Avoid costly auto shop bills and replace your car side mirror yourself. Our guide helps you choose the best glue for car mirrors and tells you how to apply them.
Did you ding your car’s mirror in the parking lot? All you need is some car mirror glue and a little know-how—it’ll be fixed in no time!
Replacing a broken side mirror is easier than you think and will save you lots of money. It all starts with choosing the right glass adhesive glue.
Examine the back of the new mirror and the surface on the car it will be bonded to and make sure to choose a compatible automotive silicone mirror adhesive.
Most experts agree, a good silicone sealant that is strong and flexible and resists moisture is your best bet. After all, it will be exposed to all kinds of weather as well as the wear and tear of driving, so make sure you’re looking at one formulated for outdoor use.
Gather the necessary tools for the job. Along with your new mirror and car mirror glue, you will need:
Make sure to clean out the mirror housing on the car and remove any old adhesive. If the surface is shiny or very smooth, rough it up with some sandpaper. Then wipe down the area with a rag dampened with some mineral spirits or alcohol to remove the dust.
Before attempting to install a new mirror, remove any pieces of broken glass from the mirror housing. This may require heating them with a heat gun to soften up any adhesive holding the glass in place. Remove the adhesive with a chisel, scraper, or flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the mirror housing.
Once all adhesive is removed and the surface area is cleaned up, apply glue to the new mirror piece and the back of the mirror housing. Don’t go right to the edges as the glue will spread when a little pressure is applied. Once in place, wipe away any excess glue with a wet cloth. Carefully tape the mirror in place so that it can’t slide out of place.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cure time. Masking tape will hold the new mirror in place until the glue has completely cured.
LePage offers adhesives for all types of construction and repair projects. For automotive glass adhesive, make sure to choose a glue that bonds to the type of material in your mirror housing and seals out moisture. LePage 100% Glue Repair Gel would be an excellent choice. It not only forms a durable bond, but it also stands up to weather, UV light, extreme temperatures, and the constant vibration that an automotive mirror adhesive must endure.
Another great choice would be LePage Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive. This product is specially formulated to create permanent high-temperature resistant bonds ideal for demanding applications. It comes in an easy to use spray can, ideal for the hard to reach area of a car mirror. It sets in under five minutes and is perfect to help your mirrors withstand potholes after a harsh Canadian winter!
