Last updated on January 9th, 2023 at 03:53 pm
Is your car mirror broken, or does the car mirror pop out? If yes, then this is your guide with easy steps on how to fix a hanging side mirror with glue and how to fix broken side mirror plastic.
As a driver, if you got into a collision, drove into narrow parking spaces, or got a side swipe. Your side mirror could get damaged.
The side mirror on your vehicle serves a practical purpose beyond helping your car look attractive. It gives you a clear view of what is happening around your vehicle. It also allows you to make effective decisions about changing lanes or pulling out of traffic.
On the off chance, it got popped out. Then, driving with a broken mirror would be a safety risk. Even a small-cracks can affect your visibility while you drive on the road. The good news is that it is simple to fix your side mirror if it gets damaged.
Without a doubt, there are 3 ways of fixing a vehicle mirror. Suppose it is shattered glass, a popped-out mirror hanging by its wires, or even a broken plastic housing. These 3 issues require different step-by-step guides to fixing them.
So, this article will provide answers to these specific queries ranging from; what kind of glue can
I use it for my side mirror, can I use gorilla glue on my car side mirror, how do you reattach a side mirror glass, what is the best glue to glue a mirror, how to use, epoxy glue for car side mirror housing, and how to fix broken side mirror plastic.
How to fix broken side mirror plastic
If you’ve got a broken side mirror plastic, don’t worry – it’s actually a relatively simple fix that you can do yourself! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a broken side mirror plastic:
- Step 1: Gather your tools. You’ll need a flathead screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and some super glue; you can get this one here.
- Step 2: Remove the broken piece of plastic. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the broken plastic piece away from the mirror gently. Do this carefully to avoid scratching your car mirror. You can gently pull the pliers off if it’s stuck.
- Step 3: Clean the area. Use a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the area where the plastic piece was located.
- Step 4: Apply super glue to the back of the replacement plastic piece. Be sure to use a small amount of glue and spread it evenly.
- Step 5: Attach the replacement plastic piece. Carefully align the plastic piece with the mirror and press it into place. Hold it for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.
- Step 6: Check your work. Please make sure the plastic piece is securely in place and adjust it as needed.
And that’s it! With a little bit of effort and some basic tools, you can easily fix a broken side mirror plastic and get your car back to looking its best.
What Kind Of Glue Can I Use For My Side Mirror?
The kind of glue you could use for your side mirror is Silicone mirror adhesives.
For instance, Permatex Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive is vital. I recommend this product to automobile owners. As a result, it is a sealant and remains elastic after application. Silicone adhesives have a higher moisture resistance and excellent car mirror glues.
Other kinds of Glue for side mirrors include;
- Loctite Construction Mirror Adhesive
- Liquid Nail Adhesive
- Gorilla Heavy-Duty Construction Adhesive
- Loctite Power Grab Express All-Purpose Construction Adhesive
- Gorilla White 100 % Silicone Sealant
- Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive-
- Gorilla Clear Glue
Have it at heart that the car side mirror glue needs to be waterproof. Ensure you don’t get a car mirror glue for indoor purposes.
Can I Use Gorilla Glue On Car Side Mirror?
Yes, you can use the Gorilla glue on a car mirror. Although, most types of Gorilla Glue will work perfectly with car mirrors. Its super glue and construction adhesive forms are ideal for such jobs. It is highly durable, lasts longer, and dries and cures within 30 minutes of application on any material.
How Do You Reattach A Side Mirror Glass?
Reattaching a side mirror glass on your vehicle depends on the damage to the unit. Although, you can reattach your side mirror using duct tape as you wait to fix it permanently. The use of duct tape is the best option since it is easily removable.
Similarly, you can also reattach your side mirror glass using super glue. Super glue is a cost-efficient method of replacing the mirror. It works well where the mirror is mainly attached to the vehicle using nothing but only adhesive.
What Is The Best Glue To Glue A Mirror?
The best glue to glue a mirror is the Permatex Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant. This product also seals bonds, mends, and secures vinyl, glass, plastic, and metal materials. It is universal, long-lasting, maintains strength across extreme temperatures, is waterproof, and is durable.
How To Fix A Car Mirror That Popped Out?
How To Fix A Car Mirror That Popped Out?
Popped-out mirror could be dangerous if you don’t fix it. However, check out the steps of fixing a popped-out car mirror.
- Ensure the area around the mirror is clean as you park your car.
- Remove any glass particles or debris with a flathead screwdriver or a clean cloth.
- Access the back of the popped-out mirror. Then, unscrew the remaining screws.
- Gently pull out the mirror from its housing using a flathead screwdriver.
- Spritz the plastic housing with a sprayable glass cleaner.
- Get a glass that suits your vehicle housing from any local auto shop.
- Apply a thick layer of sealant about 0.75 inches from the glass’s edge.
- Place 2 to 4 adhesive circles on the back of your new glass. The instructions that came with your mirror would be helpful.
- Gently press the new mirror into the frame as you apply some pressure. Install the mirror immediately after applying the sealant.
- Hold the mirror with masking tape until the sealant cures.
- Remove the masking or duct tape after 24 hours.
- You are ready to drive your vehicle if the sealant is dry and firm.
How To Fix A Hanging Side Mirror With Glue?
Fixing a hanging side mirror with glue requires some materials and procedures.
Let’s get to it!
Materials Needed
- A flathead screwdriver
- Protective hand gloves
- Heat gun, (not compulsory)
- Glue
- Masking tape
Procedures
- Remove any broken parts or debris from the housing. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove any debris or broken glass piece. If necessary, you can use a heat gun to remove any residue. Then, give the area a good cleaning to have a strong bond.
- Apply the glue on the back of the mirror. It is unnecessary to overdo the gluing as it could mess you up during cleaning.
- Don’t press too hard on the glass to avoid breaking. Then, clean off the mirror to remove any glue stain on its surface.
- Use masking tape to secure the mirror in the right place for about 24 hours. Doing this will allow the glue to dry totally. Avoid using chemicals to clean the mirror’s surface to ensure complete glue bonding.
How To Use, Epoxy Glue For Car Side Mirror Housing?
Here is the step-by-step guide for using Epoxy glue in car side mirror housing;
- Get materials such as a heat gun, flathead screwdriver, masking tape, epoxy glue, and safety gloves.
- Remove the old car mirror housing. Using the heat gun, remove old adhesive as you scrap off any particles with the flathead screwdriver.
- Gently clean and dry the plastic back of the mirror housing.
- Apply the Epoxy Glue to the back of the mirror housing. It should be about ½ inch from the edge of the mirror housing.
- Install a new mirror as you press firmly into place.
- Use a damp material/cloth to wipe off excess glue.
- Use duct/masking tape to hold it in place.
- Allow the Epoxy glue to cure. Check for the curing time using the product’s instruction guide.
Conclusion
In my final words, a collision with surrounding objects, such as a lamppost or even a corner pillar, can damage your vehicle’s side mirror. Fixing or reattaching the side mirror to its place depends on the level of damage to the mirror.
As long as you get suitable glue, there is no reason you shouldn’t have success installing a mirror inside its housing. However, there are 3 ways of fixing issues with your side mirror.
And I have detail on them to enable easy fixing and reattachment. Ensure you follow the above instructions and also drive with caution. I hope this article on how to fix a hanging side mirror with glue has helped you. Do well to share this write-up with others!
Uchenna is a Radiographer and Auto parts mechanic who recently got his automotive diploma as an auto repair technician, and since then, has worked on fixing various car problems.
Working as just a radiographer, Uchenna didn’t just get all the fulfillment he desired, because he truly loved doing things tilted toward cars. As a kid, he would take apart his toy cars to see how they worked and would spend hours tinkering with his bike.
So, in 2017 he made the tough decision to become an auto mechanic. He threw himself into his studies and now loves every aspect of what he does.
He gets to work with his hands, solving problems and bringing cars back to life, and sharing his knowledge and easy quick-fix guide online are all part of what makes him feel fulfilled.
