How to stick wing mirror glass back on
Wing mirror glass is secured using a special factory glue. It’s pretty strong stuff, but over time, there’s still a chance the mirror might come loose. Whether the glue melts over long, hot afternoons parked up by the beach or whether the mirror jiggles off over a patch of particularly bumpy terrain — it’s an ordinary (though inconvenient) part of wear and tear. But what should you do next?
Well, you’ll want to get the problem fixed asap. Wing mirrors are important for car safety as they give you a full picture of what’s happening around your vehicle. You could also get into trouble for driving with a broken wing mirror, so you’ll want to avoid that too. But do you have to pay for a professional car service? Given that a wing mirror glass replacement usually costs around £270, we don’t blame you for wondering if there’s another option. Luckily, we’ve got just the DIY fix for you. Here’s our take on how to stick wing mirror glass back on…
How to stick wing mirror glass on
Before we get down to the plan of action, you’re going to want to assemble a few things first. You might not need all of the following items, but it’s a good idea to have them on standby so you don’t have to nip out to the shops mid-DIY session.
What you’ll need:
- A flathead screwdriver
- A hair dryer or heat gun
- A lint-free cloth
- Cleaning spray
- Masking tape
- Protective gloves (heavy ones to keep your hands safe from glass)
- Glue — if you’re not sure which kind to use, keep reading…
Arguably the most important factor in all this is the glue…You can’t replace glass in a wing mirror without it! But which kind should you buy? Well, take a look at the back of your wing mirror glass — if it’s affixed to rigid plastic or metal, then you’re going to want an epoxy glue (around £10 at your local hardware or automotive supplies shop). But if the glass itself is cracked or broken? You might need a silicone adhesive as well to bind the pieces back together. Once you’ve got your glue and your other tools ready, head on out to your car, and let’s get cracking.
The method:
Step 1: If your wing mirror glass has come off in one piece, set it aside. If your wing mirror glass has cracked into two (or more) pieces, you’ll first need to make sure all of these bits are removed from your wing mirror. To do this, grab your flathead screwdriver and dig under the mirror edges until all the glass is free.
Quick note: It’s always a good idea to use protective gloves when you’re dealing with glass — especially if your wing mirror has cracked or broken into lots of pieces.
Step 2: It’s likely your wing mirror glass has left behind some bits of dried glue. While this might not seem like a big deal, your mirror won’t stick back on unless it’s got a smooth surface to adhere to. With that in mind, you’re going to want to use your flathead screwdriver to chisel away at any debris. If you struggle to get the dried glue loose, try giving it a blast with your hair dryer or a heat gun. This will warm the glue making it easier to scrape away.
Step 3: Now your wing mirror is all smooth and good to go — give it a once-over with a lint-free cloth and some simple cleaning solution. You don’t want any residue or grease on there, otherwise, the glue might not stick properly. You’ll also want to make sure the area is completely dry before you move on to the next step.
Step 4: Carefully apply the glue to the back of your wing mirror glass. You’ll want to cover about an inch from the edges and maybe a dab in the middle for good luck. The mistake that’s often made at this point is using too much glue — it won’t dry properly and you’ll end up with a messy mirror that isn’t affixed for long. You’re better off using a small amount and trusting that the glue’s enough to do the trick.
Step 5: The final step is to replace the wing mirror glass, pressing it against the wing mirror for a minute or two so the glue has a chance to bond. You’ll then need to secure it with a good amount of masking tape so it can set over the next 24 hours.
And that’s it! Give it a day and you’ll be on your way. But if this all sounds a bit much? Then you can always wait for your car to be serviced instead.
How to replace wing mirror glass
So let’s say you start this DIY job with the best of intentions, but you soon realise your wing mirror glass is broken beyond repair. How much does wing mirror replacement glass cost? Well, as mentioned, you could get professional help which is likely to cost you around £270. Or there are cheaper options available to purchase from hardware and automotive stores — replacement wing mirror glass costs about £10 - £20 at Halfords, for example. Even if your wing mirror is just a bit cracked, it’s often a better option to swap the whole thing out than to stick it back on in pieces. A fresh sheet of wing mirror glass is going to last you far longer than one that’s broken (and it’ll give you a clearer view of the road too).
A few final tips…
If your car’s been damaged in a road accident, then you might find your car insurance company can help with the cost of repairs. It’s always worth getting in touch with your provider to check your coverage before you start a DIY repair job.
If you need to be off the road for a while, why not read up on: ‘How long is a SORN valid’.
If your car needs some special attention, check out: ‘How much does car detailing cost’.
Urban Jungle is not a financial advisor and information in this article should not be taken as advice or recommendation.
