A loose or fallen rearview mirror is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a significant safety hazard. The right adhesive is crucial for a secure, lasting bond that can withstand daily vibrations, temperature swings, and the occasional bump. With so many options on the market, from specialized kits to versatile epoxies, choosing the best one for your vehicle can feel overwhelming.
This practical guide cuts through the confusion. We have compiled a list of the top-performing adhesives designed to get your mirror back in place reliably and safely. Our review focuses on key factors like bond strength, cure time, ease of use, and resistance to environmental factors, helping you make an informed decision for a quick and effective repair.
Our Top Picks for Rearview Mirror Adhesives
- 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
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
- Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, Clear
- 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, 08987
- Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit
The Permatex 81840 kit is a professional-grade solution favored for its robust holding power. Its two-part system includes an activator and an adhesive, ensuring a structural bond that is built to last. This kit is specifically engineered for the task of mounting rearview mirrors to windshields.
A key feature is the inclusion of a medical-grade towelette for the activator application. This thoughtful addition helps minimize mess and improves accuracy, allowing for a cleaner and more controlled process. For a reliable, professional-strength fix, this Permatex kit is a top contender.
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive
When you see the 3M name, you expect quality, and the High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive delivers. This two-part structural acrylic system is specifically designed for mounting rearview mirrors, creating a bond that stands up to demanding conditions.
This adhesive is formulated to perform well in high temperatures and humid environments, a common challenge for vehicle interiors. It also offers excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, vibration, and impact, providing peace of mind that your mirror will stay securely in place.
Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit
The Visbella kit promises superior strength for a secure bond between your mirror and windshield. It is designed to surpass the performance of traditional epoxy resins, offering a reliable hold that drivers can count on. Its quick repair functionality ensures a swift and efficient fix, getting you back on the road with minimal delay.
Beyond just rearview mirrors, this adhesive boasts versatile application. It can be used for bonding various materials, including metal to metal, glass to glass, and glass to metal. This makes it a useful tool to have on hand for other small repair projects around the home or garage.
Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 81844
This offering from Permatex is another solid choice for reattaching a rearview mirror. It comes as a two-part system with adhesive and primer, packaged in a compact and convenient size. The kit is straightforward and designed for a single application, making it a practical purchase for a one-time repair.
While it shares the Permatex reputation for quality, its specific formulation provides a dependable bond for standard mirror repair needs. It’s a no-fuss option for those who need a reliable adhesive from a trusted brand without extra features.
Ready Rearview Mirror Superior Bond Adhesive
The Ready Rearview Mirror Adhesive is formulated for peak performance, boasting an industrial-strength bond that holds up in extreme temperature conditions. It is designed to provide a durable, long-lasting bond for both metal and glass, making it suitable for all-season weather.
A major benefit of this product is its fast, 15-minute cure time, which is much quicker than many traditional glass adhesives. The kit includes detailed instructions with images and an install video, ensuring the process is easy and done correctly the first time.
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
While not an adhesive, a dead battery can sometimes be the reason you’re working on your car in the first place. The NOCO GENIUS1 is a compact and powerful smart charger that maintains your battery’s health. It works as a battery charger, maintainer, and trickle charger with desulfation capabilities.
It is compatible with 6V and 12V lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, making it versatile for cars, motorcycles, boats, and more. Its integrated thermal sensor adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature, ensuring optimal battery performance and longevity.
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, Clear
Gorilla Clear Epoxy is a versatile and incredibly strong bonding agent that can be used for a variety of repairs, including some rearview mirror applications. It comes in a convenient syringe for easy 1:1 mixing, and it sets in just 5 minutes, allowing for some adjustment during application.
This epoxy dries completely clear, providing a clean, invisible finish on glass and metal. It also acts as a gap filler, which can be useful for bonding uneven surfaces or filling small voids on the mirror mount.
3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner
Proper surface preparation is critical for a successful mirror adhesive bond. The 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner is an essential tool for this step. It effectively removes sticky adhesive residue, old glue, and other contaminants from the windshield and mirror button.
This cleaner is safe for use on painted surfaces, vinyl, and fabric when used as directed. By providing a fresh, clean surface, it ensures that your new adhesive can form the strongest possible bond, which is key to a long-lasting repair.
Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
Loctite PL Premium is a heavy-duty, polyurethane-based construction adhesive known for its strong, durable, and flexible bond. While it is a general-purpose adhesive, its weatherproof and vibration-resistant properties make it a potential option for certain mirror repair scenarios, particularly on non-glass surfaces.
It is important to note that this is not a specialized rearview mirror adhesive and may not be suitable for all windshield applications. However, for its intended uses, it provides an incredibly strong, gap-filling bond that remains flexible after curing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Adhesives for Rear View Mirrors
I know how annoying it is when your rear view mirror starts drooping or, worse, falls off completely onto your dash. It’s a common problem, and the solution almost always comes down to using the right adhesive. But with so many options on the shelf, how do you pick the right one? I’ve glued my fair share of mirrors back on, and here’s what I look for.
First, you need to think about the surface. Is your windshield a simple, smooth piece of glass, or does it have a dotted “frit” pattern or even some old, stubborn adhesive left behind? For smooth glass, many adhesives work well. But for those textured areas, you need a thicker paste or a glue specifically designed to fill gaps. Some kits even come with a primer wipe; don’t skip using it! That primer is crucial for cleaning the glass and ensuring a super-strong bond. It makes all the difference between a permanent fix and the mirror landing in your lap next week.
Next, consider the curing time. This is a big one. Instant-grab cyanoacrylate glues (like super glue) might seem tempting for a quick fix, but they often become brittle and fail with the constant vibration and temperature changes in a car. I prefer a two-part epoxy or a dedicated mirror mounting tape. These need time to set, sometimes requiring you to tape the mirror in place for 24 hours. It’s a bit of a hassle, but the long-term hold is worth the patience. If you need to drive your car immediately, look for a product with a faster initial set time.
Finally, think about permanence. Are you sure you want this mirror on forever? Some permanent industrial-strength adhesives are nearly impossible to remove without specialist tools. If you think you might need to replace the mirror or the windshield in the future, a heavy-duty mounting tape or a less aggressive epoxy might be a better choice. They still provide a very strong hold but can be removed with a bit of effort and a razor blade. My personal rule is to match the adhesive to my long-term plans for the vehicle. Finding the best adhesives for rear view mirrors is really about balancing strength, surface type, and your own need for convenience versus permanence.
FAQ
How long should I wait to drive my car after re-gluing the mirror?
This depends entirely on the product you use. Always check the instructions on the package for the specific cure time. As a general rule, I never drive the car for at least 12 to 24 hours after application. Even if the adhesive feels set to the touch, it needs time to reach its full strength internally. Driving too soon, especially on a bumpy road, can break the weak initial bond. If you absolutely must drive, you can gently tape the mirror in place with painter’s tape to support it, but try to keep the trip short and smooth.
Why did my old adhesive fail?
There are a few common reasons. The biggest culprit is improper surface preparation. If any oil, dust, or old glue residue is left on the glass or the mirror button, the new adhesive can’t form a proper bond. Extreme temperatures inside your car—scorching hot in summer and freezing in winter—can also break down cheaper adhesives over time, making them brittle or soft. Using the wrong type of adhesive for the surface (like a thin glue on a textured frit pattern) is another frequent cause of failure.
Can I use super glue to reattach my rear view mirror?
I strongly advise against it. While super glue creates a very hard, fast bond, it’s also very brittle. It can’t handle the constant vibrations and flexing that happen while you drive. The extreme temperature swings in your car will also cause it to degrade and fail quickly. You might get a few days or weeks out of it, but it’s not a reliable, long-term solution. It’s much better to use a product specifically designed for automotive glass.
How do I remove old, hardened adhesive from my windshield?
This can be a tedious job, but it’s necessary for a good new bond. I use a single-edge razor blade held at a shallow angle to carefully scrape off the bulk of the old glue. For any stubborn residue, a small amount of a commercial adhesive remover (make sure it’s safe for auto glass) or even some rubbing alcohol on a cloth can help soften and wipe it away. Be patient and avoid using anything abrasive that could scratch the glass.
What is the little tab on some rear view mirror mounts for?
That tab is part of a mechanical locking system used by some manufacturers, like GM. The adhesive holds the button to the glass, but the tab provides a physical clip that the mirror itself snaps onto. This adds an extra layer of security against the mirror falling off. If your mirror has this system, you need to make sure the new adhesive kit you buy is compatible with it, or you’ll need to replace the entire mounting button.