what glue can you use on cars

[AshleyFitz]

For most automotive applications, you should use a high-strength, automotive-grade adhesive specifically designed for the materials you're bonding. Using the wrong glue can damage your car's paint, trim, or underlying materials. The best choice depends entirely on the specific task, such as reattaching a side mirror, securing interior trim, or applying emblems.

For permanent, high-strength bonds on various materials (plastic, metal, glass), two-part epoxy is a top contender. It cures into a rigid, durable bond that can withstand engine heat and vibration. For flexible parts like weatherstripping or loose interior fabrics, a urethane-based adhesive or a strong cyanoacrylate (super glue) designed for plastics is better. Critically, for attaching exterior emblems or trim, you must use automotive body tape (3M VHB tape is the industry standard); this is a pressure-sensitive, double-sided tape that provides a clean, durable hold without damaging paint.

Always test any adhesive on a small, inconspicuous area first. Proper surface preparation—cleaning with isopropyl alcohol to remove all wax, grease, and dirt—is non-negotiable for a successful bond.

Adhesive Type	Best For	Key Properties	Example Brands
Two-Part Epoxy	Mirror housings, broken plastic brackets, metal parts	Rigid, high-temperature resistance, very strong	J-B Weld, Loctite Epoxy
Urethane Adhesive	Weatherstripping, flexible trim, headliners	Remains flexible, weather-resistant	3M Windo-Weld, Gorilla Glue
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)	Small interior plastic clips, precise cracks	Fast-setting, strong on plastics	Gorilla Super Glue, Loctite Ultra Gel
Automotive Body Tape	Emblems, moldings, side skirts	No-mess, paint-safe, strong hold	3M VHB Tape
Silicone Adhesive	Sealing gaps, lighting housings (non-structural)	Waterproof, flexible, good sealant	Permatex Clear RTV Silicone

[DelMaggie]

Honestly, for most quick fixes inside the car, a good gel-based super glue works wonders. I've used it on everything from a loose clip on the sun visor to a crack in a plastic vent. The gel doesn't run everywhere, which is key. For anything on the outside, like a badge, don't use glue—get the right double-sided tape from an auto parts store. It’s made for it and won't ruin your paint. Just make sure the surface is super clean before you stick anything on.

[VanJaxon]

The most critical factor is surface preparation. No adhesive will hold properly on a dirty or oily surface. Before applying any glue, thoroughly clean the area with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely. For a lasting bond on exterior parts, you must also consider temperature flexibility and UV resistance. A two-part epoxy or a specialized automotive urethane is often necessary to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by sun and temperature swings that would cause a standard household adhesive to fail.

[AnthonyRose]

I learned this the hard way: regular super glue can fog and crack the plastic on your dashboard or gauge cluster. If you're fixing something with clear plastic, like a lens cover, you need an adhesive specifically formulated to be non-fogging. Look for labels that say "plastic bonder" or "clear plastic safe." For a temporary hold on something like a trim piece while you order a replacement, a low-tack adhesive like a glue dot or poster putty can be a safe, non-damaging solution.