Suction cup

The suction cup has gained popularity due to the strength of the “grip” and the maximum ease of installation: it is enough to degrease the surface, press the mount and lower the lever to the bottom position.

Most models now come with 2 or 3-layer suction cups, that is, with the application of a special adhesive base, which allows you to reliably fix them not only on smooth glass, but also relief dashboard. At the same time it is a recoverable silicone layer, which only needs to be wiped or washed before re-installation.

On the one hand, a universal and reliable solution, but there is one “but”: this silicone adhesive base is extremely difficult to withstand heat. In hot sunny weather, the silicone can turn into a viscous gel, on which the suction cup will gradually slide down, leaving a hard-to-clean trail. Already after the first such case its properties will noticeably decrease, and the suction cup will slide down at less extreme temperature values.

Models without an adhesive base do not have this disadvantage, but they have reduced tenacity in cold weather. Even on a small bump there is a risk of dropping the holder together with the smartphone.

Therefore, such mounts are better to install in regions with a moderate climate, or place them on the dashboard.

3M-scotch tape

Less practical, but more reliable option. Double-sided adhesive tape feels great both in direct sunlight and in cold weather (it retains normal tenacity in the temperature range from -40°C to +140°C, and its normal tenacity is about 7 kg per 1 cm2).

In terms of versatility 3M is not inferior to a suction cup and can be attached to the glass, and on the dashboard, or on another place in the cabin. The main disadvantage here is the dismantling of such a mount, because it will be difficult to clean 3M. To avoid this, it is enough to glue the mount on top of the electrostatic film. You can buy such a film in the neighborhood of 100 – 150 rubles on any marketplace. It is easily removed and does not leave hard-to-clean stains.

Deflector

By popularity, the mount on the deflector shares the leadership with suction cups, since it also requires almost no effort to install. However, the disadvantages here are no less significant, because such a holder:

Can break the deflector, because the grille is not designed for additional loads.
Will change position. When attached to a vertical grille, it will rotate with the phone, or the holder may fall out altogether.
Blocks airflow. If you are used to using an air conditioner or stove, this solution is unlikely to be practical.
Mounting on the deflector can be in the form of an elastic “clothespin”, or with a threaded mechanism for self-adjustment – I recommend taking the second option.

CD drive

Disk drives are hardly used nowadays, but are still found in many machines. The advantages of this type of attachment are simplicity and reliability. The disadvantages are that it can only be mounted in one place. At the same time, the CD drive of the stereo can be quite low, which will create discomfort when using – to see the smartphone, you will have to take your eyes off the road.

Let’s summarize

The choice of car holder fastening should, first of all, be based on the most comfortable location. If it is glass, it is better to take models on 3M-scotch with a gyroscopic rod. If it is a dashboard, then both 3M and suction cup on an adhesive base will do. The reflector mount has some serious drawbacks, but if airflow blockage and not the best tenacity are not critical to you, it’s worth considering. Mounting to a CD drive is a great option, but only if the location is not uncomfortable.