If your rearview mirror fell off right before you drive, you must not drive before you add it! When it is about the safety of the journey, you should always fix the rearview mirror before you start the ride! Bit what to do if it falls off? How to fix a rear view mirror that fell off and how to replace it? Well, let’s learn the process!
Steps of Fixing Rear View Mirror
If the mirror falls off and the mounting bracket is just fine, all you need is to glue it back! But the method isn’t as easy as you think!
Step 1: Check the Old Mirror
In the first step, you have to check the fallen mirror. Well, mostly, the mirror will be stuck with its position with the help of glue. However, this glue won’t work after two to three years. In that case, the old rearview mirror can fall off.
It is better if you understand that there’s a chance of falling before it falls. But if the rearview mirror falls before you take it off by yourself, you have to take a look at the mirror first.
If the mirror has fallen off completely, you have to examine if you can reattach the same mirror or not. If you can reattach it, you can simply glue it. In either case, you might need to find a replacement for the old mirror because the old one won’t work!
Step 2: Scrape the Windshield
So, now that you have checked the old mirror, you must take a look at the windshield too. Well, at times, there will be glue leftover or pieces of the mirror added to it. Before you reattach the same mirror or replace it with a new one, you need to certify that the windshield area is completely neat.
mirror. On the other hand, you can get your hands on other sharp objects that won’t hurt your windshield.
l you need is to go for the blade and touch the edge of the blade against the glass. Go for an angle so that you can scrape off the leftover adhesive. While scraping, make sure that you are going for short and light strokes.
It will help you dislodge the residue. As the residue is hardened, you might want to go harder. But we still recommend you to go for light strokes. Don’t forget to protect your hands with work gloves. These will save you from the sharp razor blade that you are using.
Step 4: Clean the Windshield
Now that the leftover adhesive is removed, it’s time to clean the glass. There will still be some residue left. You have to take them off too. Get your hands on a couple of spritzes. Hit that particular area of the windshield with this one. You will need a paper towel here to clean the area.
But if you have a soft microfiber towel, it will be ideal. With the towel, go over the area. Clean it to make it dust and grime-free. Don’t settle for cheap paper towels. They will leave tiny bits of paper on the windshield and all your cleaning work will go in vain.
We are cleaning the area so that when you use the adhesive to attach the mirror, the glue works perfectly. If the paper towel leaves bits of paper there, the adhesive won’t work that well. Anyway, after you have cleaned the windshield, you can move to the next step.
At times, people don’t have glass cleaners in handy. If you have to rub alcohol, you can rely on that too! If you don’t find anything at all, stick to warm water and add some liquid dish soap in!
Step 5: Choosing the Adhesive
So, the area is nice and neat now. It’s time to work with the adhesive. Here, you will need a rearview mirror repair kit. Go to the local auto supply store to buy this one. These are inexpensive and will cost you only a few dollars.
In these kits, you will get a small tube of activator solution and there will be a powerful adhesive. At times, people use epoxies and super glues.
But keep in mind that these are not strong enough to hold the mirror in position. Always get your hands on the right adhesive for the job.
Step 6: Warming up the Glass
Before you add the adhesive, you need the glass to be warm. In this case, we recommend you use a heat gun. But you can also try to use a hairdryer.
Get a hold of the heating equipment and set the heat to the lowest. There, you have to hold it for about 20 seconds to 30 seconds. Make sure you are holding it about 30-40 cm away from the interior surface of the windshield.
Step 7: Use the Activator Solution
So, now, the area is warm and you can add the activator solution. Check your mirror kit. The activator solution might have a sprayer or you might need to wipe it to use it.
Check the recommended amount in the manual. For wiping it, use the towelette that came with it. After spraying or wiping it, wait for the activator to sit. It will take only 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Attach the Mirror
And in this step, you can plan on attaching the mirror. Check the mirror and there will be a tab-like mounting bracket added. Take it off first with the help of a screwdriver.
Use it to unscrew it and remove the bracket. Now, get your hands on the adhesive add it to the mounting bracket that you just removed. Dab a small amount; it will be enough to do the job. Once or two drops will do the work.
And then, you have to press the bracket on the windshield. Make sure your hands are firm. Hold it for about 1-2 minutes to let it stick to the windshield.
Now, you have removed your hands but let the adhesive rest for about 15 more minutes. And then, you can add your mirror to the mounting bracket, and you are done!
You learn about: How To Fix a Vibrating Rear View Mirror
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Wrap Up
If the mirror fell off and the mounting bracket is just fine, you can fix it easily. But if the mounting bracket is broken, you might need a new rearview mirror. As we have described, gluing is easy but the right method and the right glue are important too. Follow our steps and you won’t be disappointed!
