A loose or fallen rearview mirror is more than just an annoyance; it’s a significant safety hazard. A secure mirror is essential for maintaining proper visibility and ensuring a safe driving experience. Choosing the right adhesive for the job is critical, as not all glues are formulated to withstand the unique stresses of a vehicle’s interior.
The market offers a variety of solutions, from professional-grade, two-part kits to versatile super glues. This roundup will help you navigate the options and find the perfect adhesive to get your mirror firmly and safely reattached to your windshield, restoring your peace of mind on the road.
The Best Adhesives for Rear View Mirror Installation
- Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit
- 3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08749
- Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit
- Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive (81844)
- Ready Rearview Mirror Superior Bond Adhesive
- Permatex 09001 Rear View Mirror Adhesive
- Loctite 135358 Plastic Bonder Super Glue
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit
For a professional-strength bond, the Permatex 81840 kit is a top choice. This two-part system includes an adhesive and a separate activator, ensuring a durable and long-lasting hold that is specifically engineered for mounting rearview mirrors. The inclusion of a medical-grade towelette for the activator is a thoughtful feature that helps minimize mess and improves application accuracy, making the process cleaner and more controlled.
This kit is designed with the specific challenge of windshield mounting in mind. The resulting bond is meant to stand up to the daily vibrations and temperature fluctuations experienced inside a vehicle. If you are looking for a reliable, purpose-built solution, this Permatex kit provides the performance you need.
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive
3M is a trusted name in adhesives, and their High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive lives up to the reputation. This two-part structural acrylic system is formulated to create a powerful bond between the mirror button and the windshield glass. It is an excellent option for those who demand a resilient and dependable fix.
The adhesive is designed to perform reliably in challenging conditions. It holds up well in high temperatures and humid environments, and it offers resistance to moisture, chemicals, vibration, and impact. This makes it a robust choice for vehicles that are driven in various climates and on different road surfaces.
Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit
The Visbella Repair Kit boasts exceptional strength, claiming to surpass the performance of traditional epoxy resins. This ensures a very secure bond for your rearview mirror. A key benefit highlighted is its quick repair functionality, which allows for a swift and efficient fix, getting your mirror back in place with minimal downtime.
Beyond just mirror repair, this adhesive offers versatile application. It can be used for bonding various materials, including metal to metal, glass to glass, and glass to metal. This versatility makes it a useful product to have in your toolkit for other small repair jobs around the home or garage.
Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive (81844)
This Permatex option (81844) provides a straightforward and effective solution for reattaching a rearview mirror. It comes with both adhesive and primer in separate, easy-to-use applicators. The compact package is convenient to store and use, making it a practical choice for a quick repair.
As a product from a leading automotive adhesive brand, you can have confidence in its formulation for this specific task. It is designed to create a strong bond on windshield glass, providing a reliable hold that can handle the stresses of daily driving.
Ready Rearview Mirror Superior Bond Adhesive
The Ready Rearview Mirror Adhesive emphasizes speed and ease of use. It is formulated with high-quality materials to provide an industrial-strength bond that performs well in extreme temperature conditions. The manufacturer states that it delivers a fast and easy installation process.
A significant advantage of this product is its 15-minute cure time. This is much faster than many traditional glass adhesives, meaning you can have your mirror securely mounted and be back on the road in a short amount of time. Detailed instructions with images are included to help ensure a proper installation.
Permatex 09001 Rear View Mirror Adhesive
Another offering from the trusted Permatex brand, the 09001 Rear View Mirror Adhesive is a classic choice for this common repair. It is a single-component adhesive that is known for its strong bonding capabilities on glass and metal surfaces. This product has been a go-to for many DIYers and professionals for years.
Its simplicity is a key feature; there is no need to mix multiple parts, which streamlines the application process. It is designed to set clearly and resist yellowing over time, helping to maintain a clean appearance on your windshield.
Loctite 135358 Plastic Bonder Super Glue
While not exclusively for mirrors, Loctite Plastic Bonder is a strong two-part epoxy that can be effective for certain mirror repair situations, particularly if the mounting button is made of or attached to plastic. It forms a durable, impact-resistant bond that can handle stress and vibration.
This epoxy is resistant to water and most chemicals, adding to its durability in an automotive environment. It sets clearly and can be sanded or painted once fully cured, offering some flexibility if needed for your specific repair.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel
Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a versatile adhesive known for its high strength and no-run gel formula. The gel consistency is beneficial for vertical surfaces like a windshield, as it prevents the adhesive from dripping during application. It forms a strong, fast bond on a variety of materials.
This glue is impact-resistant and waterproof, making it a potential option for minor repairs. It is important to note that while strong, it may not be the specialized solution that a dedicated rearview mirror adhesive is for long-term, high-stress applications, but it can work well for temporary fixes or on certain mirror types.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Adhesive for Rear View Mirror Installation and Repair Work
When my own rear view mirror decided to take a nosedive onto my dashboard, I learned the hard way that not all adhesives are created equal. Choosing the wrong one just means you’ll be doing the job again in a week. The windshield is a unique surface, and the mirror has to withstand temperature swings, vibrations, and the simple force of gravity. So, what should you look for when picking an adhesive for rear view mirror installation and repair work?
First and foremost, you need a product specifically designed for this task. General-purpose super glues or epoxies simply will not hold up. Look for adhesives that are labeled for automotive glass or, more specifically, for rear view mirrors. These formulas are engineered to bond to both the glass of your windshield and the metal or plastic button on the back of the mirror. They often contain special agents to fill small gaps and remain flexible once cured, which is crucial for dealing with the constant flex and vibration of a moving vehicle.
The type of adhesive system is another big decision. You will primarily find two-part primer systems and one-part adhesive kits. The two-part systems, which involve applying a primer to the glass and then the adhesive, typically offer the strongest, most durable, and fastest bond. They are often the professional’s choice. One-part kits are simpler and more user-friendly for a DIYer, as they eliminate the primer step, but the curing time might be longer and the ultimate strength might be slightly less. For a permanent fix, I lean towards the two-part systems.
Curing time is a practical consideration. Some adhesives set up in just a few minutes, allowing you to reattach the mirror quickly. Others require you to hold the mirror in place for a longer period or even tape it for several hours. Think about your schedule and patience level. Also, pay attention to temperature requirements. Many adhesives need a specific temperature range to cure properly, so check the instructions if you are working in a very hot or cold garage.
Finally, consider the packaging and applicator. A messy application can get adhesive on your windshield or mirror glass, which is a real pain to clean up. Kits that come with precise applicator tips or syringes make the job much cleaner and easier. Investing in a good adhesive for rear view mirror installation and repair work is about safety and convenience. Taking these factors into account will ensure your mirror stays firmly in place, giving you a clear view of the road behind you for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to drive my car after gluing the mirror back on?
This is the most common question, and the answer is not always straightforward. It completely depends on the specific adhesive you use. Some fast-curing formulas allow you to drive after just 30 to 60 minutes. However, many professional-grade adhesives require a longer curing time to reach full strength, often recommending you wait 12 to 24 hours before driving the vehicle. I always check the instructions on the package and err on the side of caution. Even if it feels solid, the bond might not be at its full impact resistance, so if you can, give it the full recommended time.
Why did my mirror fall off in the first place?
There are a few usual suspects. The most common cause is extreme temperature changes. Your car’s windshield expands and contracts with heat and cold, which puts constant stress on the adhesive bond over time. Old, degraded adhesive is another reason; the glue simply loses its grip after several years. Sometimes, it is an installation error, like improper cleaning of the glass or the mirror button before application. Using the wrong type of glue is a guaranteed way to have a failure.
Do I really need to use a primer?
If your adhesive kit includes a primer, yes, you absolutely should use it. The primer is not just a suggestion; it is a critical part of the chemical bonding process. It prepares the glass surface, ensuring a strong, permanent bond between the adhesive and the windshield. Skipping the primer is one of the biggest mistakes you can make and will significantly increase the chances of your mirror falling off again. For a reliable outcome in your rear view mirror installation and repair work, always follow the kit’s instructions to the letter, including the primer step.
What is the best way to clean the windshield and mirror button before applying the adhesive?
A perfectly clean surface is non-negotiable. For the windshield, I use a razor blade scraper to remove every last bit of the old adhesive. Be careful not to scratch the glass. Then, I wipe the area down with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free cloth. For the metal button on the mirror itself, I do the same thing: scrape off any old glue and then give it a thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use water or window cleaner, as they can leave a residue that weakens the bond.
Can I use a super glue or epoxy I already have at home?
I strongly advise against it. Standard super glues become brittle and will shatter with the vibrations and temperature changes in a car. Most epoxies are not formulated for glass and will not create a lasting bond. They might seem to hold for a few days, but they will fail. It is not worth the risk or the hassle of having to redo the job. The small cost of a dedicated automotive mirror adhesive is a worthwhile investment for your safety.
The adhesive got on my windshield or mirror glass. How do I remove it?
Act quickly before it fully cures. Use a razor blade held at a shallow angle to carefully scrape off the bulk of the adhesive from the glass. For any remaining residue, a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover on a cloth can usually dissolve it. Test any chemical in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage any tinting or coatings. Avoid getting these chemicals on your car’s paint or plastics.