List of Car Door Parts and Their Functions
Car doors may serve the same purpose, but they come in some exciting shapes, sizes and styles. Their purpose is simple: allow easy access for the passengers while keeping the car safe and secure through locks. It’s fascinating how these seemingly simple parts are meticulously designed with different components.
Several parts of a car door frame come with different functions. For example, a window can be opened manually with the help of a crank, or you can press a button and the window will operate itself. For safety reasons, every owner should be familiar with the parts of their car door.
What are the basic parts of door in a car?
Parts of a car door frame are divided into interior and exterior. Let’s discuss each category one by one.
Interior parts of a car door frame
Internal door parts include:
- Door panel
- Handle
- Door switch
- Window regulator
- Door locks
Door Panel
The car door panel hides internal door parts such as wiring, power window motor and regulator. It can be made of plastic and upholstered with the matching cabin’s upholstery. Door panel
Door Handles
Vehicle door handles are found on the exterior and interior and can be metal or plastic. These are used to allow entry and exit of the car. They also prevent authorised access in your car.
The handle has a long metal bar, extended to the door latch. The latch locks or unlocks the door when pulled. Some car door handles require an electric key, passcode or fingerprint, whereas some can be operated via traditional keys. Read this guide to know about the evolution of car keys.
Door Switch
The door switch activates the dome light when you open the door. The electrical contact device is attached to the door frame and operates when you open or close the car door. Depending on the type of vehicle, the door switch is attached to the car’s computer and performs additional functions. The micro switch indicates when to open or close the door. Hence, this function will be affected if the switch is damaged.
Window Regulator
The window regulator is a mechanism that is located on the inside of the car. The regulator allows the window to move up and down with the help of an electric motor or crank. A manual regulator is usually made up of spur gears, and a metal plate that supports the glass. Manual cranks are used for the activation of these gears that are inside.
It is mounted inside the door panel. Your car window will get stuck and may be unable to roll up and down if the regulator wears out.
Door Lock (and Child Lock)
Car doors not only prevent unauthorised entry but also keep the door in place. Also, both the latch and electric motor control the central locking with the help of the latching mechanism. Car door locks can be manual or automatic, depending on your vehicle type. Ensuring driver’s and passenger’s safety, the power-door locks reactivate when a car reaches a certain speed or is put into gear.
Exterior Parts of a Car Door Frame
The exterior car door parts are:
- Wing mirror
- Door hinge
- Moulding
- Car door seals
- Door lock cylinder
Wing Mirror
The doors also accommodate the external rear view which is essential for taking the right information such as blind spots while driving. The side view mirror is also significant when changing lanes while driving.
Door Hinge
The hinge is located on the car’s frame. These allow the opening and closing of the door, as well as hold the vehicle securely. Hinges are small components made of strong metal, often steel. Door hinges are welded to the car’s door body with the help of nut bolts.
Moulding
The moulding is a plastic or rubber strip that protects the car door, preventing it from receiving minor bumps or dents. The dents may occur when the door is opened since some cars have moulding on the outside of their doors. Car window moulding is mounted between the car window’s bottom and the door’s top edge.
Car Door Seals
The car door seals make soundproof your car, and prevent leaks, moisture and air from entering the passenger’s cabin. Besides, the door seals also remove the gap and create a tight fit between the car’s body and the door. The seals are made of rubber and can be used as a sealant and protect the door from opening and closing unnecessarily. Car door seals are prone to damage quickly, here is how you can replace car door seals.
Door Lock Cylinder
A car door lock cylinder is located outside. It is a mechanical part where the ignition key is inserted to start a vehicle. This small machine is inserted into the door and is usually covered with a round metal alloy, which guarantees greater protection.
Some cars have a numeric keypad as a lock, making it necessary to enter a specific numerical sequence to unlock the car. Typically, most cars have a lock cylinder. However, if your door cylinder is fine, there are other reasons why your car door isn’t locking properly.
This is all about parts of a car door frame. You can browse the list of used cars for sale in the UAE and find cars with unique door designs. Some of them are:
- Used Aston Martin for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand McLaren 720S for sale
- Used Rolls Royce Cullinan for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Toyota FJ Cruiser for sale in the UAE
To know more about car safety features, stay in touch with the UAE’s top auto blog.