Headlight glasses on Nissan Note is not just a protective element of optics, but a key component that affects the quality of lighting, safety and appearance of the car. Over time, they fade, become covered with microcracks, or even break due to stones. But how to choose the right replacement without overpaying for unnecessary parts? And is it possible to restore old glass without completely replacing it?

In this article we will look at all the nuances: from articles of original and analog glasses to step-by-step instructions for replacement and polishing. You will learn which materials are best to use to restore transparency, how to avoid mistakes during dismantling, and why cheap Chinese glass can result in additional costs. And also - unique data on the compatibility of glasses from different generations of Note (E11, E12), which you will not find in standard catalogs.

Which headlight glasses are installed on Nissan Note: original vs analogues

On Nissan Note first (E11, 2004–2013) and second (E12, 2013–2020) generations, headlight glasses of different types were installed. Original parts are made from tempered glass with UV protection, but their price is often high - from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles apiece. An alternative is analogues from trusted brands, which can cost 2-3 times less.

Main manufacturers of authentic glass:

  • 🔹 Nissan (original, articles: 26010-4M000 for the right headlight, 26010-4M001 for the left - E11; 26010-JM00A — E12)
  • 🔹 Stanley (Japan, high quality, article numbers match the original)
  • 🔹 TYC (Taiwan, budget segment, but with good reviews)
  • 🔹 Depo (China, cheap, but often with seal defects)

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to glass thickness (original - 3 mm) and availability UV coatings. Cheap glass without protection quickly turns yellow and cracks. Also check the package contents: the box should contain rubber seals and fastening clips.

📊 Which headlight lenses do you prefer?
  • Original (Nissan)
  • Premium analogues (Stanley, TYC)
  • Budget analogues (Depo, Chinese)
  • I buy a used original

Signs of headlight glass wear: when to replace or polish

How to tell if your headlight lenses are on Nissan Note require intervention? Here are the key symptoms:

Sign Reason Solution
Cloudy or yellowish glass Oxidation from UV rays, microcracks Polishing or replacement
Cracks, chips Mechanical damage (stones, accidents) Replacement only
Condensation inside the headlight Seal leakage Glass replacement + sealant
Dimming the light Ray scattering due to turbidity Polishing or replacement

If the glass is simply cloudy, it can be polished. But for cracks or chips complete replacement is inevitable - polishing won't help here. It is especially dangerous to ignore cracks: through them moisture gets inside the headlight, which leads to corrosion of the reflector and failure of the lamps.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse clouding of glass with oxidation of the reflector! If the light becomes dim, but the glass is clear, the problem is in the lamp or reflector, not in the glass.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove and replace headlight glass on a Nissan Note

Replacing headlight glass with Nissan Note - a task of medium complexity. The main thing is to take your time and follow the algorithm. You will need:

  • 🔧 Screwdriver set (phillips, flat)
  • 🔧 Construction hair dryer (to soften the sealant)
  • 🔧 New sealant for headlights (for example, ABRO WS-904)
  • 🔧 Gloves and masking tape

Replacement process:

  1. Removing the headlight. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, then unscrew the headlight mounts (2 bolts on top and 1 on bottom). Disconnect the power connector.
  2. Removing old glass. Warm up the edges of the glass with a hairdryer (temperature ~60°C), then carefully pry it off with a flat screwdriver. The sealant should become soft.
  3. Cleaning the housing. Remove any remaining sealant from the headlight housing using solvent (e.g. White spirit).
  4. Installation of new glass. Apply sealant to the housing groove, install the glass and press it. Secure with masking tape for 2-3 hours to set.

Disconnect battery|

Remove the headlight from the car|

Check the contents of the new glass (seal, clips)|

Prepare a hairdryer and sealant -->

⚠️ Attention: Do not use superglue or silicone sealant instead of a specialized one! They cannot withstand temperature changes and will cause moisture to re-enter.

Polishing Nissan Note headlight glasses: materials and techniques

If the glass is simply cloudy, it can be polished without replacement. Suitable for this:

  • 🧴 Abrasive pastes (For example, 3M 39008 or Meguiar’s PlastX)
  • 🧴 Sandpaper (grit from P800 to P2000)
  • 🧴 Polishing machine (or drill with attachment)
  • 🧴 Protective coating (lamination film or UV sealant)

Polishing technology:

  1. Cover the edges of the headlight with masking tape to avoid damaging the body.
  2. Sand the glass with sandpaper (from P800 to P2000), constantly wetting with water.
  3. Apply abrasive paste and polish with a machine at low speed (1000–1500 rpm).
  4. Coat the glass with a protective compound (for example, Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat).

The polishing effect lasts 1–2 years, after which the procedure must be repeated. To prolong the results, wash your headlights only with mild detergents (no alkalis) and avoid parking in direct sunlight.

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After polishing, apply clear nail polish to the headlight glass - this will temporarily protect the surface from clouding (lasts 2-3 months).

Compatibility of headlight lenses between generations of Nissan Note

Owners Nissan Note E11 (2004–2013) and E12 (2013–2020) are often asked: is it possible to install glass from one generation to another? Answer - partly yes, but with nuances:

  • 🔄 Glass from E11 (article 26010-4M000/1) don't fit on E12 due to different body shapes.
  • 🔄 Glass from E12 (article 26010-JM00A/B) can be installed on E11, but the fastenings will require modification.
  • 🔄 Glass from Nissan Micra K13 (2010–2017) compatible with Note E11 in size, but differ in the shape of the clips.

If you decide to experiment with non-original glass, be sure to check:

  1. Coincidence sizes (measure the old glass with a caliper).
  2. Type fastenings (clips or screws).
  3. Availability holes for corrector (on some models they are located differently).
How to check glass compatibility without purchasing?

Take a photo of your glass and compare it with a photo of an analogue in the catalog (for example, on Exist.ru or Autodoc). Please note:

- the shape of the lower edge (at E12 it is more rounded);

- location of grooves for the seal;

- presence of a recess for the turn signal (on some versions E11 it doesn't exist).

Top 5 mistakes when replacing headlight glasses and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with headlight lenses. Here are the most common:

  1. Using the wrong sealant.

    Silicone caulk or superglue will not provide a seal. Use only specialized compounds for headlights (for example, Permatex 81730).

  2. Overheating the glass with a hairdryer.

    If the glass is overheated (above 80°C), it may burst. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 10-15 cm and constantly move it.

  3. Incorrect installation of seal.

    The rubber seal should lie flat, without distortion. Otherwise, moisture will penetrate inside the headlight.

  4. Ignoring light adjustment after replacement.

    New glass can change the angle of refraction of rays. After replacement, be sure to adjust the headlights on the stand.

  5. Buying glass without checking the article number.

    Even in one generation Note There may be different versions of headlights (for example, with halogen or xenon). Always check the VIN or part number.

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The most dangerous mistake is skimping on sealant. Poor sealing leads to fogging of the headlight and corrosion of the reflector, which costs several times more than replacing the glass.

Where to buy headlight lenses for Nissan Note: prices and trusted sellers

Prices for headlight glasses for Nissan Note vary depending on type and seller:

Glass type Price (per piece), ₽ Where to buy
Original (Nissan) 8 000 – 15 000 Official dealers, Exist.ru, Rolf
Premium analogue (Stanley, TYC) 3 500 – 6 000 Autodoc, Emex, Kia-Motors
Budget analogue (Depo, China) 1 500 – 3 000 AliExpress, Avito, local showdowns
Used original 2 000 – 5 000 Drom.ru, groups on VK/FB

When purchasing used glass, be sure to check:

  • 🔍 No cracks (even microscopic).
  • 🔍 Condition of the seal (should not be oak or torn).
  • 🔍 Transparency (without yellowness or turbidity).

The best deals on original glass are often found at Exist.ru (there are discounts when ordering through the website) or from official dealers Nissan during promotions. For analogues we recommend Autodoc — there are reviews and photos of real buyers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note headlight lenses

Is it possible to drive with a cracked headlight glass?

Technically yes, but this dangerous And illegal. The crack scatters light, blinding oncoming drivers (the fine under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses is 500 rubles). In addition, moisture gets inside the headlight through the crack, which leads to corrosion of the reflector and failure of the lamps.

What sealant is best for installing headlight glass?

Optimal options:

  • ABRO WS-904 — budget but reliable;
  • Permatex 81730 - professional, withstands extreme temperatures;
  • Dow Corning 7091 — for difficult cases (for example, if the glass is of a non-standard shape).

Do not use silicone sealants for plumbing fixtures - they are not intended for auto optics!

How much does it cost to replace a headlight glass at a service center?

Cost of work in car services:

  • Moscow/St. Petersburg: 2,500 – 4,000 ₽ for one headlight;
  • Regions: 1,500 – 2,500 ₽;
  • Official dealer: 5,000 – 7,000 ₽ (but they provide a guarantee of tightness).

Self-replacement costs only the cost of materials (sealant, glass).

What is the difference between glass for halogen and xenon headlights?

Main differences:

  • Thickness: glass for xenon is thicker (3.5 mm versus 3 mm for halogen) due to the higher temperature;
  • Coverage: xenon glasses have enhanced UV coating;
  • Shape: The cutouts for the corrector and lens may differ.

It is possible to install the glass from a xenon headlight onto a halogen one, but the light will not be diffused correctly.

How to protect headlight lenses from clouding?

Preventive measures:

  • Apply protective film (For example, 3M Scotchgard);
  • Wash your headlights only by special means (no abrasives);
  • Park in the shade or use headlight cover;
  • Treat glass once a year wax (For example, Turtle Wax).