Choosing the Best Side by Side Mirrors: Beginners’ Guide

Side-by-side mirrors are an essential safety accessory, giving you a better view of what's behind you when you're out on the trails. But with so many different options on the market, how do you know which ones are the best for your needs? Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best utv side mirrors for your vehicle.

Consider the Type of Side by Side Mirrors

The first thing to consider when choosing UTV mirrors is the type of mirror you want. There are three main types of mirrors available.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) mirrors are made by the company that made your UTV. These mirrors are a good choice if you want a perfect match to your UTV's existing style. Also, go for these mirrors if you frequently ride in mud or water since they are more durable than aftermarket options.
• Aftermarket mirrors are made by companies other than the UTV manufacturer. These mirrors are often less expensive than OEM options and may offer more style choices. As a result, aftermarket mirrors are a good option if you're going for a unique look for your UTV. Also, aftermarket mirrors are a good choice if you want to add features not offered by OEM mirrors, such as LED lights.
• Universal mirrors are just that - mirrors that can be mounted on any UTV. These mirrors are a good choice if you frequently switch up your UTV or want the flexibility to move your mirrors to different vehicles. However, remember that you may need modifications to get universal mirrors to fit your UTV properly.

Choose the Right Size for Your Mirror for UTV

Once you've decided on the type of mirror you want, it's time to choose the right size. UTV mirrors come in various sizes, from small to large. It's essential to choose a large mirror to give you a good view of what's behind you, but not so large that it's cumbersome or interferes with your UTV's operation.

But, if you frequently ride in mud or water, you may want to go with a more oversized mirror so that you can still see even when your mirror is splattered with mud or water. Likewise, if you frequently ride in dust, you may want to go with a larger mirror so that you can still see even when your mirror is covered in dust.

Smaller mirrors may be a good choice if you're worried about your mirrors being damaged or broken. Smaller mirrors are also a good choice if you want a sleek, streamlined look for your UTV.

Think About the Side by Side Mirrors’ Mounting Style

When choosing UTV mirrors, you'll also need to decide on the mounting style. The main mounting styles are bolt-on, clamp-on, and strap-on. Bolt-on mirrors mount directly to your UTV's roll cage using bolts. This is the most secure way to mount your mirrors, but it can also be difficult to install. 

Clamp-on mirrors attach to your UTV's roll cage using a clamp. This is an easy mounting option, but it's not as secure as bolt-on mirrors. However, some clamp-on mirrors have a secondary strap or bolt attachment for added security.

Strap-on mirrors use straps to attach the mirror to your UTV's roll cage. This is the easiest mounting option but also the least secure. If you choose strap-on mirrors, be sure to choose a high-quality mirror designed to withstand the vibrations of off-roading and racing.

The mounting style you choose will likely be determined by the type of mirror you choose. For example, most OEM mirrors are bolt-on, while most aftermarket and universal mirrors are clamp-on. Also, the size of the mirror may dictate the mounting style. For example, smaller mirrors are usually clamp-on or strap-on mirrors, while larger ones are usually bolt-on. This is because bolt-on mirrors provide more support for larger mirrors.

Choose the Right Material for Your Side by Side Mirrors

When choosing the best UTV side mirrors or rearview mirrors, you'll also need to decide on the material. The main materials used for UTV mirrors are glass, plastic, and acrylic.

• Glass mirrors are the most expensive option. Still, they're the most durable. Glass mirrors will also give you the clearest view, but they're more likely to break than plastic or acrylic mirrors. In addition, they can be more difficult to install.
• Plastic mirrors are a mid-range option in terms of price and durability. Plastic mirrors won't give you as clear of a view as glass mirrors, but they're less likely to break. They are also easier to install than glass mirrors and are available in various styles.
• Acrylic mirrors are the most affordable option but are also the least durable. Acrylic mirrors are more likely to break than glass or plastic mirrors. However, they're the easiest to install.

The material you choose will likely be determined by the type of mirror you choose. For example, most OEM mirrors are made of glass, while most aftermarket and universal mirrors are made of plastic or acrylic. Also, the size of the mirror may dictate the material. Smaller mirrors are usually made of plastic or acrylic, while larger mirrors are usually made of glass.

Consider Your UTV's Use

When choosing a mirror, it's important to consider how you'll be using your UTV. For example, if you only use your UTV for leisurely rides around the property, for farm work, hunting, or land surveillance, then you may not need as large or durable mirrors as someone who uses their UTV for more rugged off-roading. Likewise, if you frequently ride in mud or dust, you may want to go with a larger mirror so that you can still see even when your mirror is covered in mud or dust.

On the other hand, if you're worried about your side-by-side mirrors being damaged or broken, you may want to choose smaller mirrors. Large mirrors are more likely to be damaged in a crash than smaller mirrors. Finally, if you frequently ride with a passenger, you may want to choose mirrors with a wider field of view so that your passenger can also see behind you.

Price

Of course, price is also important when choosing the best side by side mirrors. The best utv side mirrors or rearview mirrors range in price from around $30 to $200. The price of the mirror for UTV will depend on the size, material, mounting style, and brand. In general, glass mirrors are the most expensive option, while acrylic mirrors are the least expensive option.

When choosing side mirrors, it's important to balance quality and price. You don't want to spend too much on mirrors you don't need, but you also don't want to choose the cheapest option to have your mirrors break or give you a poor view.

Choose the Right Mirror Features

When choosing side by side mirrors, you'll also want to consider the different available features. Some mirrors have additional features such as LED lights, heating elements, night vision features, and extendable arms. These additional features can make your mirror more expensive, but they can also be worth the extra cost depending on your needs.

For example, if you frequently ride in low-light conditions, then you may want to choose a mirror with LED lights. In addition, heated mirrors can be helpful in cold weather so that you don't have to worry about your mirrors fogging up. And, extendable arms can give you a wider field of view.

Consider the Side by Side Mirrors’ Warranty

Finally, when choosing side by side mirrors, you'll also want to consider the warranty. Most mirrors come with a 1-year warranty, but some brands offer longer warranties. A longer warranty is always better to ensure that your mirror is covered in case of any damage or problems.

The warranty covers any defects in materials or quality. It does not, however, cover damage that is caused by misuse or abuse.

Bottom Line

When choosing UTV mirrors, it's important to consider these factors. By choosing the right mirrors for your needs, you can be sure you're getting the best possible value for your money. With so many different mirrors on the market, there's no reason to settle for anything less than the perfect mirror for your UTV.