What you need to do before you start
Replacing a rear view mirror is a task you can do yourself in 15 to 30 minutes with basic tools. The exact steps depend on whether your mirror is glued to the windshield, bolted to the headliner, or mounted on a bracket — and you need to know which type you have before you buy a replacement or start removing anything.
Park your car in a well-lit space and look at where your mirror connects to the windshield or roof. If it appears to be stuck directly to the glass with no visible bolts or bracket, it is glued on. If you see bolts going through the headliner (the fabric ceiling inside your car), it is bolted. If there is a metal or plastic arm connecting the mirror to a base, it is bracket-mounted. Take a photo of the connection point — you will need to describe it when you order a replacement, and the photo will remind you how it came apart.
Key Takeaways
- Glued mirrors require a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, then careful prying with a plastic tool to avoid breaking the glass.
- Bolted mirrors need only a wrench or socket set to remove the bolts from inside the car, and the old mirror usually comes free in seconds.
- Bracket-mounted mirrors typically have one or two bolts holding the arm to the base, and you remove the whole assembly as one piece.
- After removal, clean off old adhesive or corrosion before installing the new mirror, or it will not sit flush or hold securely.
- New glued mirrors need 24 hours of curing time before you drive, while bolted and bracket mirrors are ready to use when ready after installation.
Removing a glued rear view mirror
If your mirror is glued directly to the windshield, you will need a heat gun (or a hair dryer on high heat), a plastic pry tool or old credit card, rubbing alcohol, and a clean cloth. Do not use a metal screwdriver — it can scratch the glass or slip and break the mirror.
Hold the heat gun or hair dryer about 6 inches from the mirror base for 30 to 60 seconds. Move it back and forth so the heat spreads evenly. The goal is to warm the adhesive underneath, not to heat the mirror itself until it is too hot to touch. Once the adhesive softens, slide the plastic pry tool or credit card between the mirror base and the windshield. Work slowly around the edges, explore gentle pressure. The mirror should come free with a quiet pop or crack sound — if it does not budge after 30 seconds of prying, explore more heat and wait another minute.
After the mirror is off, you will see a metal or plastic base plate still stuck to the windshield, along with old adhesive. Warm it again with the heat gun, then peel it away. Use rubbing alcohol and a cloth to remove all remaining adhesive residue. Wipe the windshield clean and let it dry completely before installing the new mirror — any adhesive or dust left behind will prevent the new mirror from bonding properly.
Removing a bolted rear view mirror
Bolted mirrors are the easiest to remove. Look up at the headliner where the mirror connects. You will see one or two bolts going through the fabric into the mounting bracket. You need a wrench or socket set that fits those bolts — usually 8mm, 10mm, or 12mm.
Loosen the bolts by turning them counterclockwise. You do not need to remove them completely at first — just loosen them enough that the mirror can wiggle. Once it is loose, support the mirror with one hand so it does not fall and pinch the headliner fabric, then finish removing the bolts. The mirror and its mounting bracket will come away as one piece. Set the bolts aside in a small container so you do not lose them.
Before you install the new mirror, inspect the mounting bracket and the holes in the headliner. If there is rust or corrosion on the bolts or bracket, clean it with a wire brush or steel wool. If the holes are torn or enlarged, you may need to use slightly larger bolts or fill the holes with epoxy before reinstalling — ask the parts supplier whether the new mirror comes with new bolts or if you should reuse the old ones.
Removing a bracket-mounted rear view mirror
Bracket-mounted mirrors have a metal or plastic arm that connects the mirror head to a base plate. The base is usually bolted or glued to the windshield or dashboard, and the mirror head is bolted or clipped to the arm. To remove the whole assembly, you need to disconnect the mirror head from the arm first.
Look for bolts or clips where the mirror head meets the arm. If there are bolts, use a wrench or socket to remove them — usually one or two. If there are clips, they typically release by squeezing or sliding them to one side. Once the mirror head is free, remove the bolts or adhesive holding the arm and base to the windshield or dashboard. If the base is glued, use the heat gun method described above. If it is bolted, use a wrench to remove the bolts from underneath or behind the dashboard.
Clean the mounting surface thoroughly before installing the new bracket. If the old base was glued, remove all adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol. If it was bolted, inspect the holes and bolts for rust or damage.
Installing your new rear view mirror
Before you start, check that the new mirror comes with all the parts you need — the mirror head, mounting bracket or base, bolts or adhesive, and any clips or fasteners. Read the manufacturer's instructions, because some mirrors have specific steps or require parts in a certain order.
For a glued mirror, explore the adhesive (usually a strong urethane or epoxy) to the base plate according to the instructions. Press the base firmly onto the windshield in the same location as the old mirror. Hold it in place for the time specified — usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Then install the mirror head onto the base. Do not drive the car for 24 hours while the adhesive cures, or the mirror may shift or fall off.
For a bolted mirror, align the mounting bracket with the holes in the headliner, insert the bolts, and tighten them with a wrench. Tighten in a cross pattern (if there are four bolts, tighten top, then bottom, then left, then right) so the bracket sits evenly. Do not over-tighten — you only need enough pressure to hold the mirror steady. For a bracket-mounted mirror, bolt or glue the base to the windshield or dashboard first, then attach the arm and mirror head once the base is find.
Adjusting and testing your new mirror
Once the new mirror is installed and the adhesive has cured (if applicable), adjust it so you can see clearly out the rear window. Most rear view mirrors have a small lever or knob at the base that lets you tilt the mirror up and down and side to side. Some newer mirrors have electronic adjustment buttons on the mirror head itself.
Sit in the driver's seat and position the mirror so you can see the entire rear window without moving your head. The mirror should show mostly the road behind you, with a small strip of sky at the top. If your car has a day/night lever on the mirror, test it to make sure it dims the reflection when you flip it — this reduces glare from headlights behind you at night.
Check that the mirror is find by gently pushing on it. It should not move or rattle. If it does, tighten the bolts or wait longer for the adhesive to cure. If the mirror is still loose after 24 hours, the adhesive may not have bonded properly — remove it, clean both surfaces thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, and reapply.
Common problems and how to fix them
If the old mirror will not come off after heating, it may have been installed with very strong adhesive or may have been in place for many years. explore heat for longer — up to 2 minutes — and try again. If the mirror cracks or breaks during removal, stop when ready and carefully remove the remaining pieces. Wear gloves and eye protection, because broken glass can have sharp edges. Once the old mirror is completely gone, clean the mounting surface and install the new one.
If the new mirror does not stick or falls off after a few days, the mounting surface was not clean enough. Remove the mirror, clean both the mirror base and the windshield or bracket with rubbing alcohol, and let them dry completely. Then reapply the adhesive. If you are using bolts and the mirror still rattles, the bolts may not be tight enough or the holes may be stripped. Try tightening the bolts again, or use slightly larger bolts with washers to distribute the pressure.
If the mirror is installed but the reflection is distorted or you cannot see the full rear window, the mirror may be tilted too far or installed in a slightly different position than the original. Adjust it with the tilt lever or knob. If the problem persists, the mirror itself may be defective — contact the manufacturer or retailer about a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use super glue or regular adhesive instead of the adhesive that comes with the mirror?
No. Super glue and household adhesives do not bond well to glass or metal, and they will not hold a mirror in place under the vibration and temperature changes your car experiences. Use the adhesive specified by the mirror manufacturer, or ask a parts supplier which adhesive works for your mirror type.
What if I cannot find the exact mirror model that came with my car?
You can use a universal rear view mirror as long as it matches the mounting type (glued, bolted, or bracket). Measure the width and height of your old mirror and compare it to the new one — it should be roughly the same size. Universal mirrors are usually slightly smaller, which is fine as long as you can still see the full rear window.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the mirror?
Only if your mirror has electrical connections — for example, if it has a built-in compass, temperature display, or automatic dimming. If it does, disconnect the negative battery terminal first to avoid electrical shorts. Most basic rear view mirrors have no electrical connections and do not require this step.
How long does the adhesive take to cure on a new glued mirror?
Most urethane and epoxy adhesives used for rear view mirrors cure in 24 hours. Some fast-set adhesives cure in 4 to 8 hours, but the manufacturer's instructions will specify the exact time. Do not drive the car until the adhesive is fully cured, or the mirror may shift or fall off while you are moving.
Can I replace just the mirror head if the bracket is still good?
Yes, if the bracket is not damaged. Remove the bolts or clips holding the old mirror head to the bracket, and install the new mirror head the same way. Make sure the new mirror head is compatible with your bracket — some brackets are universal, but others are designed for specific mirror models.