The most common question we hear from new customers. A quick decision tree that covers cost, removal effort, heated wiring and the five vehicles where the answer is "definitely clip-on".
The short answer
If your existing glass is removable in one piece by hand, you almost certainly need a clip-on replacement. If your old glass shattered onto the floor and the backing plate is still intact, a stick-on is the cheaper, faster fix.
What "stick-on" actually means
A stick-on (or "self-adhesive") wing mirror glass is a flat or convex glass blank with a peel-and-stick foam pad on the back. You apply it directly to the existing backing plate inside the mirror housing — no tools, no clips, no electrical connector.
- Cheapest option (typically £8–£18)
- Five-minute fit at the kerbside
- Does not include heating elements (your factory heater still works through the backing plate)
- Not always a perfect curvature match to the original
What "clip-on" means
A clip-on glass is a complete replacement panel with the backing plate moulded onto the glass. You pop the old one off, clip the new one in, and reconnect any heater plug.
- Tilt the mirror fully outward to expose the bottom edge of the housing
- Wrap a soft cloth around the bottom edge and lever gently — the old glass releases with a click
- Unplug the heater connector if present
- Plug the new glass in, position the top edge into the upper clips, then press the bottom home until you hear a click
Always check whether your van uses spade or push-fit heater connectors before you order. Citroen Berlingo (post-2018) is one of the few that switched mid-model.
The five vehicles that are clip-on only
These vehicles use a curved housing aperture that won't seat a flat stick-on glass cleanly:
- Citroen Berlingo Mk3 (2018+)
- Peugeot Partner Mk3 (2018+)
- Citroen Dispatch Mk3 (2016+)
- Peugeot Expert Mk3 (2016+)
- Renault Trafic Mk3 (2014+)
What about heated mirrors?
Heated stick-on glass exists, but the electrical contact must press against the original backing plate's heater terminals. If the backing plate is damaged, you must replace the whole clip-on.
