Have You Heard of a Rearview Mirror Glue? Well Now You Have

If you have been driving for quite some time, you most likely have had your rearview mirror damaged. Whether it has completely fallen off or it simply wobbles from time to time, I don’t know. Point being, there is a way to fix that. It’s rather simple actually – just glue it back on. I’m serious. I remember one time near where I used to live, there was a massive storm. Hail fell from the sky and damaged my rearview mirror. That’s when I found out about this specialized glue. Honestly, it’s a miracle. I am only disappointed that I didn’t know about it sooner.

What Is a Rearview Mirror Glue and How Does it Work?

A rearview mirror adhesive is a special type of product – not just any kind of glue will work. Basically, it is an essential product that everybody needs to have in their car because you don’t know where and when disaster will strike. Would you like to know what the best part is? Most rearview mirror glues are affordable and easy to use – yes, even the premium brands.

The adhesive works by permanently bonding the rearview mirror bracket to the windshield glass. It actually begins to harden in 60 minutes and takes around 24 hours to fully and completely settle. It can be applied in temperatures ranging from 0°F to 175°F. Anything lower or higher, and the adhesive will fail.

Most packages come with instructions, but for your convenience, I will tell you what you need to do.

First, you need to remove the mounting button from the rearview mirror. It is what attaches to your windshield. You can remove it by either sliding it off or screwing it off from the mirror’s arm. Second, you will need to make sure to apply heat to the windshield. Take note that if the windshield is cold, the adhesive will not activate. After that is done, clean the surface area, and remove the old adhesive. This is an important step that you should not skip by any means. Then, mark the spot however you can. Personally, I use tape to create a square surrounding the surface area in question. After that is done, you can apply the activator – leave it on for a few minutes and go grab a beer. Finally, it’s time for the grand final. Place the glue on the bracket and not on the windshield itself. Then simply attach all the parts together, firstly the bracket to the windshield and finally the mirror itself – done and dusted. See? It’s not as hard as it seems.

Top 10 Best Rearview Mirror Glues

Although most long-time drivers have experienced a broken rearview mirror, not many realize that you need a special product to repair the damage. That’s why I have made a list of my favorite adhesives for rearview mirrors.

1. Rugged Ridge 11021.01 Rearview Mirror Glue – Most Versatile

Omix-Ada | 11021.01 | Interior Rear View Mirror Glue | OE Reference: 8120995G
  • OE REFERENCE | 8120995G
  • OMIX 11021.01 | Interior Rear View Mirror Glue
  • WARRANTY | Limited 5-Year Warranty

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If the mirror on your truck, car, or even bike has fallen off, you can use this glue to attach it back. It will work on most surfaces. If you also want to use it for something else, go for it. After all, how many mirrors are there for you to attach? Hell, this one will even work on a heads-up display windshield, so if you have one of those, you can rest assured.

However, there is one problem with this rearview mirror glue. You see, the problem comes largely from the seller as they have put the sticker exactly on top of the instructions, so that is a bit of a pain. Otherwise, this one will work as well as the next.

Pros
  • Works on most surfaces
Cons
  • Sticker over instructions

2. WORKTECH Adhesives and Sealants Professional Rearview Mirror Repair – Most Professional

WORKTECH Adhesives and Sealants Professional Rearview Mirror Repair
  • Professional strength rearview mirror adhesive repair kit
  • The worktech wt140 has the same chemical compounds used as auto manufacturers
  • Permanent bonding

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Now, this is an option that is used by most professionals. It’s incredibly strong, and it will last you a long time. In fact, some might say that it permanently bonds whatever it touches. So if you don’t exactly know how to glue a rearview mirror, this is an excellent first purchase. Seeing as how it is not only easy to use, it is also one of the highest-quality glues out there. Just make sure to clean up the surface area well before applying this one.

For the downside, because there always has to be one, this particular adhesive requires you to hold it in place for a bit before finally letting go – 30 minutes to be safe. Depending on your car and how well you have cleaned the surface, that time may be cut. Otherwise, this one is a waiter.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Quality adhesive
Cons
  • Takes a while to dry

3. Loctite 37438 Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit, 0.3 cc – Best Cure Time

Loctite 37438 Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit , 0.3 cc
  • Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available
  • Meets OEM standards
  • Latest Technical Development

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Seeing as how Loctite is a respected adhesive manufacturer, one should assume that their product is of the highest quality, and they would be right. Of course, the glue is OEM certified and meets every standard there is.

You actually get a couple of size options here, with the smallest one being 0.01 oz, for one-time use. You also have a 0.20 oz option and the biggest one at 0.8 oz. The best part is that after you clean the surface and apply the adhesive, you will need to hold it in place for only a few seconds – or a minute to be on the safe side. After that, simply let it cure for a few minutes, and everything should be peaches. However, there have been reports of the adhesive not working properly for some people. Whether that is true or not, I don’t know. However, seeing as how this is a rearview mirror glue review, I thought it should be mentioned.

Pros
  • Fast cure time
Cons
  • Reports of faulty adhesive

4. PC Products Super Epoxy – Best for Everyday Use

If you have ever wondered what glue to use on a rearview mirror, this entry in our list is a good choice. The adhesive not only works with glass and metal but also wood, fiberglass, brick, concrete, rubber, and stone. So if you have a lot of projects that you need to work on, not only reattaching a rearview mirror, then this is the perfect choice for you.

A single bottle of glue is around 1.69 fluid ounces. You can be more than certain it will last you a while. However, it does have a slightly long cure time. Once you apply the adhesive, you will need to hold it in place for around 15 minutes, then you can let it cure for 4 hours. However, in order to complete the process, you need to leave it for about a week. That is not exactly manageable.

Pros
  • Works on most surfaces
  • Good for other projects
Cons
  • Long cure time

5. Permatex Rearview Mirror Adhesive – Best Value

Permatex is probably one of the most well-known adhesive manufacturers in the United States. Their product is ODC-free and OEM approved. It also comes with easy-to-follow instructions, so even if this is your first time using glue, you should be able to understand.

This rearview mirror adhesive kit takes around 30 minutes to cure, and you only need to hold it in place for a few seconds or a minute to be on the safe side. A single bottle is around 0.63 ounces which is enough for a few projects. However, it should be mentioned that the adhesive only works on metal and glass. That being said, as long as you properly follow the instructions, that metal or glass should stay in place for years to come.

Pros
  • Fast cure time
  • Strong adhesive
Cons
  • Works only on metal and glass

6. Pro-Seal Instant Adhesive – Best Application

Pro-Seal Instant Adhesive, 0.01/0.02 fl. oz., Clear, 04 Ounce (61067)
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Country of manufacture: United States
  • Manufacturer: Pro-Seal

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This mirror adhesive comes in a 0.04-ounce bottle. Manufactured in the United States, it will hold your rearview mirror in place for a very long time. You know this is a good one because it is used by car mechanics. In fact, I know some, and they tell me this is one of their go-to products.

However, that does not mean it has no downsides. In order to make a good rearview mirror glue review, I need to dig deeper than most and find both the positives and negatives. For the Pro-Seal Instant Adhesive, the main issue is its bad instructions. If this is your first time using a type of adhesive, I would forgo this product and search for a simpler one. However, if you are more experienced, this will do you a fine job.

Pros
  • Instant adhesive
  • Used by professionals
Cons
  • Not suitable for beginners

7. J-B Weld ClearWeld – Most Convenient

J-B Weld 50112 ClearWeld 5 Minute Set Epoxy Syringe – Clear – 25 ml, 25ml
  • J-B Weld Clearweld: A Clear, Quick Setting And Multipurpose Two Part Epoxy That Provides A Strong And Lasting Bond On Surfaces Including Metal,…
  • Cure And Set Time: After Mixing The Two Part Formula With The Included Mixing Tray And Stir Stick, Clearweld Takes 5 Minutes To Set And 1 Hour To…
  • Strength: J-B Weld Clearweld Has Tensile Strength Of 3900 Psi

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our next adhesive comes in either a 0.8-oz syringe or dual 4-oz bottles. It also works on wood, fiberglass, glass, ceramic, concrete, plastic, and, of course, metal.

In all my years, I have not seen an adhesive with such a convenient package. The syringe allows for an easy 1:1 mix ratio, and it has a resealable cap that prevents drying or leaking. All of those features make this rearview mirror adhesive really easy to use and perfect for multiple projects.

When you apply the glue, you will need to wait around 5 minutes for it to set and 1 hour for it to fully cure. However, to be on the safe side, leave it overnight. What is even more impressive is that the bond it creates is extremely strong. However, you need to make it just right in order to have the described effects, so I would not recommend it for beginners.

Pros
  • Very convenient
  • Works on most surfaces
Cons
  • Not for beginners

8. 3M Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08752, 0.02 fl oz – Best for Hot Temperatures

3M Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08752, 0.02 fl oz
  • Two-part structural acrylic system designed to mount rear view mirrors
  • Holds up well in high temperatures and humid environments
  • Resistant to moisture, chemicals, vibration and impact

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Like most adhesives, this one has a two-part structural acrylic system. It’s designed to resist high temperatures as well as humid environments. I have not really worried about that before, but if you live somewhere down south, I would highly suggest this as an option.

The car mirror adhesive is also resistant to a couple of other factors such as moisture, chemicals, vibration, and impact. However, the best part has to be that it cures in only 15 minutes. Of course, this will also depend on the environmental conditions. There is also quite a variety with bottles ranging from 0.02 fl oz to 1 fl oz and even 18 oz. However, the downside is that you can’t use this product for anything other than a rearview mirror. 3M has other adhesives that work much better for different projects.

3M is also a great choice if you need to repair your windshield.

Pros
  • Really resistant
  • Fast cure
Cons
  • No versatility

9. Gorilla Super Glue – Best Rearview Mirror Glue Runner-Up

Sale
Gorilla 4200101 Epoxy.85 oz, Clear Epoxy, 1-Pack
  • Strong, permanent, fast and gap-filling; Great for multiple surface applications
  • Best for tough repairs requiring a durable bond, gap-filling and solvent resistance
  • Dries clear; Ideal for clean, easy finishing

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I could make a joke about the adhesive being as strong as a gorilla, but that would be a little shellfish and we all know that gorillas are mammals. You can get this glue at a 1-pack size, a 2-pack, or a 6-pack version. It comes in a syringe, and a single pack has a volume of about 0.84 ounces.

The adhesive is really strong, and it will last you for a long time. It works on wood, glass, ceramic and metal. While it may not be as diverse as some other options, it’s still nice to know you can use it for multiple projects. It takes about 5 minutes to set, so you have time to adjust the car mirror accordingly. However, the consistency of the epoxy might be a bit different than normal, and if you are not used to it, some problems may arise.

Pros
  • Strong adhesive
  • Fast set time
  • Runner-up option
Cons
  • Unusual consistency

10. Versachem Rearview Mirror Adhesive – Best Overall

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In my opinion, this is the best rearview mirror glue there is. The bottle is 0.3 ounces, and it will permanently bond your car mirror. I should mention though that you should be careful when applying it. Of course, this goes for all the products in this review but even more so on this one. That is because the adhesive is extremely strong, and it takes only 30 seconds to set. Don’t glue your fingers folks. It’s not a pleasant experience.

However, the adhesive will mostly work on metal and glass, but you can also use it for ceramics and jewelry. Even though it is a bit limited, you can still make use of it for other projects. I should mention, however, that it also has a quick cure time of about 30 minutes. It is also really easy to use. So if you ask me which adhesive I would use for my car, this is the one I would pick.

Pros
  • Extremely strong
  • Fast set and cure time
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Not much versatility

Best Rearview Mirror Glues – Buyer’s Guide

We have looked at a lot of products in these rearview mirror glue reviews. Now, at least when you have had a chance to see what options there are on the market, you can make a more educated guess as to what can be considered the best rearview mirror adhesive. I am here to just give you that extra push you need and to share all the information I have gathered throughout the years.

Quality

Like with everything else, you would like to use a high-quality product. When it comes to a broken rearview mirror, obviously, you would want it to look as authentic as possible while making sure it stays in place for years to come.

That’s why you should look for an OEM-certified adhesive. This certificate ensures a high-quality product that is also used by professionals. In fact, many of them are certified by individual dealers, so in a sense, the certificate is made for car lovers by car lovers.

While that sticker is a good way to identify a quality product, you should also look for one that is meant superficially for metal and glass. Seeing as how the mirror directly connects to your glass windshield, it’s only natural. However, it can be a good bonus to get one that works on a couple more surfaces. Just don’t trust those that say they will attach to anything. While that may be true to some extent, they sacrifice durability for variety.

Resistance

This next factor goes hand in hand with the quality of the product. Thus, seeing as it’s just as important, I thought it deserved a mention. Once you have applied the glue, you would want to make sure that it stays that way. Sometimes, if an adhesive is of lower quality, a single rain day could rain on your whole parade. So, the best rearview mirror glue will be resistant to the elements. After all, mother nature doesn’t care about your car.

The most important thing you should look for is resistance to heat. Seeing as how most of the time your car will be in direct sunlight, especially if you are somewhere down south, there is a good chance that the adhesive might weaken. That is why heat resistance is so important. Although I guess if you lived somewhere in Alaska, that wouldn’t be such a problem.

However, even in the great white north, vehicles can encounter a lot of bumps and vibrations that could knock the rearview mirror loose. Some more factors that are present everywhere are moisture, humidity, and rain – all of which could destroy your mirror. That’s why you should be on the lookout for something with high resistance.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, whether your rearview mirror is broken or not, it’s good to have an adhesive present, just in case. Throughout these rearview mirror glue reviews, we have looked through a variety of products – some better than others and some that are just decent. It’s important to remember that you always have to be prepared with the highest-quality product. After all, it’s not just the rearview mirrors that can get damaged. Everything from the engine to your windows can be shattered, and there are ways to prevent that as well. This might surprise you, but there are actually windows that can withstand even bullets.

Best Selling Rearview Mirror Glues

Bestseller No. 1
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Profressional Strength Adhesive Kit , White
Permatex 81840 Extreme Rearview Mirror Profressional Strength Adhesive Kit , White
2 part (towlette and pipette) professional strength rearview mirror adhesive and activator
$7.49 Amazon Prime
Bestseller No. 2
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08749, 0.02 fl oz, 1 Per Pack
3M High-Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08749, 0.02 fl oz, 1 Per Pack
Two-part structural acrylic system designed to mount rear view mirrors; Holds up well in high temperatures and…
$7.70
Bestseller No. 3
Permatex 81844 Professional Strength right Rearview Mirror Adhesive
Permatex 81844 Professional Strength right Rearview Mirror Adhesive
Package Dimensions: 6.5 L x0.44 H x3.81 W (inches); Package Weight: 0.1 pounds; Country of Origin : China
$6.70
Bestseller No. 4
Loctite 37438 Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit , 0.3 cc
Loctite 37438 Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit , 0.3 cc
Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available; Meets OEM standards; Latest Technical Development
$7.23
Bestseller No. 5
3M Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08752, 0.02 fl oz
3M Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 08752, 0.02 fl oz
Two-part structural acrylic system designed to mount rear view mirrors; Holds up well in high temperatures and…
$6.40 Amazon Prime

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API