When your rearview mirror comes unstuck, it can be tempting to grab your old tube of superglue from the bottom of a drawer and try to fix the problem quickly.
The problem is, most general-use adhesives - even super strong ones - aren’t suited to heavy-duty tasks such as gluing metal car components to glass surfaces.
You might get short-term results, but you’ll probably find your mirror falls off again frustratingly soon after. So, what to do?
Don’t panic! We’ve made a list of the best rearview mirror adhesives on the market to keep your mirror securely fixed to your windshield for the foreseeable future.
With the help of our buyers guide and FAQ section, you should have no problem selecting the glue that best suits you and your vehicle so you can be back on the road in no time!
OUR TOP PICK
This glue from J-B Weld was developed as a stronger and more durable alternative to your average superglue, so it comes as no surprise that reviewers praise its incredible strength of 2300 PSI.
However, the benefits of J-B Weld’s MinuteWeld glue don’t stop there.
This product is formulated to adhere to a variety of diverse surfaces, including glass, ceramic, plastic, PVC, concrete, and wood. Its ability to adhere to glass makes this glue ideal for use on rearview mirrors.
Moreover, it sets quickly and takes just 1 hour to cure, and is compatible with the majority of temperature conditions, making for a durable application whatever the weather. The glue dries clear, so you don’t have to worry about discoloring your windshield.
The main drawback of this adhesive is that it will require some preparation on your end. The resin and hardener are separated inside the tube, so you’ll have to mix the glue yourself before use.
This may sound like a challenge, but the syringe-like dispenser along with the mixing tray and stick provided are designed to make this process as easy as possible.
Pros
- Extremely strong and durable (2300 PSI)
- Sets and cures quickly
- Clear drying
- Adheres to a variety of surfaces, including glass
Cons
- Resin and hardener must be mixed before use
EDITORS CHOICE
Loctite’s Rearview Mirror Adhesive Kit is specially designed and formulated for use on rearview mirrors.
Whilst this means that it is not suitable for use on other surfaces, and therefore is not multipurpose, it also means you can rest assured that you’re using the best possible adhesive for the specific task at hand.
The glue dries fully within 15 minutes on a clean, room-temperature surface and is clear in color for an invisible mount.
The application process is easy thanks to the simple tube applicator, with no pre-mixing required. Loctite promises durable results that will keep your rearview mirror mounted for the foreseeable future.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Specifically formulated for rearview mirrors
- Achieves permanent mounting strength within 15 minutes
Cons
- Not suitable for use on other surfaces
- Requires room temperate for application
BEST VALUE
Another glue formulated specifically for rearview mirror attachment is Versachem’s Rear View Mirror Adhesive.
This glue sets in 5 minutes, does not require any specific temperature for application, and comes in a simple tube applicator, making it quick and easy for anyone to use.
Whilst this product is advertised specifically as an adhesive for rearview mirrors, it is actually multipurpose and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including ceramics and jewellery.
For the full strength of the bond to be achieved, a generous amount of product should be applied and the mirror should then be left untouched overnight.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Easy to apply
- Can be used on other surfaces
Cons
- Requires a relatively large quantity of product to be applied for best results
RUNNER UP
Not only is Permatex’s Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive Kit a strong and long-lasting solution to your detached rearview mirror, but it also comes with everything you need for an easy, professional-strength, and high-quality application.
Permatex’s OEM specified formula is strong enough for both first-time and repeat mirror attachments.
The adhesive tube is designed for ease of use while the included medical grade towelette serves as an adhesive activator and helps to achieve the cleanest and most accurate application.
The glue cures in 15 minutes and dries clear, leaving you with a firmly attached rearview mirror and no mess left behind.
Pros
- Professional strength, durable formula
- Includes medical grade towelette for clean, accurate application
- Cures in 15 minutes
Cons
- Some reports of glue activator and cleaner not working
RUNNER UP
Like the J-B Weld glue reviewed above, the 3M Rearview Mirror adhesive comes in 2 parts and requires mixing prior to application.
Once mixed together, the formula is made to last, ensuring that your rearview mirror stays firmly in place once the glue has set and cured, which only takes around 15 minutes.
The durability of this adhesive is improved by its resistance to external factors such as heat (or lack thereof) and moisture.
This means that regardless of what kind of climate you live in, the 3M Rearview Mirror Adhesive should maintain its strength over long periods of time. Moreover, the formula is vibration and impact-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rough driving conditions disrupting the bond created by the glue.
The adhesive is also resistant to chemicals, meaning that it is safe to apply cleaning products in the vicinity of your mirror without worrying about dissolving the glue.
Pros
- Heat, moisture, and chemical resistant
- Vibration and impact resistant
- Cures in 15 minutes (depending on conditions)
Cons
- Requires mixing prior to application
- Reports of adhesion failing despite following instructions
Best Rear View Mirror Glue Buying Guide
Buying an adhesive for your rearview mirror is no trivial matter. If your mirror falls off while you’re driving, your safety could potentially be put at risk.
Because the security of your rearview mirror is so important, we’ve put together this buyers guide to help you take everything you need to into consideration before you make your decision.
Strength and Durability
The most important factors to prioritize when choosing a glue for your rearview mirror are strength and durability. You don’t want to have to constantly re-glue your mirror, and you certainly don’t want it coming loose unexpectedly whilst you’re reversing into traffic!
Some glues list the formula’s PSI (tensile strength) on the product information. This is a good indicator of the strength of the glue, as a PSI measurement is obtained through scientific testing and mathematical calculations, giving you a scientifically accurate indication of how many pounds per square inch the adhesive is likely to hold.
If this measurement is not provided, a combination of customer reviews and advertising terms such as ‘professional-strength’ will give you an indication of the strength and durability of the product.
Whilst they can be slightly more time-consuming to apply, the strongest and most durable glues tend to be 2-part Epoxy products, which are so adhesive that they need to be separated to prevent them sticking to the inside of a single container.
Surface Compatibility
You can buy the strongest glue in existence in terms of PSI, but if the adhesive isn’t compatible with the surface you’re planning to use it on, you’re likely to experience short-lived and frustrating results.
Because you’re specifically looking for glue for your rearview mirror, you need to ensure that the product you purchase is designed to adhere to metal and glass, as these are the materials the glue will be coming into contact with.
Resistance
Another key factor to consider is resistance to external factors such as heat, moisture and chemical exposure. Heat, moisture and chemicals all have the potential to weaken or even dissolve the bond created by glue.
Additionally, cars are spaces which tend to get very hot in warm weather and are likely to be cleaned using chemical-based cleaning products. Therefore, selecting a glue with added resistance to these external factors will increase your chances of long-lasting results.
Some glues are even advertised as vibration and impact resistant. If you know that you frequently drive over uneven terrain or encounter other rough driving conditions, this feature is worth considering.
Application Procedure
It’s stressful enough having your rearview mirror fall off in the first place without having to spend hours struggling to glue it back on. The ideal glue for your rearview mirror will, therefore, be as easy to use as possible whilst still providing superior adhesion.
The easiest glues to apply generally come in a simple tube and can be applied through a light exertion of pressure on the tube. However, many professional-strength glues are separated into two tubes: one for the resin and one for the hardener.
These glues can be slightly more difficult to apply. However, features such as a syringe-style dispenser can help you achieve the perfect ratio without making a mess.
Additional Features
If the application procedure for your rearview mirror glue is slightly more complicated - for example, if it requires mixing beforehand - the inclusion of additional features with your glue can be vital in terms of simplifying the process. For 2-part adhesives that need to be mixed, look for included tools such as a mixing tray and stick to make your life easier.
A medical grade towelette can be an invaluable tool for cleaning your surface(s) properly before application, ensuring that your adhesive is not compromised by remnants of dust or dirt.
It is also useful for cleaning up any excess glue during the application for the cleanest possible finish.
Purpose-Specific or Multipurpose?
Your primary objective in buying this glue is, of course, to fix your rearview mirror - but do you want to invest in a glue that can also be used for other purposes?
While a purpose-specific rearview mirror glue gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your adhesive is specially formulated for your intended purpose, it can also be useful to have a glue which is suitable for use on other surfaces.
Which option you choose will ultimately come down to your circumstances, lifestyle and general preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I superglue my rearview mirror back on?
As previously mentioned, many car drivers opt to fix their detached rearview mirrors using standard superglue. Whilst you may get short-term results from this method, it is not a permanent solution.
This is because normal superglue, and even some extra-strength variations such as Gorilla Glue, are not actually formulated to adhere to metal and glass. For the best and most durable results, you should invest in a glue which is specifically suited to glass and metal surfaces.
Superglue may be used as a temporary quick-fix if absolutely necessary, but it should not be relied upon in the long-term.
How do I remove rearview mirror glue?
Rearview mirror adhesives generally come with instructions on how to reattach your mirror, but what if you need to remove your rearview mirror glue at some point? This could be for a variety of reasons; for example, you may find that you’ve glued your mirror on slightly crooked, or it may need to be removed for repair purposes.
The best way to loosen the bond created by rearview mirror glue will vary product by product depending on factors such as strength and resistance. However, the most universally successful method is to apply intense and direct heat to the point where the mirror button attaches to the windshield.
You can do this using a blowdrier, or a heat gun may be more appropriate if you’re dealing with an adhesive which is particularly resistant to heat. Gently move the mirror back and forth whilst applying the heat to encourage the adhesive to loosen. Eventually, this should help your mirror to come away.