Nissan Windshield and Auto Glass Replacement

Here is a line from the Nissan Altima owner's manual that most people never read: a cracked windshield should be replaced immediately by a qualified repair facility, because a cracked windshield could affect the function of the supplemental air bag system. That is Nissan's own wording. So a cracked pane is a safety issue and not only an annoyance.

The second thing in the manual is the camera. On Nissans with Intelligent Cruise Control and ProPILOT Assist, the manual says the system uses a multi-sensing front camera. It lists conditions where the camera may not detect a vehicle ahead, including when the camera area of the windshield is fogged up or covered with dirt, water drops, ice or snow. The manual also says the traffic sign system uses that same multi-sensing front camera unit. In other words, one camera behind the glass does several jobs.

When we replace a Nissan windshield, we match it to the vehicle. Nissan builds the same model with different equipment, and one vehicle can have up to about 15 windshield versions depending on its package. That is why a free estimate begins with your VIN. The VIN tells us which windshield your Nissan left the factory with. From there we can quote OEM, OEE (original equipment equivalent) or aftermarket glass, and if your first pick is not available we have a fallback.

After the new glass is in, a Nissan with a front camera may need that camera calibrated. We do not calibrate. We refer it to the Nissan dealer. The makers recommend dealer calibration. The outside tools shops use get to the vehicle's computer through a back door that has caused system problems, and dealers keep their equipment and access to themselves. The work also calls for a controlled indoor space, which a mobile job at your house cannot provide.

A cracked windshield on a Nissan is not something to drive on for weeks. If yours is a chip, a flat $85 repair covers up to 3 chips on the same windshield. If there is a crack running across the glass, we will say so and quote the replacement. We also replace Nissan door, quarter and back glass.