Repair 7

Car Door Components

Car door components largely remain the same for any vehicle despite the fact that newer cars include mechanical devices. Each car door part serves the overall purpose of providing passengers with an extra safety layer against accidents. These parts require routine checks for maintenance, as they wear out over time, making it important for drivers to know how each component functions.

Shell

The shell, the most visible component of a car door, holds all other door parts together. Its surface size depends on the cars style. Shells typically incorporate aluminum or steel, although with the advent of environment-saving strategies, the door can also comprise recycled material.

Hinges

Hinges connect a car door to the rest of the car. They allow you to open and close the door without causing it to fall off, and they keep the door at the necessary elevation to close properly. Door hinges periodically require replacement due to wear. Constantly slamming the door will wear out the hinges more quickly.

Adhesive Strips

Adhesive strips help absorb minor impacts to a car door. Usually placed on the outside of the shell, along its rim, strips help prevent scratching due to impact from shopping carts or other car doors. Though you can find a variety of styles and colors, rubber magnet strips are most common.

Latch and Lock

The most vital parts of a car door (and, unfortunately, a favorite target for car thieves) the latch and lock allow the door to close securely and prevent it from opening while you drive. Schedule maintenance checks for your car doors latches and locks regularly, as faulty mechanisms cause thousands of car accidents each year. Newer cars contain a power lock feature that allows drivers to lock all doors from a drivers seat or key-chain remote. Power locking doors securely helps prevent the door from opening mid-travel.

Door Lock Actuator

The door lock actuator allows car doors to hook onto the latch-and-lock component. The actuator features an electric motor that uses gears to turn an actuator rod. When you unlock the door, the gears turn the rod away from the latch; when you lock the door securely, the rod will hook to the latch, preventing the door to from opening.

Window

A car door window displays a view of objects outside of the car. The most versatile car door component, the window also allows for glare-reduction tinting or styling. Newer cars have windows that open electronically.