We researched and compared the best glues for car side mirror repair, evaluating manufacturer specifications, industry standards for automotive adhesives, and aggregated owner feedback. Our goal is to help you choose a glue that bonds securely to glass, plastic, and metal while withstanding vibration, temperature extremes, and moisture. Below are our top picks, each with honest strengths and limitations.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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Permatex 81878 Plastic Welder Best Overall Two-part epoxy; bonds glass, plastic, metal; 5-minute set time |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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3M 08693 Plastic & Emblem Adhesive Runner Up One-part urethane; bonds plastic, metal, painted surfaces; 1-hour set |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive Best Value Polyurethane; bonds glass, plastic, metal; waterproof; 24-hour cure |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Gorilla 7700104 Epoxy Fast Cure Two-part epoxy; sets in 5 minutes; bonds glass, plastic, metal |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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J-B Weld 50112 PlasticWeld Best for Plastic Two-part epoxy; specifically for plastic; sets in 15 minutes |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Permatex 81730 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Best for Glass One-part RTV silicone; bonds glass to plastic/metal; flexible; 1-hour skin time |
7.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Loctite 1363582 Heavy Duty Epoxy Strongest Bond Two-part epoxy; bonds metal, plastic, glass; 30-minute set time |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Permatex 81878 Plastic Welder: Best Overall
In our evaluation of side mirror glues, the Permatex 81878 Plastic Welder stands out for its all-around bonding to glass, plastic, and metal. Based on owner feedback and the spec sheet, it forms a durable, impact-resistant bond that holds up to road vibration and temperature swings. The 5-minute set time is convenient for quick repairs, and the cured epoxy can be sanded and painted for a smooth finish.
However, this is a two-part epoxy that requires precise mixing, which some users find fiddly for small mirror repairs. If you prefer a ready-to-use adhesive or need to bond only glass to plastic, a dedicated glass glue might be simpler. But for a comprehensive repair that may involve multiple materials, this is our top pick.
- Forms a strong, impact-resistant bond suitable for mirror housings and brackets.
- Works on multiple materials including ABS plastic, glass, and painted metal.
- Sets in 5 minutes with full cure in 1 hour; sandable and paintable.
Pros: Excellent adhesion to common mirror materials.; Fast cure time reduces wait during repair.
Cons: Requires mixing two parts, which can be messy for small repairs.
2. 3M 08693 Plastic & Emblem Adhesive: Runner Up
The 3M 08693 Plastic & Emblem Adhesive is a one-part urethane that we found to be a strong contender for side mirror repairs. Based on manufacturer specs and owner reviews, it bonds well to plastic and painted metal, and its flexibility helps absorb vibration without cracking. Application is straightforward with a caulk gun, and it sets in about an hour, though full cure takes 24 hours.
This glue is not ideal for glass-to-plastic bonds if the glass surface is smooth; it works best when at least one side is porous or textured. Also, the 24-hour cure time may be inconvenient if you need the mirror back in service quickly. For those who prioritize long-term durability and can wait, this is a solid runner-up.
- Strong urethane formula designed for automotive emblems and trim, ideal for mirror attachments.
- Excellent weather and vibration resistance; stays flexible.
- Easy to apply with a caulk gun; no mixing required.
Pros: Superior durability and flexibility for moving parts.; Simple application with no mixing.
Cons: Longer cure time (24 hours) before full strength is achieved.
3. Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive: Best Value
Loctite PL Premium is a polyurethane construction adhesive that we evaluated for its versatility and value. According to the manufacturer, it bonds glass, plastic, and metal, and it is waterproof and paintable. Owner feedback highlights its strength and gap-filling properties, which can be useful for mirror housings that are slightly warped. The large tube offers a lot of adhesive for the price, making it a budget-friendly option.
However, this adhesive expands as it cures, which can lead to messy squeeze-out that needs to be cleaned before it hardens. It also requires clamping and a full 24-hour cure, which may be inconvenient. If you need a quick fix or a precision application, this might not be ideal. But for a durable, low-cost repair with time to spare, it delivers.
- Extremely strong bond that expands slightly to fill gaps.
- Waterproof and paintable; suitable for exterior use.
- Large tube provides plenty of adhesive for multiple repairs.
Pros: Excellent value for the amount of adhesive provided.; Gap-filling ability helps with uneven surfaces.
Cons: Expansion can cause squeeze-out that requires cleanup.; Requires clamping and 24-hour cure time.
4. Gorilla 7700104 Epoxy: Fast Cure
Gorilla 7700104 Epoxy is a two-part epoxy that we found to be a good choice for fast repairs. Based on owner feedback and the product spec, it sets in just 5 minutes and bonds glass, plastic, and metal. The syringe applicator simplifies mixing and application, and the clear finish is aesthetically pleasing. It is impact and water resistant after full cure.
However, this epoxy is more rigid than some alternatives, which can be a drawback on a vibrating side mirror. Some users report that it can crack over time if the mirror is subjected to frequent bumps. If your mirror is on a vehicle with rough roads or you need flexibility, consider a urethane adhesive instead. For a quick, strong bond on a less demanding application, it works well.
- Impact and water resistant once fully cured.
- Syringe applicator allows precise mixing and application.
- Clear finish when cured; can be drilled or sanded.
Pros: Very fast setting (5 minutes) for quick repairs.; Syringe makes mixing easy and less messy.
Cons: Less flexible than urethane-based adhesives; may crack under extreme vibration.
5. J-B Weld 50112 PlasticWeld: Best for Plastic
J-B Weld 50112 PlasticWeld is a specialized epoxy for plastic repairs, which we evaluated for side mirror housings. According to the manufacturer, it bonds to polypropylene, ABS, and other plastics commonly used in mirror assemblies. Owner feedback indicates it creates a very strong, permanent repair that can be drilled and painted. It sets in 15 minutes, giving some working time.
However, this product is not intended for bonding glass or metal, so it cannot reattach a mirror glass to its backing. It is strictly for plastic housing or bracket repairs. If your mirror issue involves the glass itself, you need a different adhesive. Also, the plastic surface must be clean and free of mold release for best results. Skip this if you need a multi-material glue.
- Formulated to bond to polypropylene, ABS, and other plastics common in mirror housings.
- Can be drilled, tapped, and painted after curing.
- Provides a strong, permanent repair for cracked plastic.
Pros: Excellent adhesion to plenty of plastics.; Strong repair that can be machined.
Cons: Not recommended for glass or metal bonding; requires clean plastic surface.
6. Permatex 81730 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive: Best for Glass
Permatex 81730 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive is a one-part silicone we considered for glass bonding. Based on the spec sheet, it is formulated to bond glass to metal or plastic, making it suitable for reattaching mirror glass to its backing. Owner feedback highlights its flexibility, which helps withstand road vibration and temperature changes without cracking. It is also clear and waterproof.
However, this adhesive has lower tensile strength than epoxy or urethane, so it may not be the best choice for larger or heavier mirrors. Some users report that it can fail over time if the mirror is subjected to strong forces, such as from car washes or accidental bumps. If you need a permanent, high-strength bond for a large mirror, consider a two-part epoxy instead. For a simple glass reattachment on a small mirror, it works well.
- Specifically designed for bonding glass to metal or plastic, ideal for mirror glass attachment.
- Remains flexible to absorb vibration and thermal expansion.
- Clear finish; waterproof and weather resistant.
Pros: Excellent for glass-to-plastic/metal bonds.; Flexibility reduces risk of cracking from vibration.
Cons: Lower overall strength compared to epoxy or urethane; may not hold heavy mirrors.
7. Loctite 1363582 Heavy Duty Epoxy: Strongest Bond
Loctite 1363582 Heavy Duty Epoxy is a two-part epoxy that we evaluated for maximum strength. According to the manufacturer, it bonds metal, plastic, and glass with very high tensile strength. It is resistant to water, oil, and chemicals, making it suitable for harsh environments. Owner feedback confirms its strong hold, even on heavy components.
However, this epoxy is brittle once cured and does not handle vibration or flex well. For a side mirror that vibrates constantly, this can lead to cracking over time. Also, the 30-minute set time requires clamping, and full cure takes 24 hours. If your mirror repair involves a non-moving bracket that needs extreme strength, this is an option. For most mirror glass reattachments, a more flexible adhesive is better.
- Extremely high tensile strength for heavy-duty repairs.
- Resistant to water, oil, and chemicals.
- Can be used on vertical surfaces without dripping.
Pros: Very strong bond suitable for load-bearing parts.; Good chemical resistance.
Cons: Long set time (30 minutes) and full cure takes 24 hours.; Brittle when cured; not ideal for flexible joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of glue is best for car side mirror glass?
For attaching mirror glass to a plastic or metal backing, we recommend a flexible adhesive like Permatex 81730 Clear RTV Silicone or a urethane adhesive such as 3M 08693. These remain flexible to absorb vibration and thermal expansion, reducing the risk of cracking. Two-part epoxies can also work but may be too rigid for some applications.
Can I use super glue for car side mirror repair?
Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is generally not recommended for side mirror repair. It is brittle and fails under vibration and temperature changes. It also does not bond well to all plastics used in mirror housings. For a durable repair, use an epoxy, urethane, or silicone adhesive designed for automotive use.
How long does glue for side mirror take to cure?
Cure times vary by product. Fast-setting epoxies like Permatex 81878 set in 5 minutes and cure fully in 1 hour. Urethane adhesives like 3M 08693 set in 1 hour but require 24 hours for full strength. Silicone adhesives typically skin in 1 hour and cure in 24 hours. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Will glue hold a side mirror in place permanently?
Yes, a properly applied automotive-grade adhesive can provide a permanent repair. However, the bond strength depends on surface preparation, correct adhesive selection, and curing conditions. For best results, clean surfaces thoroughly, roughen smooth plastics, and allow full cure time before exposing the mirror to stress.
Can I drive immediately after gluing my side mirror?
No, you should not drive immediately after gluing. Most adhesives require time to set and cure. Even fast-setting epoxies need at least 1 hour before the bond is strong enough to handle vibration. For urethane or silicone, wait 24 hours. Driving too soon can cause the mirror to detach, posing a safety hazard.
Our Verdict
Our top pick is the Permatex 81878 Plastic Welder for its multi-purpose bonding to glass, plastic, and metal, fast cure time, and strong impact resistance. The runner up is the 3M 08693 Plastic & Emblem Adhesive, which offers superior flexibility and durability for vibration-prone applications, though it requires a longer cure time. Choose based on your specific repair needs and patience for curing.
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