Front and rear window regulator suitable for your car

Window mechanism for cars: find out more! How to choose, when to change , and how much they cost

Window regulators are mechanisms designed for raising and lowering the side windows of a car. They are used when you need to open a window without opening the door or leaving the car. For example, for ventilating the cabin, if the car is not equipped with air-conditioning, to pass documents to a police officer, or take or insert a ticket at a car park barrier.

Types

By drive type, window regulators are divided into:

• Manual: these are operated by rotating a handle mounted on the corresponding door. They are rarely seen nowadays, and when they are used, it is usually for rear windows. They are reliable and do not require any power source.
• Electric: these are activated by pressing a button mounted on an armrest or the dashboard. They require the use of an electric motor. Such regulators are the most convenient to use, as they provide additional functionality. For instance, they allow automatic window closing engaged by a rain sensor or an anti-theft alarm.

By the type of the window raising mechanism:

• Cable type: these are the most common. They work silently. From time to time they require adjustment of the cable. They also have good repairability.
• Scissor type: these regulators are durable and easy to install, but the speed of window raising can be uneven.
• Rack and pinion: these are characterised by simplicity of design and reliability. They ensure constant speed of window movement.

Operating tips

Follow simple rules in order to make window regulators last longer. Do not apply extra force onto the mechanism button or handle. Check that there are no foreign objects in the way when closing windows: this will help to avoid injuries and breakdown of the unit. In order to assure correct operation of a cable mechanism, you need to adjust the cable from time to time. Moreover, it is advisable to clean and lubricate contacting elements of the unit with a special product. You shouldn’t press the buttons of electric window regulators responsible for window raising and lowering at the same time. If you notice that the unit activation button is heating up, perform troubleshooting and find out the cause of the problem. Monitor the condition of the door seals.

Signs of malfunction

In the mechanisms equipped with an electric drive, many defects are related to malfunctions of wiring or electronic devices. If none of the windows are working, check the fuse – it’s possible that a relay is defective. If window regulators don’t activate with the buttons on the door, but can be activated from the main unit located on the driver’s door, you need to inspect the buttons and the wires supplying them. Otherwise, if the mechanisms cannot be activated from the main unit, the unit may be faulty. If you hear a click on activation, but don’t hear the sound of the motor, this usually indicates it has broken down. If the motor works but the window raises jerkily or doesn’t raise at all, its gears may be worn out, the cable torn, or the guides soiled. If the window doesn’t stop in a certain position it is possible that a brake spring is broken.

The cable can tear in manual window regulators, and if this happens, the window won’t raise. If the guides are soiled or deformed, the handle will be difficult to rotate.

Causes of malfunction

Over time, plastic gears wear out and need to be replaced. Metal parts corrode under the influence of moisture and dirt. The guides jam if dirt builds up. The window gets displaced and the whole system runs under increased loads due to the displacement of the guides, which can cause tearing or stretching of the cable, premature wear-out of the gears, or burn-out of the electric motor. Poor contacts can lead to wires melting. The habit of pushing the button for too long can damage it.

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In our online shop you can buy high-quality window regulators for your car at a low price. Browse our catalogue and choose the most suitable products for your vehicle.