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.
The market is filled with options, from specialized two-part kits to versatile epoxies and heavy-duty tapes. Choosing the wrong one can lead to a messy application or, worse, another failure down the road. This review breaks down eight leading choices to help you find the perfect adhesive for a reliable, long-lasting fix that can withstand daily driving conditions and temperature extremes.
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
- Ready Rearview Mirror Superior Bond Adhesive
- Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 81844
- Loctite 908570 Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant
- Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, 5 Minute Set Time
- 3M Scotch-Mount Exterior Attachment Tape
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit
For a professional-grade solution, the Permatex 81840 kit is a top contender. It features a two-part system with an activator and adhesive, designed specifically for the high-stress application of mounting rearview mirrors. The inclusion of a medical-grade towelette for the activator is a thoughtful touch that helps minimize mess and improves application accuracy, ensuring the surface is properly prepared.
This professional-strength formula is engineered to create a durable bond that stands up to the rigors of daily driving. Its targeted design means you get a product that is optimized for the unique challenge of bonding a mirror button to glass, providing confidence in its performance and longevity.
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive
Backed by the trusted 3M name, the High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive is a two-part structural acrylic system built for resilience. It is formulated to perform reliably in challenging conditions, including high temperatures and humid environments. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers in climates with extreme weather.
The adhesive’s resistance to moisture, chemicals, vibration, and impact contributes to a robust and lasting bond. When you use a 3M product, you are benefiting from extensive research and development in automotive adhesives, which translates to a dependable fix for your mirror.
Visbella Rearview Mirror Adhesive Repair Kit
The Visbella kit boasts superior strength, claiming to surpass traditional epoxy resins for bonding mirrors to windshields. Its quick repair functionality is a major benefit, allowing for a swift and efficient fix that gets your mirror back in action with minimal downtime. This is ideal for those who need a reliable solution without a long curing period.
Beyond just rearview mirrors, this adhesive offers impressive versatility. It can be used for bonding various materials like metal to metal, glass to glass, and glass to metal. This multi-purpose nature adds significant value, making it a useful tool to have for other household repairs.
Ready Rearview Mirror Superior Bond Adhesive
Speed and strength are the hallmarks of the Ready Rearview Mirror Adhesive. It promises an industrial-strength bond that performs well in extreme temperature conditions, ensuring your mirror stays put through summer heat and winter cold. The product is designed for a fast and easy installation process.
With a claimed 15-minute full cure time, this adhesive provides a much faster bond than many traditional glass adhesives. Detailed instructions with images, and an available install video, guide users through the process to ensure a correct and successful application every time.
Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 81844
This offering from Permatex is another reliable option from a well-known brand in the automotive space. The kit includes both adhesive and primer in separate, pre-measured applications, which helps ensure the proper ratio for an effective bond. Its compact size makes it easy to store and use.
As a product designed specifically for rearview mirror attachment, you can trust that it has been formulated to meet the demands of this particular task. For those who have had success with Permatex products in the past, this adhesive provides a familiar and trusted solution.
Loctite 908570 Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant
While not specifically for mirrors, Loctite’s Clear Silicone Sealant is a highly versatile adhesive and sealant. Its key feature is that it is waterproof, making it a potential option for creating a seal that can withstand moisture and humidity. It bonds to a wide range of materials including glass, ceramic, and metal.
This product’s flexibility after curing can be an advantage, as it can absorb some vibration without cracking. It’s also aquarium safe, indicating a high level of safety and durability. However, for a permanent mirror fix, ensure its strength characteristics are suitable for the weight and vibration of a rearview mirror.
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, 5 Minute Set Time
Gorilla Epoxy is a household name for strong repairs, and this two-part epoxy is no exception. It offers a formidable 3300 PSI bond strength and a convenient 5-minute set time, allowing you to hold the mirror in place without prolonged effort. It sets clear and is resistant to water and a variety of chemicals.
This epoxy is renowned for its ability to bond a diverse set of materials, including glass, metal, and plastic. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for many garage and household projects. For a heavy-duty bond on a rearview mirror, its high strength rating is a significant benefit.
3M Scotch-Mount Exterior Attachment Tape
For those seeking a non-liquid solution, 3M’s Scotch-Mount Exterior Tape presents a clean and simple alternative. This heavy-duty, double-sided tape is designed for exterior use, meaning it is built to withstand weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and UV exposure.
Application is straightforward and mess-free—simply cut, peel, and press. It creates a instant bond without any curing time. While it may not be suitable for all mirror types, for certain applications and lighter mirrors, it provides a remarkably easy and effective permanent hold.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Adhesives for Rear View Mirrors
I’ve fixed my fair share of rear view mirrors, 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 passenger seat instead of the windshield. The key is to match the adhesive to your specific situation. The first thing I always check is the mounting surface. Is it the common button-type mount, or is it a larger baseplate? This determines the type of adhesive pad or glue you’ll need. For the standard button, a small, high-strength pad is perfect. For a larger base, you’ll need a bigger pad or a liquid adhesive that can spread to cover the entire contact area.
Next, consider the curing time. This is a big one. Some instant-bond adhesives hold the mirror in place almost immediately, which is great if you need your car back on the road fast. Others require a longer curing period, sometimes up to 24 hours, where you can’t drive the vehicle. I always read the instructions carefully to know what I’m committing to. Temperature resistance is another non-negotiable factor. Your car’s interior faces extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter. A good adhesive must be able to handle that thermal expansion and contraction without letting go. Look for products specifically rated for automotive interior use.
Finally, think about the permanence and clean-up. Some adhesives are designed to be semi-permanent, allowing for removal if you ever need to replace the mirror again. Others form a bond that is meant to be, for all intents and purposes, permanent. If you’re unsure, a removable option gives you more flexibility. Also, check if the product includes a primer or a cleaning wipe. Proper surface preparation is 90% of the job. A clean, dry, and grease-free surface is absolutely critical for any adhesive to work correctly. Skipping this step is the number one reason these projects fail. When you’re looking at the 8 best adhesives for rear view mirrors, keep these factors in mind to find the one that will keep your view secure for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to drive after gluing my rear view mirror back on?
This totally depends on the adhesive you use, and it’s a question I get all the time. Instant-set epoxies or some acrylic tapes might allow you to reattach the mirror and drive almost immediately. However, many liquid adhesives, especially those that cure by reacting with moisture in the air, require a much longer set time. I’ve seen instructions that recommend waiting a full 24 hours before driving the vehicle to ensure the bond has reached its full strength. It’s a pain, I know, but it’s much better than having the mirror fall off because you were impatient. Always, and I mean always, check the manufacturer’s instructions on the package for the specific cure time.
What is the best way to remove old adhesive from the windshield?
Getting the old gunk off is the least fun part of the job. The safest method I’ve found is to use a single-edge razor blade held at a shallow angle to the glass. You can carefully scrape the bulk of the adhesive away. For any remaining residue, a little bit of a specialized adhesive remover like Goo Gone or even some isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth works wonders. Just be very careful not to get any of these chemicals on your car’s dashboard or headliner, as they can cause damage. Patience and a gentle touch are your best tools here.
Why did my mirror fall off even after I used a strong adhesive?
This is almost always a surface preparation issue. If the windshield or the mirror’s mounting surface isn’t perfectly clean, the adhesive can’t form a proper bond. Even a tiny amount of oil from your skin or dust can create a barrier. The other common culprit is not allowing the adhesive to cure fully. If you drove the car before the recommended time, vibrations and wind pressure can break the developing bond. Finally, if the temperature was too cold when you applied it, the adhesive may not have set correctly. Ensuring a clean, dry surface and following the temperature and curing instructions are the secrets to success.
Do I need to use a primer with my adhesive?
Many high-strength adhesive kits for rear view mirrors include a small vial of primer. My advice is to use it if it’s provided. The primer isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a crucial step that chemically prepares the glass surface to create a much stronger and more durable bond with the adhesive. It etches the surface microscopically, giving the glue something to grip onto. Skipping the primer can significantly reduce the holding power of the adhesive and is a common reason for premature failure. If your kit comes with one, use it.
Can I use super glue or double-sided tape from the hardware store?
I strongly advise against using standard super glue or generic double-sided tape. Regular super glue becomes brittle over time and can’t handle the constant temperature changes and vibrations in a car. It will almost certainly fail. Similarly, common double-sided tape lacks the high-temperature resistance and sheer strength needed to securely hold a heavy mirror. You need an adhesive specifically formulated for automotive glass and interior conditions. Using the right product from the start saves you from having to do the job twice and, more importantly, keeps you safe. When reviewing the 8 best adhesives for rear view mirrors, you’ll notice they are all engineered for this specific, demanding application.