The side view mirror on your car has a practical function besides simply helping it look good in as good of shape as possible.
Primarily, the side view mirror gives you visibility around the vehicle to make good decisions associated with changing lanes and pulling out into traffic.
If your mirror comes off, or is damaged in a way that you want to know how to reattach a side view mirror using glue. If you are just looking for a quick answer to your question, it is quite simple, if you are looking for a more complete guide, continue reading further in the article.
I walk you through each of these steps and also show you what glue is best for your side-view mirror. I also discuss what the total cost of this DIY car mirror repair will be.
What Glue to Attach a Side View Mirror to a Car?
The best glue for a side-view mirror will depend on both the materials you will be bonding. It’s important to look at the back of the mirror to see most importantly what material it is made from.
One of the strongest glues, for many applications, is epoxy glue, which will give you a strong impact resistant bond. You could use epoxy with rigid plastics and metals.
Some other experts advise using a special automotive silicone adhesive if you need to repair the mirror itself. The silicone adhesive can still work as a sealant while remaining elastic. Silicone is weather-resistant and moisture resistant, which should provide a long life.
How to Reattach a Side View Mirror Using Glue
To reattach a side view mirror with glue you need to clean the area first. Once you clean it off, you can apply a quality glue to the mirror.
Put the side view mirror where it goes. After it is attached, be sure to hold it in place for a minimum of 24 hours.
Here are some further steps about how to reattach a side view mirror with glue:
#1. Clean the Area.
Before you can install the side view mirror, you should get off anything broken from housing or get rid of referred debris. You may have to use a flathead screwdriver to get off any small pieces. However, you must never use your fingers to get to any pieces of broken glass.
If there are any areas where pieces do not come off easily, consider using a heat gun. By slightly heating the housing, it makes the peripheral material easy to remove.
Once you have removed all the debris, you’ll want to use a lint-free cloth to clean off any remaining dust. You want to do a serious clean of the area to achieve a strong bond. If you don’t make sure of it, the housing will not strongly attach to the vehicle.
#2. Apply Glue.
Carefully put some glue on he back of the mirror. Leave an inch from the tape to any edges to make sure it won’t spill over. It’s also important that you don’t use too much glue in order to try and make it more secure. This only leaves more room for you to clean.
Now that the glue is in place, place the mirror on top of the housing and hold it there for a minute. Don’t push or it might crack the glass. When you are done, clean off the mirror and remove any glue that got on the surface.
#3. Secure the Mirror.
Now that the mirror is in place, use some masking tape to wrap it. You want to hold the mirror in place for a minimum of 24 hours in order to allow the epoxy to completely dry. If the mirror has no support during the drying time, the mirror will move.
Best practice to avoid using chemicals on the mirror while it is setting. It could weaken the bond of the glue.
Why Replace the Side View Mirror?
No one wants to break their side mirror, but it happens to everyone. If you have been in a T-bone car accident resulting in the front of one vehicle colliding into the side of yours, you might have some damage to your side mirror.
You can also break the mirror by simply trying to squeeze your car out of a tight parking spot, crashing into the object or vehicle next to you.
You may break the mirror while taking your car through the automated washing machine which has too much water pressure.
You have children who might have fun with the power controls to your mirror resulting in breaking from abuse.
If the device has to push the mirror a little too far to the right or left, in any of these events, however, it is easy to replace side view mirror glass using a little glue.
Cost to Reattach a Side View Mirror with Glue
The total cost of the parts for a new side view mirror easily can be under $100. If you are only replacing the glass, all that is needed is the glue, a lint free cloth, a screwdriver, and likely a heat gun. You should not need an expert to replace the glass.
Now, if there is collateral damage to the side mirror and the entire assembly has to be replaced, you will wish to use a professional’s service which will cost in excess of $500.
In fact, if the housing of the mirror was damaged there may also need to be repairs done to the door panel and other body elements. In this situation, you will want to consult a professional auto body shop.