Used Car Desposal: Your Guide

The average automobile contains thousands of individual parts. Some of these are critical to performance, but others may be less so and, quite frankly, could be just something else to go wrong. You may think that power windows and regulators fall into the latter category, and especially if they are causing a problem for you now. What could be going wrong, and what is your best course of action? It may be to visit an auto wrecker. 

Motorised for Convenience

In the old days, people would simply retract or extend a scissor-like mechanism by turning a handle. This action would push the window up or pull it down and was capable of holding the contraption in place to regulate ventilation. Car engineers considered this to be too much hard work for the consumer, however, and introduced the motorised version that is common today.

Most modern cars and import models use a regulator that is driven by a gear mechanism, connected to a small electric motor. This motor will turn the gear, and this will extend the arm holding the glass in place.

Parts to Go Wrong

Obviously, there are more parts involved with the motorised version, including wires that connect the motor to the central computer and sensors. Switches are placed within the driver's door as well to activate the motor, and they are multifaceted to allow for gradual placement or one-touch activation. Furthermore, the engineers have added certain safeguards, and the motor will reverse the direction of the guide automatically, should it encounter an obstacle.

Replacement Parts

While the functionality may be relatively standard from one manufacturer to another, the configuration is often not. Consequently, you may find that the window motor is an integral part of the regulator on your model and should you encounter a problem, you will have to replace it as one.

Sourcing Cost

Of course, you can expect to pay a premium when you source this part from the main dealer, but you can typically find a perfectly serviceable unit at a wreckers yard. Remember, many of the cars at this facility will have been written off in an insurance claim, but only due to accident damage. Often, the doors and windows will be in perfectly good condition, and so will the regulator mechanism.

Locating Your Parts

Talk with your nearest wreckers yard that specialises in import vehicles. They'll be able to tell you if they have the right part for your particular car.

For more information, reach out to a local company that offers options like Nissan wrecker services.