this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2025
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I'm going to be selling my car in the coming weeks as it's in its sunset years and will be getting a new one. One wisdom I have though is around my dashcam. Obviously I'll be taking it from my old car and putting it in my new one, but the thing is, it's stuck to the windscreen with the M3 adhesive tape that came with it. I've looked online and removing it should be as simple as heating the adhesive strip with a hairdryer, but I was wondering, can I reuse the adhesive strip, or will I need to get another one? For context, it's been stuck to my windscreen for around 6 months, so not sure what state the adhesive will be in.

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[–] psx_crab@lemmy.zip 12 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Obviously no, it will be weaker and that cam will fall off about a week after getting blasted by hot sun. Get a fresh tape, it shouldn't be that expensive.

[–] lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

This. It's maybe ~$10 for a whole-ass roll of proper 3M adhesive. There is absolutely zero reason to reuse old adhesive.

You'll need new adhesive. It's a oen way trip.

Most home improvement stores sell double sided adhesive tape that should work fine, but maybe need replacing every few years. Or specific windshield rear view mirror adhesive if you want it more permanent

[–] lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

What kind of question is this? Why on god's green earth would you reuse something as cheap as adhesive? Just remove the old stuff and apply a new strip.

[–] NutinButNet@hilariouschaos.com 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

You’ll need to get a new one. I’ve done this before and you can buy 3M adhesive pads at places like Target in the US for around $8. If they’re too big, use scissors to cut them to size and they work just as well, if not better in some cases.

Also, isopropyl alcohol works very well at removing bits of the old adhesive that get left behind. I buy the 91% which works very well.

[–] Quexotic@infosec.pub 2 points 1 week ago

Good on ya. I've been wondering what I'd have to do when I need to remove the dashcam.

[–] tonyn@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 week ago

I bought a roll of 3M VHB tape 3 years ago, and it has come in so handy for all sorts of things. I haven't even used half the roll yet. Keep it in an airtight container or zip lock bag. It's perfect for this case.