There’s nothing more distracting—or potentially dangerous—than a rearview mirror dangling from your windshield. A secure mirror is a critical safety component, providing an essential view of the road behind you. When that bond fails, finding the right adhesive to restore it quickly and permanently becomes a top priority for any driver.
The market is flooded with options, from specialized two-part kits to versatile epoxies and heavy-duty tapes. Choosing the wrong product can lead to a messy application or, worse, a mirror that falls off again. This detailed guide reviews eight of the best adhesives to help you make an informed decision and get your mirror firmly back in place, ensuring a clear and safe view for all your journeys.
The Best Rear View Mirror Adhesives for a Secure Fix
- 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
- Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, Clear Epoxy
- Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
- 3M Scotch-Mount Exterior Attachment Tape
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit
The Permatex 81840 kit is a professional-grade solution trusted by many DIYers and mechanics. It features a two-part system with an activator and an adhesive, designed specifically for the high-stress application of mounting rearview mirrors. The professional strength formula ensures a durable bond that stands up to daily driving vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
A key feature of this kit is the inclusion of a medical-grade towelette for the activator. This thoughtful addition helps to minimize mess and improves application accuracy, allowing you to prepare the windshield surface cleanly before applying the adhesive. The straightforward two-step process makes it accessible for users of all experience levels.
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive
3M is a leader in adhesive technology, and their High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive lives up to the reputation. This two-part structural acrylic system is engineered to create a powerful, lasting bond between the mirror button and the windshield glass. It is formulated to perform reliably in challenging conditions, making it a dependable choice for any climate.
This adhesive holds up well in high temperatures and humid environments, which can cause inferior products to fail. It also offers resistance to moisture, chemicals, vibration, and impact. This combination of features ensures that once your mirror is attached, it will stay securely in place through bumpy roads and extreme weather.
Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit
The Visbella kit boasts superior strength, claiming to surpass the performance of traditional epoxy resins. This ensures a secure and reliable bond for your rearview mirror, giving you peace of mind that it won’t detach again. Its quick repair functionality is a major benefit, allowing for a swift and efficient fix that gets you back on the road with minimal downtime.
Beyond just mirror repair, this adhesive offers impressive versatility. 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 in your garage for other small repair projects, adding value beyond its primary purpose.
Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 81844
This Permatex 81844 option is another reliable choice from a trusted brand in automotive repair. It comes as a compact kit containing both adhesive and primer, providing everything you need for a successful mirror reattachment in one small package. Its small size makes it easy to store and handle during the application process.
Designed for the specific task of bonding rearview mirrors to windshields, this formula is made to withstand the unique stresses of this application. The included primer ensures proper surface preparation, which is a critical step for achieving the strongest possible bond between the glass and the mirror mount.
Ready Rearview Mirror Superior Bond Adhesive
The Ready Rearview Mirror Adhesive is formulated with high-quality materials to provide an industrial-strength bond. It is built for peak performance in extreme temperature conditions, from freezing winters to scorching summers. This ensures a durable, long-lasting bond for metal and glass that you can rely on throughout all seasons.
This product emphasizes a fast and easy installation process. The formula is fast-acting, and the kit includes detailed instructions with images to guide you through each step. A significant advantage is its 15-minute full cure time, which is much faster than many traditional glass adhesives, allowing you to reattach your mirror quickly.
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, Clear Epoxy
Gorilla’s 2 Part Epoxy is a versatile and incredibly strong bonding agent that can be used for a wide range of repairs, including rearview mirrors. It comes in a convenient syringe that makes mixing the two components simple and mess-free. Once cured, it dries completely clear, providing a clean, inconspicuous finish that is ideal for glass applications.
This epoxy has a 5-minute set time, giving you a reasonable window to position the mirror correctly before it begins to harden. A notable feature is its gap-filling capability, which allows it to bond uneven surfaces and fill small voids. This can be particularly useful if the mounting surfaces are not perfectly flat.
Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
Loctite PL Premium is a heavy-duty, polyurethane-based construction adhesive known for its strong, flexible bond. While not specifically designed for mirrors, its powerful formula and weatherproof qualities make it a potential option for those seeking a robust, multi-purpose adhesive. It creates a durable bond that remains flexible, which can help it absorb vibrations from the road.
This adhesive is resistant to weather, making it suitable for vehicles that face a variety of environmental conditions. It is important to note that as a construction adhesive, it may not be the most streamlined solution for a small mirror button and could be more challenging to apply neatly compared to specialized kits.
3M Scotch-Mount Exterior Attachment Tape
For those looking for a non-liquid alternative, 3M Scotch-Mount Exterior Attachment Tape offers a clean and instant solution. This heavy-duty, double-sided tape is designed for outdoor use, meaning it can withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature swings. Application is straightforward, with no mixing, curing, or mess involved.
This tape provides a very strong initial hold, allowing you to mount the mirror immediately. While extremely convenient, it is essential to ensure that both the windshield and mirror mounting surfaces are perfectly clean and flat for the tape to achieve maximum adhesion. This method is best for mirrors that are relatively lightweight.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Adhesives for Rear View Mirrors
Choosing the right adhesive for your rear view mirror isn’t just about sticking it back on; it’s about safety and long-term performance. I’ve found that the wrong choice can lead to a wobbly mirror or, worse, a complete failure while driving. The key is to match the adhesive to your car’s specific conditions and the mirror’s weight.
First, consider the mounting surface. Is your windshield primed with a black, dotted frit zone, or is it smooth glass? Some adhesives, like urethane-based ones, bond best to primed surfaces, while others are formulated for direct glass application. I always check the old adhesive residue. If there’s a black primer left behind, you’ll need an adhesive that works with it or be prepared to carefully clean and potentially re-prime the area. Proper surface preparation is non-negotiable. Any leftover grease, dirt, or old adhesive will drastically reduce the bond strength. I use a razor blade scraper and isopropyl alcohol to get a perfectly clean, dry surface.
Next, think about the mirror’s weight and size. A small, lightweight interior mirror has different needs than a heavy, multi-function exterior mirror. For most standard interior mirrors, a strong double-sided tape or a dedicated mirror mounting epoxy is sufficient. However, for heavier assemblies, a liquid adhesive like a rear view mirror glue kit is essential. These often come with an activator that ensures a permanent, rock-solid bond.
Curing time is another huge factor for me. How long can you afford to leave your car parked? Some instant-bond epoxies set in minutes, allowing you to reattach the mirror quickly. Others, especially the strongest urethanes, require a longer curing time—sometimes up to 24 hours—before you can safely drive the car. If you need your car daily, a faster-curing option is a must. Finally, consider the temperature range. Your car experiences extreme heat and cold. The adhesive must remain flexible and strong through these cycles to prevent cracking or losing its grip. I always look for products rated for automotive use with a high-temperature threshold. For a reliable fix, picking from the 8 best adhesives for rear view mirrors that fit these criteria is your best bet for a secure, lasting hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to drive my car after gluing the mirror back on?
This is the most common question I get, and the answer depends entirely on the adhesive you use. Instant-set adhesives might feel strong after 5-10 minutes, but I always recommend being cautious. For a standard rear view mirror glue, a safe rule is to wait at least 1-2 hours before a gentle drive. For the strongest, permanent bonds (like those using urethane), the full cure time can be 24 hours. Check the product instructions carefully. Driving before the adhesive has fully cured can cause the mirror to shift or fall off, ruining your repair and creating a safety hazard.
Why did my mirror fall off in the first place?
It’s almost always due to temperature extremes. Over many cycles of hot and cold, the adhesive slowly loses its flexibility and bond strength. Direct sunlight baking the windshield accelerates this process. Eventually, the adhesive becomes brittle and fails. In older cars, it’s just a matter of time. Poor initial installation or using an adhesive not rated for automotive glass can also cause premature failure.
Can I use super glue or regular epoxy to reattach my mirror?
I strongly advise against it. Standard super glue becomes very brittle and will crack under the constant vibration and temperature changes in a car. Regular epoxies aren’t formulated for the unique properties of glass and can also fail. You need an adhesive designed for the specific combination of glass and the slight flex of a vehicle’s body. Using the wrong product is a temporary fix at best and a safety risk at worst. It’s worth getting a product made for the job.
How do I remove old, hardened adhesive from my windshield?
Patience is key here. I start by using a plastic pry tool to carefully scrape off the bulk of the old material. For the thin, stubborn film left behind, a razor blade holder is your best friend. Hold the blade at a low angle to the glass and scrape gently. I then use a cloth and isopropyl alcohol to wipe away the final residue, ensuring a perfectly clean surface for the new adhesive. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the windshield or any tint film.
The new adhesive isn’t sticking. What did I do wrong?
This almost always comes down to surface preparation. If there is any trace of the old adhesive, oil from your skin, or a cleaning chemical residue, the new glue won’t bond properly. Go back and thoroughly clean the area on both the mirror button and the windshield with isopropyl alcohol. Also, some adhesives require a primer for a proper bond. If your kit includes a small primer pad, you must use it. Skipping this step is a common mistake that prevents a strong hold. For a surefire solution, consulting a guide on the 8 best adhesives for rear view mirrors can point you toward a product with clear, reliable instructions.