Feedback

Everything About Car Door Handle

What Are Auto Door Handles?

There is no debate on this but the door handles are the most battered piece of kit on any car. From letting you in, to keeping the unwanted out, the Car Door Handles face a lot throughout its life and sooner or later they are prone to yield. Plus, they face constant scratches, dust, and debris that it fights off in order to function right. The door handle may not be the first on anyone’s to-do list for maintenance but when broken it can be very annoying as you may be stuck inside or unable to get into the car. Therefore, putting some thought and work into getting your door handle function properly may be necessary before you go on that long trip.

Where Are Auto Door Handles Located?

The door handles are all across the vehicle, wherever you can find a door, a door handle must follow. In some cars’ they are flush with the body for better aerodynamics, and in some, they protrude out for easier grabbing and holding. They can be found in chrome or matched with the color of the car.

Types Of Auto Door Handles

The door handle differs based on the actuation mechanism and can be categorized as:

 

  1. Manual - This type of handle is pulled by the user and has no automated mechanism.
  2. Automatic - The latch is undone by an automated mechanism that requires no user intervention and can be done with the push of a button.
  3. Combination - This consists of both technologies: Manual and Automated, for maximum convenience.

Important Features Of Auto Door Handles

Door handles are the key to your car, literally and figuratively. Door handles are either metal or plastic and work in conjunction with toothed wheels called rotors installed in the side panels of your doors. These rotors are also responsible for keeping your vehicle safe, as they do not move when your door locks are engaged. They are also part of the overall grace of the car and a shabby and worn out door handle can put off the entire look so get the right door handle covers for your car.

Frequent Problems With Auto Door Handles

The handle is constantly pushed and pulled on a daily basis and undergoes a lot of wear and tear, plus the elements have their toll on the poor thing. These parts can get scuffed with dirt and dust and get pretty banged up over regular use and hence to get a replacement may be the right choice. Also, the latch mechanism can break with rough use.

Symptoms Of A Bad Auto Door Handles

The handle and latch mechanism are prone to failure and show these of failure:

 

  • The latch may malfunction preventing the opening of the door.
  • The handle can get stuck in one position.
  • Actuating the handle does not open the door.
  • In electronic doors, the door may not open upon pressing of the button or switch.

Tools Needed For Auto Door Handles

Here are the Tool you will require for the reinstallation of the Door Handle:

Top Brands Of Auto Door Handles

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Door handles.


All Sales Door Handles

Various Manufacturers Door Handles

Related Parts Of Auto Door Handles

To customize the look of your truck by adding a decorative yet protective layer to the body parts that are vulnerable to damage and enhance their appearance consider other such Chrome Trim parts: 

Total Cost And Repair Time For Auto Door Handles

The door is an essential part of the vehicle and it may not seem like a necessity to maintain it but failing to do so can result in you being locked out since the door handle is what allows you to enter the vehicle. Regularly greasing the mechanism is one way of ensuring its working. The trim that goes on the handles can get pretty banged up with scratches and scuff marks leaving it looking hideous, and it is a good idea to replace them as these plastic trims can not be repaired. The door handles can be availed in pairs for all the doors on the vehicle and costs around 25 to 100$.

How To Change The Auto Door Handles?

To replace the door handle it is necessary to remove the Car Door Panel. Follow these steps for proper removal and refitting of the Door Handle

 

  • Open the door and remove any plastic covers along the window near the panel.
  • In case of a manual crank window, use a clip tool to remove a spring clip situated behind the crank.
  • Remove the armrest or armrest cover and few bolts will be visible, undo the bolts using a screwdriver or ratchet according to the type of bolt.
  • There may also be a bolt near the door handle housing, undo that as well.
  • Look for other visible bolts on the panel and undo them.
  • After removing bolts and screws, use a plastic scraper to remove the panel from the door shell. It may require a wiggling to remove but will come right off after a bit of persistence.
  • Now all the internal hardware or the door is exposed and can be accessible.
  • The door handle will be attached via a rod or cable that can be undone by removing the tab on it. Also, remove any screws that hold the handle to the door panel from the inside.
  • If there is a door lock cylinder on the old handle then remove it and place it on the new handle.
  • Now situate the new door handle and insert the rod by clipping in the tab. Redo the bolt.
  • Test the working of the handle and latch mechanism. 
persona image
John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.