A side mirror is a crucial safety feature on any vehicle, providing essential visibility of your surroundings. If the glass on your Nissan Frontier’s side mirror is cracked, broken, or missing, it’s important to replace it promptly. Luckily, this is often a repair you can tackle yourself with a little patience and the right tools. This article will guide you through the process of replacing the side mirror glass on your Nissan Frontier.
Side mirrors play a vital role in safe driving by:
- Eliminating Blind Spots: They help you see areas beside and behind your vehicle that aren’t visible in the rearview mirror.
- Changing Lanes Safely: They allow you to check for traffic before changing lanes or making turns.
- Parking and Maneuvering: They assist with parking, reversing, and navigating tight spaces.
Driving with a damaged or missing side mirror is not only inconvenient but also dangerous and, in many places, illegal.
Identifying the Correct Replacement Mirror Glass for Nissan Frontier
Before you begin, you’ll need the correct replacement mirror glass for your Nissan Frontier. There are a few ways to find this:
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual might list the specific part number for the mirror glass.
- Check Online Parts Retailers: Many online auto parts retailers allow you to search for parts by your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Be sure to specify whether you need the driver’s side or passenger-side mirror.
- Visit a Local Auto Parts Store: A local auto parts store can also help you find the correct replacement glass. They might even have it in stock.
It’s important to ensure you get the correct type of glass:
- Flat vs. Convex: Most side mirrors are convex, meaning they curve outward to provide a wider field of view. Make sure your replacement glass is the same type as the original.
- Heated vs. Non-Heated: Some Frontiers have heated side mirrors, which help to melt ice and frost. If your truck has this feature, ensure your replacement glass is also heated.
You’ll need a few basic tools for this repair:
- Replacement Mirror Glass: As discussed above, make sure you have the correct one.
- Flat-Head Screwdriver or Plastic Pry Tool: This will be used to carefully remove the old mirror glass. A plastic pry tool is recommended to minimize the risk of scratching the mirror housing.
- Gloves (Optional but Recommended): Wearing gloves can protect your hands from sharp edges and keep the new mirror glass clean.
- Safety Glasses (Recommended): Although the risk is low, wearing safety glasses can protect your eyes from any small shards of glass.
The Side Mirror Glass Replacement Process (General Steps)
The exact procedure can vary slightly depending on the year and trim level of your Frontier, but here are the general steps:
- Prepare the Mirror: Position the mirror so you have good access to the edge of the glass.
- Remove the Old Glass: This is the most delicate part of the process. Carefully insert the flat-head screwdriver or plastic pry tool between the old mirror glass and the mirror housing. Gently pry the glass away from the housing. Start at one edge and work your way around. Be patient and apply even pressure to avoid breaking the housing. Be very careful, as broken glass can be sharp.
- Disconnect Heating Wires (If Applicable): If your mirror is heated, you’ll need to disconnect the heating wires from the back of the old glass. These are usually small push-on connectors.
- Connect Heating Wires to New Glass (If Applicable): Connect the heating wires to the back of the new mirror glass. Ensure they are securely attached.
- Install the New Glass: Align the new mirror glass with the housing and press it firmly into place. You should hear it snap into the retaining clips.
- Test the Mirror (If Applicable): If your mirror is heated, turn on the rear defroster to ensure the heating element is working.
Important Tips and Considerations
- Work in a Well-Lit Area: Good lighting will make it easier to see what you’re doing and avoid mistakes.
- Be Patient: Removing the old glass can be tricky. Take your time and be careful not to damage the mirror housing.
- Use a Heat Gun (Optional): If the old glass is particularly difficult to remove, you can use a heat gun (on a low setting) to gently warm the adhesive holding it in place. This can make it easier to remove. Be careful not to overheat the housing.
- Clean the Area: Before installing the new glass, clean the mirror housing to remove any dirt or debris.
By following these steps and tips, you can often replace your Nissan Frontier’s side mirror glass yourself, saving time and money. If you’re not comfortable performing this task, you can always have it done by a professional auto glass shop or mechanic.