Did your rearview mirror detach from the windshield and fall off? That’s completely normal. A lot for mirrors detach over time, or due to impact and harsh conditions. But you don’t have to worry. I’ll help you find the best rearview mirror glue to make sure that it doesn’t happen again!
The rearview mirror is an essential part of your car. It helps you see the traffic behind you and ensures safe driving. In case your car’s rearview mirror falls off, it’s crucial that you put it back in place as soon as you can.
The only way to do that properly and have long-lasting results is to use a glue that’s specially designed for a rearview mirror.
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Features to Look for When Buying a Rearview Mirror Glue
Let’s see which features you should pay attention to when buying a rearview mirror glue.
Resistivity
Resistivity is maybe the most important feature of a rearview mirror glue. Your car’s windshield will be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. That is why it’s vital that the adhesive is heat resistant, so it doesn’t loosen up.
What’s more, high humidity due to the excess moisture in the air or rainfall can also be the cause of loosening of the adhesive. Thus, humidity resistant glue is a must.
In addition, most roads are bumpy, and they will cause vibrations in your car. So, you should look for a product that will stay in place in case of vibrations and bumps.
Quality
You need something that will hold everything in place for a long time, no matter the conditions. But it’s hard to really know which glues are high-quality before you try them.
That is why you should find a product that has been recommended by customers for years. You’ll certainly find reviews on Amazon useful in your search. Furthermore, I’m here to make things even easier for you. I’ve found eight rearview mirror adhesives of the highest quality, and I’ll gladly share them with you later in the article.
Drying Time
You don’t want to spend days, or even weeks, waiting for a product to dry out completely. So, you should look for a good adhesive that has the ability to dry out for no more than half an hour and be ready to use in a day.
Furthermore, if you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer. Resourceful, right?
Glue Temperature
Another important upside to buying a high-quality glue is the fact that it will have the effective low-temperature curing. But why does that matter? Well, in case of harsher weather conditions, the components could separate before the cure is complete. As a result, you would have to start the whole process of reattaching the rearview mirror all over again.
The ideal temperature range should be between -130 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll easily find that information on the product’s page on Amazon. What’s more, you can check out if the manufacturers’ claims are true in the reviews section of the website.
8 Best Rearview Mirror Glues (2023)
I wanted to find the best products out there that are easy to use and will give you long-lasting results. So, I’ve chosen eight rearview mirror adhesives that you can’t go wrong with.
1. 3M High Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive
3M High Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive is specially made for rearview mirrors. It’s formulated to hold everything together, even in the harshest weather conditions. So, if you live in that kind of environment, 3M High Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive is a product for you.
This 3M adhesive is actually a kit that consists of two products: an activator and an adhesive. They come in separate tubes that are clearly marked, so you’ll easily be able to tell them apart.
3M High Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive comes with clear instructions and it’s easy to use. It takes about fifteen minutes to an hour to cure, depending on the conditions. However, I recommend that you don’t touch the rearview mirror for 24 hours, just to be sure.
Besides being easy to use, it’s important that the product is resistant. So, how well does this glue do in this field?
Well, 3M has made sure that its adhesive lasts no matter the conditions. Firstly, the glue is resistant to chemicals and dampness. It will hold your rearview mirror together even during the most humid conditions due to its ability to resist degradation caused by the excess moisture.
Furthermore, those that live in an extremely hot environment won’t have to worry about the glue losing its properties. 3M High Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive will survive being in the direct sunlight for days.
Another upside to buying a product that’s specially designed for your car is the fact that it is resistant to vibrations. The adhesive will withstand any bumps and bands on the road. In addition, the 3M product will hold things together, even in case of a moderate impact.
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Two-part kit
- Resistant to vibrations and impacts
- Defies humidity and chemicals
- Good for hot temperatures
2. ATG Rear Mirror FIX
atg Rear Mirror FIX is a strong adhesive that will ensure that your rearview mirror stays in place for a long time. The glue contains the ATG bonding agent, which will make sure that the whole process goes smoothly.
atg calls its kit a three-part repair set. The set includes an activator, which is a primer, a special adhesive, and a detailed instruction manual. Thus, you definitely won’t have any issues with learning how to use the adhesive, even if you are a beginner.
Before you start working with the kit, it’s important that you remove any old glue so that the new one can stick better. After that, it’s time to put the kit’s activator to the test. atg Rear Mirror FIX comes with an activator towelette, so you’ll be able to easily go over the surface and prepare it for the adhesive.
After letting the surface dry for about a minute, you should cut off the top of the adhesive’s seal and apply only one drop to the carrier plate. Next, you should attach the plate to the windscreen and hold it for one minute. It’s best that you wait for half an hour to an hour before reattaching the rearview mirror.
Main Features:
- Three-part kit
- Easy to use
- Strong
- Fast drying time
3. Permatex Extreme Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit
Permatex Extreme Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit is another adhesive that’s made especially for gluing on the rearview mirror to the windshield. Its Original Equipment Manufacturer specified formula guarantees the best results.
You can use this adhesive kit for bonding mirror buttons made of metal to windscreens. However, in case your rearview mirror’s buttons are plastic, you should avoid applying this glue on them.
Just like a lot of other glues from my list, Permatex Extreme Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit is a two-part product. It has the adhesive that’s yellow in color and an activator, which is blue and green, that conveniently come in a form of towelette and pipette. So, you can expect a safe, smooth, and easy use. Furthermore, the packaging ensures a precise application without making a mess.
The adhesive sets in a matter of minutes. After you apply it, you’ll only need to wait for about fifteen minutes, and you’re good to go.
A downside to this product is the fact that the amount of product that you get is enough for just one use. Thus, if something goes wrong, you’ll probably have to go and buy another tube.
Unlike most mirror adhesives, this one doesn’t have a strong odor. You’ll experience an unpleasant smell, but it won’t be half as strong as most of the others — another big plus!
Main Features:
- Two-part kit
- OEM specified formula
- Easy to use
- Precise application
- Just for one use
4. Loctite Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit
Loctite has really done a great job with its Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit. It meets the latest Original Equipment Manufacturer standards, and it’s designed to have the highest quality on the market.
This Loctite kit consists of two separate products. The first one is the activator, which is translucent green, that is used for prepping the surface. The second one is the adhesive, which is translucent yellowish in color.
The product is easy to use and suitable for beginners. You’ll spend about a minute on setting the kit, and fifteen minutes for mounting. After you reattach your mirror, you’ll have to wait for about a day for it to dry out completely, which is the usual wait time for most adhesives.
Even though the Loctite Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit is designed for attaching rearview mirrors only, this product can also be used for other surfaces. The kit can effectively bond aluminum, Plexiglas, acrylic, glass, and metal.
However, a major downside of the adhesive is its strong odor. But, if you ventilate the car properly, you won’t have anything to worry about.
What’s more, this glue contains strong acids that can irritate your eyes. Thus, you should avoid contact with your eyes, and keep your windows open while you’re using the adhesive. In addition, you should keep in mind that the ingredients can cause an allergic reaction. So, if you notice anything like that, you’ll have to stop using the product immediately.
Main Features:
- Two-part kit
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose
- Strong odor
- Contains strong acids
5. Gorilla Clear Epoxy 5 Minute Set Syringe
Another great product on my list is Gorilla Clear Epoxy 5 Minute Set Syringe. As its name states, this Gorilla adhesive conveniently comes in the form of a syringe. The packaging ensures that the glue is dispersed evenly, and it makes the product so easy to use.
Besides the packaging, another thing that makes this product easy to work with is its five-minute set feature. After you mix the glue, you’ll have about five minutes to place it on the rearview mirror. That will be more than enough time to fix anything that went wrong and make it perfect.
What’s more, the adhesive is strong, durable, and water-resistant. Thus, you can be sure that it will do the job for a long time. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about the adhesive sticking out from the surface. It dries clear, so you won’t even notice it on the rearview mirror.
Even though this product is easy to use, there are still a couple of steps that you’ll need to do before you apply it. For instance, you’ll have to properly ventilate the area before you start working the glue. What’s more, the adhesive will do the job better if you prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly and drying it out completely.
Gorilla Clear Epoxy 5 Minute Set Syringe can be used on various surfaces. This adhesive works great for wood, ceramic, steel, glass, aluminum, and plastic. So, your friendship won’t just end with gluing the rearview mirror on. You’ll be able to apply it on almost any household item!
Main Features:
- Syringe
- Easy to use
- 5-minute set
- Multipurpose
- Durable
6. J-B Weld MinuteWeld Syringe
J-B Weld MinuteWeld Syringe is a superglue that’s made for household items. However, since it’s stronger and more durable than most household adhesives, I’ve decided to put it on my list of the best products for a rearview mirror.
J-B Weld MinuteWeld Syringe was developed as a substitute for the torch welding. That information alone provides more than enough evidence of its strength and durability!
This product is actually a two-part kit. It has the primer and the adhesive and comes with clear instructions, so it’s simple to use. Thus, it will be perfect for beginners!
However, even though a syringe should be easier to use than any other form of glue, I don’t recommend applying the glue right from the packaging. That’s because the syringe isn’t of the highest quality, so too much glue can come out. Therefore, I think that you’ll be best off with applying the J-B Weld glue on a wooden spatula first.
The glue was designed to survive extreme conditions, and, as the manufacturer states, it creates a bond that is “stronger than steel” when it sets. Speaking of setting, this glue will need just one minute to set and about an hour to completely cure.
As I previously mentioned, J-B Weld MinuteWeld Syringe is a household super glue. So, you’ll be able to use it for your rearview mirror, and also for almost any other household item.
For example, the adhesive works for stone, wood, metal, tile, glass, ceramic, and most plastics. What’s more, the glue is clear, so it won’t stand out, no matter what color the object is.
Main Features:
- Syringe
- Two-part kit
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose
- Strong
7. Versachem Rear View Mirror Adhesive
Versachem Rear View Mirror Adhesive is one of the best glues on the market. A great thing about this glue is the fact that it doesn’t have a strong odor. Therefore, it will make the whole process of reattaching your car’s rearview mirror more pleasant.
When you open up this product, you’ll see that it’s actually a two-part kit. But, even though that sounds complicated, the product is actually easy to use! Furthermore, the instructions are clear, and it won’t take you more than half an hour to figure out how it works and glue the rearview mirror on.
Versachem Rear View Mirror Adhesive can be used on various materials. You’ll be able to glue metal, glass, ceramics, and so on. Thus, you can not only use it for your rearview mirror, but also for gluing on broken vases, and even jewelry.
In case you live in the area where the temperatures are high, you should definitely go for Versachem Rear View Mirror Adhesive. The glue won’t lose its properties even during the hottest days.
In addition, this product has also been tested for cold weather. So, it will also work great and won’t freeze when the temperature falls below zero.
However, just like with a lot of similar products, you should be extra careful when using this glue. You’ll need to avoid contact with eyes and skin in order to prevent any irritation. Furthermore, it’s best that you leave your car until the glue dries out completely.
Main Features:
- Strong
- Works fast
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Can be used on various materials
8. Equalizer KlingON Rear View Mirror Button Kit
If you’re looking for a long-lasting product that’s made especially for the rearview mirror, you should also check out Equalizer KlingON Rear View Mirror Button Kit. This kit consists of two different solutions. The first one is a brush-on primer, activator, which is used for prepping the surface for glue. Another one is the adhesive.
To use this kit, you’ll have to remove any prior glue from the windshield and buttons on your car’s mirror with a razor blade. Then, it’s time for a primer. This kit’s activator should be applied on both the windscreen and the mirror.
After waiting for about a minute, you should apply the adhesive to the rearview mirror. A little goes a long way with this glue, so a couple of drops would be enough. You should be careful and avoid applying too much product. In case you put too much glue on, it will need much more time to set.
Equalizer KlingON Rear View Mirror Button Kit sets in about two minutes. The adhesive is strong enough to hold everything together no matter the weather. However, you should make sure that you’ve given it enough time to dry out.
The downside of this adhesive is the fact that it won’t really work on various surfaces. Thus, if you need it for only one rearview mirror, you’ll be left with a lot of useless glue. That’s because the amount of product in the kit is enough for about two hundred applications.
Furthermore, it will probably even dry out before you need to use it again on the rearview mirror. So, it’s not the best investment. However, if you are a mechanic, you should go for it.
Main Features:
- Two-part kit
- Clear instructions
- Strong
- Long-lasting
- Enough for 200 applications
How to Use Glue to Repair a Rearview Mirror
Now that you’ve found a perfect glue for your rearview mirror, it is time to learn how to use it! The whole process won’t take up too much of your time, and most high-quality adhesives are easy to use and good for beginners.
So, I’m presenting you with a step-by-step guide on how to use the rearview mirror glue. However, before you start following the steps, you should consult the instruction manual that your adhesive came with in order to see what’s the drying and curing time for your particular glue.
Prep the Car
Since adhesive can contain harmful ingredients, you should make sure that your car is ventilated properly. You can leave your windows open for a couple of hours prior to the whole process of reattaching the mirror.
In case you have issues with opening your car’s windows, you should check out my article on how to fix slow-moving power windows. Furthermore, it’s useful to have a blowdryer on hand, just in case you need to speed up the drying time of the glue.
If there is any old glue left on the surface, you should use a scraper to remove it. Then, you’ll need to mark the spot where you’ll be putting the adhesive with a grease pencil or masking tape.
The next thing you’ll need to do is to clean the windshield and the rearview mirror with a cloth and alcohol or a cleaning solution. Once you’ve cleaned everything, you shouldn’t touch the surface again in order to avoid greasing it with your hands.
See also: Best Cleaner Tools for Windshields
Separate the Mirror Into Two Parts
The easiest way to glue on the rearview mirror is to separate the rearview mirror glass from the plate that holds it. That way, the mirror won’t be too heavy to work with.
Apply a Primer
Every product from my list comes with an activator which serves as a primer for the adhesive. You’ll have to apply a few drops of that primer on both the windshield and the plate or wipe the surface in case the activator is in the form of a towelette.
You should consult the instructions to check what the drying time is. In most cases, the primer will need about five minutes to dry.
Apply the Adhesive
Now it’s time for the adhesive! You’ll need to apply a couple of drops and attach the plate to the windshield within two minutes of applying since that’s how long it takes for the glue to set. You should let it dry for about fifteen minutes. However, in case you have time, it’s best that you leave it to dry overnight.
Then, you’ll just have to reattach the mirror to the plate, and you’re done. Congratulations, you’ve got yourself a rearview mirror!
FAQs About Rearview Mirror Adhesives
Do you still have questions? I’ve created this FAQ section in order to explain some things better.
Can I Use Super Glue Instead of Rearview Mirror Glue?
A rearview mirror glue is designed to withstand conditions that your car is in every day such as chemicals, moisture, vibrations, and heat. On the other hand, super glue will probably be able to glue the mirror on, but it won’t protect it from everyday challenges.
In addition, super glue can produce so much heat that it can cause a windshield to crack. That is why you should always opt for a glue that’s specially designed for a rearview mirror.
How Long Does It Take for Rearview Mirror Adhesive to Dry?
That depends on the glue. In most cases, the adhesive will set in no more than two minutes, and cure in fifteen. In addition, you’ll probably have to wait for 24 hours for the glue to reach its maximum strength. But, just to make sure that you’re giving your glue enough time to dry, you should consult the instruction manual that it came with.
Is It Illegal to Drive Without a Rearview Mirror?
The law is different in each state. But, most states require drivers to have at least two mirrors that help them see the traffic behind them. Thus, in case you have both side mirrors, you legally don’t need to have a rearview one.
But, you should keep in mind that the lack of a mirror will certainly make it harder for you to follow the traffic. So, if you have a broken rearview mirror, you should fix it immediately.
Final Thoughts
A rearview mirror is a crucial part of your car. Thus, in case it falls off, you should take time to put it back in place as soon as you can. Thankfully, the process can be quick and easy if you choose a good rearview mirror glue. That’s where I come in!
If you’ve found this article helpful, you can check out my other ones for more useful tips. Stay tuned for more!
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- By Car Roar