Although power-folding side mirrors are all but standard equipment on vehicles these days, there are still some models that feature these convenient features either as options or as part of more premium trims. Depending on your budget, where you regularly park, the type of vehicle you drive, and your tolerance for a little more inconvenience, power-folding side mirrors might prove to be a useful upgrade. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of folding mechanism options, and how to decide if moving up to power-folding mirrors is worthwhile. Finally, we’ll also guide you through how to select the right mirror if yours is/are faulty.
Quick Reference: Folding Types at a Glance
| Fold type | Best for | Key watch-out |
| Manual-folding | Budget builds, older cars, low-traffic parking | You fold it by hand every time |
| Power-folding | Tight streets, narrow garages, wider vehicles | Avoid forcing a power-folding mirror by hand unless manual operation is permitted by the vehicle manufacturer. |
| Auto-folding | Drivers who want fold-on-lock convenience | Needs a body module that supports the feature |
| Fixed / non-folding | Some commercial vans and base trims | No give in tight passes or automatic car washes |
What “Folding” Actually Means on a Side Mirror
You’re bound to have come across the terms “folding” and “power-adjustable” when perusing the specs sheets while car-shopping. While they might sound similar, these terms actually refer to separate capabilities.
A folding side mirror is one where the entire mirror housing pivots toward the vehicle, reducing its overall width when parked or driving through tight spaces.
This is different from a power-adjustable mirror, in which the mirror housing itself remains fixed, while the angle of the mirror glass is able to be changed with control of switches to improve the driver’s view of the rear.
Because the two features are independent, a vehicle can have manually folding mirrors with power-adjustable glass, or power-folding mirrors that both pivot electrically and allow electronic glass adjustment.
Manual, Power, and Auto-Folding: Which Do You Need?
When it comes down to the “folding” capability of the side door mirrors, there are also a number of designs available.
Manual-folding mirrors are the simplest type now found particularly on older vehicles and lower trim levels. To fold the mirror, you simply roll down the window and push the housing inward by hand until it reaches its folded position, or operate a joystick that connects to the mirror by an internal cable. This protects the mirror from damage in tight parking spaces, narrow garages, and automatic car washes. Because there are no motors or control modules involved, manual-folding mirrors are generally more durable and less expensive to replace if damaged. Their most obvious downside is that you must bring the windows down and fold and unfold them yourself each time you park in a confined space.
Power-folding mirrors use a small electric motor to pivot the mirror housing at the press of a button located on the driver side door. However, the added convenience of not having to roll the windows down and physically adjust the mirror comes with greater complexity. The folding motor, wiring, and electronic controls introduce more potential failure points, making replacement mirrors more expensive than manual versions.
Auto-folding mirrors are essentially power-folding mirrors with automatic operation. Instead of pressing a button, the mirrors fold automatically when the vehicle is locked and unfold when it is unlocked or started. In some systems, drivers can disable the feature or even customize when the mirrors operate. Besides providing convenience, the automatic folding provides a visual confirmation, in addition to flashing headlights and unlocking and locking sounds, that the vehicle has been locked or unlocked. However, frequent operation means the folding mechanism cycles more often and is therefore subject to more wear and tear.
Do You Need Power-Folding Mirrors?
If the vehicle you’re looking at only features power-folding mirrors as an option, you might be wondering if the upgrade is worth it. Answering this will depend largely on where and how you use your vehicle.
If you regularly park on narrow residential streets, in crowded shopping centres, or in tight parking garages, power-folding mirrors can help prevent accidental knocks by making it easy to reduce the vehicle’s width with the press of a button. They’re also a convenient feature on larger SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks, whose mirrors often extend farther from the body and might need some stretching to get to.
On the other hand, drivers with a private garage or wide parking spaces may rarely fold their mirrors at all. In these situations, manual-folding mirrors do away with the added cost and complexity of electric motors and control modules while still providing the primary function of a side door mirror.
If convenience is your priority, power-folding mirrors are a worthwhile upgrade. If you’re focused on keeping purchase and repair costs down, manual-folding mirrors will meet your needs just as well.
Buying a Folding Mirror: What to Match
If either or both of your side door mirrors are faulty, they might need to be replaced. When buying a replacement folding mirror, it’s important to match the folding mechanism. A manual-folding mirror cannot simply be swapped for a power-folding version unless the vehicle is already equipped with the necessary wiring, switchgear, and control modules. The same goes for installing a power-folding mirror installed on a manual-folding vehicle. Additionally, always verify the right electrical connector and pin count, as mirrors with additional features such as require extra wiring.
Even mirrors that look identical externally may use different connectors or internal electronics depending on the trim level. To remove the guesswork, compare your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN, in addition to the folding mechanism and connector configuration. If you’re planning to install the replacement yourself, see our guide (Side Mirror Replacement: How to Do It) for a detailed walkthrough.
Can You Add Power Folding to a Car That Doesn’t Have It?
Thinking about forgoing the power-folding mirrors for now and possibly upgrading your vehicle’s mirrors in the future? You should know that the process is usually more involved than simply replacing the mirrors.
Power-folding mirrors require more than a folding motor inside the housing, including compatible door wiring, a power-fold switch, door control modules, and software that supports the feature. Some vehicles share the same wiring across trim levels, making the retrofit relatively straightforward, while others require additional wiring and electronic programming. Certain vehicle doors are also unable to accommodate all of these additional equipment without significant structural modifications. Unless your vehicle is already pre-wired, be prepared for substantial and costly changes to your vehicle if you’re looking to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all modern cars have folding side mirrors?
Yes, all modern cars have side mirrors (or cameras on futuristic cars like the Audi e-Tron) that can fold in and out.
Can I fold a power-folding mirror by hand?
Yes, it is possible to fold a power-folding mirror in and out manually. However, this should only be done while the power-folding mechanism is not functioning. Manually folding a power-folding mirror too often can place stress on the mechanism, so unless it isn’t working, it’s best to operate the mirrors with the switches.
What is the difference between power-folding and power-adjusting mirrors?
Power-folding mirrors electrically pivot the entire mirror housing toward the vehicle. Power-adjusting mirrors only change the angle of the mirror glass for a better view of the rear
Are folding wing mirrors worth it on a used import?
They can be, especially if you frequently park in tight spaces or drive on narrow streets. Just verify that the folding function works correctly, as replacement motors and electronic components are typically more expensive than those used in manual-folding mirrors.