Car mirror glue:  The DIYer’s guide to fixing broken side mirrors

Busted side mirror? A visit to the mechanic will cost you big bucks – so repair or replace it yourself using car mirror glue. Read our guide to find out how to use automotive silicone mirror adhesive and epoxy glues for car side mirror repairs.

• How to choose a car mirror glue
• How to use glue for car side mirror replacements

How to choose a car mirror glue

So you’ve decided to repair a broken side mirror yourself. But how do you choose the right car mirror glue? Well, it depends on the materials you’re working with. Luckily, that’s easy to find out – simply check the back of the mirror and/or the mirror housing where you’ll reinstall the mirror.

Some repairs might require an epoxy glue for car side mirrors, which are suitable for many materials you find on vehicles, like metal, glass and plastics. Loctite Epoxy Gel is a great choice - the non-drip gel formula creates tough, rigid bonds in just six minutes, making it perfect for use on vertical and outdoor surfaces like your car side mirror. Epoxies are great for repairing mirror housings, too.

When it comes to repairing cracks or breaks in the mirror itself, we recommend using automotive silicone mirror adhesive, which remains elastic and is resistant to moisture and weathering, making it a great choice for repairing car side mirrors that are exposed to the elements. Just make sure that the automotive silicone mirror adhesive you choose to work with is formulated for outdoor purposes.

How to use glue for car side mirror replacements

Using glue for car side mirror repairs is easier than you might think. To get started, gather your tools, a replacement mirror, a glue for car side mirrors and the following essentials:

• Bucket to collect broken glass
• Masking tape
• Wet cloth
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Heat gun (in case you need to warm the car mirror glue - see our tip below)

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on fixing the broken mirror. The process is nice and easy:

1. Firstly, remove the broken mirror and any stray glass shards. If you’re having problems removing the glass pane from the mirror housing, try using a heat gun to soften the old adhesive.
2. Apply the epoxy glue for car side mirrors to the back of the new mirror.
3. Install the new glass into the mirror housing, wiping away any overflowing glue with a wet cloth once it’s in place.
4. Hold the mirror in place until the glue cures. The curing process can take some time – masking tape can help hold the glass in place and prevent slipping. To find out your car mirror glue’s cure time, check the product description.
5. A quick clean up of any stray shards of glass and you’re back on the road again!