Best Glue for Plastic Car Parts: Don’t Replace It, Fix It

The Rhino Glue Gel is an inexpensive bottle full of heavy-duty adhesive designed to bind quickly and effectively on more than just plastic. This makes it a versatile glue as well. While plastic may be what it’s best at mending, it is also equally good on vinyl, wood, rubber, metals, glass, and more. Don’t be fooled by its size, either: Although it comes in a tiny bottle, it doesn’t take much glue to put a broken part back together. In this case, less is more. You will want to be extra careful when handling this glue as it is rather sticky and can be very difficult to get off your hands. Wearing gloves is always recommended when dealing with a strong glue like this one. It may also take quite a while to set as it isn’t an instant glue.

The J-B Weld PlasticWeld Plastic Repair Epoxy is one of the strongest and longest-lasting glues because it was created as a replacement for torch welding. One of its better features is it is entirely moldable for a short while after being applied, allowing you to shape it into the exact form you desire. It’s a two-part, hand-mixed epoxy putty that is easy to use and highly effective. It’s also designed to hold tight in hot and cold environments. The material is also developed so that it can be converted even after it has dried. You can sand, saw, and even paint it for a more precise look. Keep in mind that as soon as the glue is mixed together, you don’t have long to mold it. Another downside is the glue is not built to work on polypropylene.

This glue is another fast-acting adhesive that forms a bond of up to 3,500 PSI, which is stronger than other glues on the market. This allows it to completely set in around five minutes at room temperature. It is also functional with composites, ceramics, wood, and plastic, making it a versatile glue. It can fill gaps up to 0.125 inches thick, dries quickly, and is rock solid once set and cured. Once cured, it has a matte black look so that it blends in better with darker colored paint. However, it can be painted and sanded for convenience. That being said, the bottle may not be the most friendly to use. Many have described the glue as being too gooey or goopy as it is applied. Also, it isn’t designed to be used with fiberglass, so anyone with a boat is out of luck.

The J-B Weld Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive comes in a compact bottle but has a mighty grip. One of its more unique features is its dual part urethane adhesive and gap-filling system. Together, the two solvents are strong and long-lasting. It’s a strong glue for repairing plastic and a multipurpose glue that can be used to fill dents. It uses a syringe to move the glue for more precise control, letting you apply the right amount of adhesive to whatever you are working with. It’s also reasonably priced and is easier to handle than normal glues without a syringe system. However, before you can even use the glue, you have to mix the two materials, making for a messy project. The bottle is also relatively small, which means you may end up using it more quickly. 

The Krazy Glue All Purpose Precision Control Pen is a compact glue that you can easily store in a pocket, handbag, or glove compartment. Not to mention, it is surprisingly cheap as well. Its unique design also increases your precision: By squeezing the bottle, you can control exactly where the glue will go. Another great feature about the pen is it can be used on wood, glass, ceramic, and leather, along with plastic. It’s also fast-acting and is rated to set in around 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the size of your project. However, you may want to consider getting multiple pens for larger car parts since they may not last all that long due to their smaller size. It may also be difficult to squeeze the pen and use it at the same time.

The 3M Plastic and Emblem Adhesive is good for repairing car emblems or badges along with any plastic parts that need fixed. Such items might include tail light lenses, side railings, spoilers, or small rips in upholstery. The glue's setting time is rated to completely dry in around 15 to 30 minutes, and it can cure in approximately 24 hours. The small bottle is also great at giving you a cleaner and smoother application, too. It works well no matter if the weather is hot, cold, rainy, or snowy. It is priced relatively high for a small bottle of glue. Also, be warned that it is a strong glue, and if you need to remove something after it's cured, it can be challenging. It may also cause paint to peel as well.

The Loctite Super Glue is a highly rated adhesive built to repair plastic parts on your vehicle. Things like leather, cork, plastic, wood, cardboard, and a few other things are no problem for this Loctite glue. It’s small enough to reach tight and confined spaces, so you don’t have to fuss around with using toothpicks to apply the glue. This also makes it easier to apply in general, as there isn’t a large hole for the glue to escape. It’s easy to use and is designed in a way that it shouldn’t make a large mess. That being said, the cap gets stuck a lot, which is one of the glue’s worst drawbacks. It could also lead to the bottle drying out more quickly than it usually would.

The GOOP Automotive Adhesive is designed to function with car seats, floor mats, the dashboard, and even convertible tops. It comes in a small bottle that's easy to control by simply squeezing your hand around it. The glue performs best when used on badges or car decals. It can even be used to repair wire housing that has ripped or torn. It may even be as strong as industrial or professional glue used by car mechanics. It's a quick-drying glue that sets in around 30 minutes to an hour. The glue goes on smoothly and lasts a while. Since it comes in a bottle, the cap can be difficult to get off if any leftover glue sticks to it. The opening is large and reduces the amount of precision and control you have when applying the adhesive. It also seems a little pricey for such a compact bottle.