A loose or fallen rearview mirror is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a significant safety hazard that compromises your visibility on the road. The right adhesive is crucial for a secure, lasting repair that can withstand daily vibrations and temperature extremes. With so many options on the market, from professional-grade two-part systems to versatile epoxies, finding the best one for your vehicle can be a challenge.
This guide simplifies your search by highlighting the top-performing adhesives designed specifically for this critical task. We have evaluated products based on their bonding strength, ease of application, resistance to environmental factors, and overall reliability to help you make a confident purchase and get your mirror firmly back in place.
Our Recommended Rear View Mirror Adhesives
- Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit
- Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit for Windshield Excellent Bonding
- 3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08749, 0.02 fl oz
- Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive, Adhesive .3ml/Primer .6ml (81844)
- Loctite 37438 Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit – 0.3 cc
- Loctite PL 37533 2-Ounce Rear View Mirror Adhesive
- Permatex 91133 Rear View Mirror Adhesive, 5 mL
- 3M 08612 Scotch-Mount Acrylic Adhesive Tape Roll
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit
For a repair that demands professional-grade results, the Permatex 81840 kit is a top choice. This two-part system includes an activator delivered via a convenient pipette and a professional-strength adhesive, ensuring a powerful and durable bond. The inclusion of a medical-grade towelette is a thoughtful touch, helping to minimize mess and improve application accuracy for a cleaner, more precise job.
Designed specifically for mounting rearview mirrors to windshields, this kit creates a bond that stands up to the rigors of daily driving. The straightforward two-part process ensures that even DIY mechanics can achieve a secure, long-lasting installation with confidence.
Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit
The Visbella kit offers a strong and versatile solution for a detached mirror. It boasts exceptional strength that surpasses traditional epoxy resins, creating a secure bond between the mirror and windshield. A key benefit is its quick repair functionality, which allows for a swift and efficient fix, getting you back on the road with minimal downtime.
Beyond just rearview mirrors, this adhesive’s utility extends to various materials, including glass, metal, and even ceramics. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any toolkit, ready for a range of household bonding tasks beyond the initial automotive repair.
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive
3M is synonymous with reliability, and their High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive lives up to that reputation. This two-part structural acrylic system is engineered specifically for mounting rear view mirrors. It is formulated to perform consistently in challenging conditions, holding up well in high temperatures and humid environments.
The bond created by this adhesive is resistant to moisture, chemicals, vibration, and impact. This comprehensive resistance ensures that once your mirror is installed, it will stay firmly in place through bumps, weather changes, and the test of time, making it a trusted choice for a permanent fix.
Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive (81844)
This Permatex kit offers a compact and effective solution for a common automotive problem. The package contains precisely measured amounts of adhesive and primer, providing everything you need for a single, reliable mirror installation. Its small size makes it easy to store in a glove compartment or toolbox for emergencies.
Despite its compact dimensions, this kit is designed for a strong, lasting bond. It is a straightforward option for those who need a no-fuss, reliable product from a trusted brand in the automotive aftermarket space.
Loctite 37438 Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit
Backed by OEM-approved performance, the Loctite 37438 kit is a product trusted by professionals and leading auto manufacturers. This pedigree ensures that you are using a formula that meets the exacting standards required for automotive safety and durability. Its strong adhesion is specifically designed to bond the rearview mirror bracket to the windshield.
A significant advantage of this kit is its fast handling strength. It is ideal for metal mirror feet, achieving handling strength in mere seconds and full mirror-mounting strength in just 15 minutes. This rapid cure time means you can adjust your mirror and drive your vehicle much sooner after the repair.
Loctite PL 37533 2-Ounce Rear View Mirror Adhesive
For those who prefer a larger quantity of adhesive, perhaps for multiple repairs or professional use, the Loctite PL 37533 offers a two-ounce volume. This larger size provides excellent value and ensures you have plenty of product on hand for several mirror installations or other compatible bonding projects.
As part of the Loctite line of automotive products, this adhesive is formulated to deliver a strong, reliable hold. It is a practical choice for anyone who frequently performs vehicle maintenance and requires a dependable adhesive they can count on for a secure bond every time.
Permatex 91133 Rear View Mirror Adhesive, 5 mL
The Permatex 91133 comes in a 5 mL tube, offering a substantial amount of adhesive for multiple applications. This makes it a cost-effective option if you are looking to stock your garage or if you have several bonding jobs to complete. The larger volume provides flexibility and readiness for future repairs.
This product is engineered to create a powerful bond between the mirror button and the windshield glass. Its formulation is designed to resist the factors that cause other adhesives to fail, such as temperature fluctuations and vibration, ensuring a durable and long-lasting repair.
3M 08612 Scotch-Mount Acrylic Adhesive Tape Roll
For a clean and mess-free alternative to liquid adhesives, consider the 3M Scotch-Mount Acrylic Adhesive Tape. This double-sided tape roll uses a high-performance acrylic foam that provides a very strong and permanent bond. It is an excellent solution for mounting mirrors with a flat base.
This tape is known for its high initial adhesion and excellent resistance to solvents and plasticizers. It performs well across a wide temperature range and can absorb shock and dampen sound, making it a versatile and reliable choice for a variety of automotive and industrial applications where a liquid adhesive may not be suitable.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Rear View Mirror Adhesive
I’ve glued my fair share of rear view mirrors back onto windshields, and let me tell you, not all adhesives are created equal. Picking the wrong one can lead to a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation where your mirror ends up on the dashboard a week later. When you’re looking for the best adhesives for rear view mirror installation and hold, there are a few key things I always check for.
First and foremost, you need to think about the surface. Your car’s windshield isn’t flat; it has a specific curvature, and the adhesive needs to bond securely to that curved glass. More importantly, you’re often bonding the mirror to the black, ceramic frit dot matrix around the edges of the windshield. This textured surface requires an adhesive that can fill in the tiny gaps and create a solid bond. Some products are specifically formulated for this, while others are better for smooth glass. Always check the label to see if it mentions compatibility with the frit band.
Next, consider the curing time and temperature. Many modern adhesives are temperature-sensitive. If you’re working in a cold garage, the adhesive might not cure properly, leading to a weak bond. I look for products that have a wide working temperature range. The curing speed is also a trade-off. A fast-curing adhesive gets you back on the road quickly, but it gives you less time to position the mirror perfectly. A slower cure allows for careful adjustment but means you’ll have to secure the mirror in place and avoid driving for a longer period. Read the instructions carefully so you know what you’re committing to.
Finally, pay close attention to the strength and permanence. A rear view mirror is a safety-critical component, so you need an adhesive with high ultimate strength. Epoxy-based systems and specific mirror mounting adhesives are often the strongest options. However, “permanent” is a key word here. These adhesives are designed not to let go, which means if you make a mistake during installation, removal can be difficult and might risk damaging the windshield. Some kits come with a primer or activator; using this is non-negotiable. It cleans the surface and promotes a chemical bond that is far stronger than the adhesive alone. Skipping the primer is the most common reason for failure.
FAQ
Why did my rear view mirror fall off in the first place?
It’s almost always due to a failure of the original adhesive, often accelerated by temperature extremes. In summer, the heat softens the adhesive, and the weight of the mirror causes it to slowly creep downward. In winter, the constant heating and cooling of the windshield creates stress on the bond. Over time, this thermal cycling simply breaks down the adhesive’s hold.
Can I use super glue or double-sided tape to reattach my mirror?
I strongly advise against it. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is brittle and doesn’t hold up well to vibration or the temperature changes inside a car. Standard double-sided tape lacks the sheer strength and gap-filling properties needed for this job. It might seem to hold for a few days, but it’s a temporary fix at best and a safety hazard at worst. You need a dedicated product designed for the specific challenges of a windshield and mirror assembly.
How long do I need to wait before I can drive my car after gluing the mirror?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer depends entirely on the adhesive you use. Some fast-curing epoxies can set up in as little as 5 minutes, allowing you to drive carefully after about 30 minutes. Others, especially two-part systems, might require 12 to 24 hours to reach full strength. The instructions on the package are your best friend here. Do not rush this process. If you drive before the adhesive has fully cured, vibrations can break the initial bond, and you’ll be back to square one.
The button on my windshield is gone, what should I do?
If the metal button that the mirror arm clips onto is still stuck to the mirror but has separated cleanly from the glass, you just need to glue the button back on. Clean the old adhesive off both the button and the windshield spot. If the button is lost, many adhesive kits come with a replacement button. If yours doesn’t, you can usually purchase one separately from an auto parts store. The gluing process is the same; you’re just bonding the button to the glass instead of the entire mirror assembly.
What is the best way to prepare the glass surface for a strong bond?
Surface prep is 90% of the battle. First, I use a razor blade scraper to remove every last bit of the old adhesive from the windshield. You want to get down to clean, bare glass. Then, I wipe the area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free cloth. The final, critical step is to use the primer or activator that comes with your adhesive kit. This etches the glass at a microscopic level and ensures a perfect surface for the adhesive to grab onto. Do not touch the prepped surface with your fingers.
Are there any risks of damaging my windshield during installation or removal?
Yes, there is a risk, but it’s minimal if you’re careful. During installation, the main risk is using too much adhesive and having it drip onto other surfaces, or accidentally gluing the mirror in the wrong position. During removal, if the bond is extremely strong, prying too aggressively can sometimes cause a small chip or crack in the glass, though this is rare. Using a dedicated adhesive debonder or carefully applying heat with a heat gun can help loosen the bond before you try to twist or pry the mount off.