe use (Reddit).
• Poorly aimed, oversized mirrors on tall vehicles can hide pedestrians when turning; research links better mirror design to 14 % fewer lane-change crashes (Repairer Driven News, IIHS Crash Testing).

Common Failures

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Adjustment Tips

NHTSA's Blind-zone Glare Elimination (BGE) method eliminates overlap between mirrors and interior view. Lean left until your head touches the window, then adjust the driver mirror so the car's side just disappears from the inside edge; repeat on the right by leaning to the car's centerline (NHTSA). Older-driver safety guides echo the same setup (NHTSA).

DIY Replacement

1. Drop the window and pry off the sail-panel trim with a plastic tool (Fuelly).
2. Unplug the mirror harness (if equipped).
3. Support the mirror outside; remove three 10 mm nuts.
4. Lift mirror away; reverse steps to install new unit, torquing nuts to spec (Charm).
5. Test power, heat, and fold; realign glass using the switch.

Paint & Finish

Accent mirrors ship in textured black or primered "paint-to-match." For a factory finish:

• Sand with 600-grit, wipe with alcohol.
• Use plastic-friendly primer, three color coats, and two clear coats; allow 10 min flash between passes (YouTube).

Cost Snapshot

Industry surveys place an average total replacement (parts + labor) around $299 in the U.S., but doing the work yourself can reduce the bill to $20-$120 depending on feature level (J.D. Power). A 2025 consumer report highlighted that DIY mirror-glass swaps can avoid fines and save roughly $300 in shop charges (The US Sun).

Add-On Accessories

• Clip-on convex blind-spot dots widen the field of view with no wiring (IIHS Crash Testing).
• Stick-on rain guards channel water off the glass for clearer vision in storms.
• Carbon-look caps snap over the housing for a sportier style; no paint needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive my Hyundai Accent if one mirror is missing?
A: Federal rules require the driver-side mirror at all times. Many states also demand a right-side mirror if rear vision through the cabin is blocked (Reddit).

Q: Are Accent mirrors interchangeable across years?
A: Only within the same generation; mounting angles and wiring change with each redesign (Charm).

Q: How do I know if my mirror is heated?
A: Look for two thin wires running to the back of the glass or a heater icon embossed on the switch panel. Heated glass activates with the rear defroster (NHTSA).

Q: My power mirror moves but soon stops-why?
A: The internal motor gears can strip. Replacement motor cartridges are inexpensive and install without removing the housing (The Motor Guy).

Q: Will adding blind-spot mirrors make me fail inspection?
A: No. Small auxiliary mirrors are legal as long as they don't block the main mirror surface (NHTSA).

Q: What torque should I use on the mounting nuts?
A: Tighten to 6.9-10.8 N·m (5.1-8.0 lb-ft) per the Hyundai service manual (Charm).

Q: Do larger mirrors always improve safety?
A: Not automatically; mirrors that are too tall or bulky can hide pedestrians during turns, especially on SUVs and crossovers (Repairer Driven News).

Q: How can I stop mirror glass vibration?
A: Replace worn foam pads inside the housing and ensure the three mounting studs are torqued evenly (Fuelly).

Q: Does the Accent offer auto-dimming side mirrors?
A: Auto-dim is limited to high-end Hyundai models; Accent mirrors rely on a manual day/night setting in the interior mirror (YouTube).

Q: Are camera-based mirrors legal replacements?
A: NHTSA is still evaluating camera monitor systems; traditional mirrors remain the only approved compliance method as of 2025 (Federal Register).