How much does it cost to fix a power window?

The average time to replace a power window motor is 2.1 hours. That averages out to roughly $120 to $150 in labor time plus the cost of the motor itself. This can usually bring the entire job to a total of anywhere from $200 to $300, depending on make and model.

What causes the power window not to work?

One of the components has gone bad. We must consider the age of the system first. How long have these components been doing their job and at what frequency have they been used? If its your driver power window, it’s probably because this is the one that gets the most use. Is the vehicle five or more years old? Chances are that the components are worn out. If the power window is not the driver window and is newer, the chances are that there is a product defect or something happened to damage the mechanism.

Could the power window mechanism have been damaged somehow?

Was the vehicle ever in an accident? Was the door subjected to some type of unusual force such as a windstorm that may have caught the door in an open position and slammed it shut excessively hard? Has anyone exposed the window to any downward force (think: getting a favorite stuffed animal stuck between the glass and upper door frame when rolling the window up or trying to operate the window with an ice or snow build-up on the exterior)?

What component has failed?

Whatever the cause or what component has failed, you still need to repair the power window right? Here are the BASIC troubleshooting steps to help determine what component is bad.

• Do you hear a noise when trying to roll the window up for down? If so, what type of noise is it?
• No noise – Motor has failed, switch, wiring or control module has failed.
• Makes a “ticking” sound – Window Regulator has failed. Window Motor may still be ok.
• Makes a “electric motor running sound” – Window Regulator has failed. Window Motor may still be ok.
• Window moves up or down some but stops – Window track system or weather-stripping could be damaged, dry or misaligned. Motor or regulator may also be weak.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

I’m sure that from time to time, people have told you that you need to rotate your tires. Do you know why you should rotate your tires? For vehicle owners, regular tire rotation is an essential part of regular maintenance. It will extend tire lifespan and improve the safety of your vehicle overall. The following are benefits associated with including tire rotation in your ongoing maintenance routine.

INCREASED LONGEVITY
Tires at the front axle of your car wear differently than those at the rear axle. Proper rotation will extend the life of your tires by ensuring that they are all bearing an even amount of wear and tread over time. Distributing the amount of wear on all four tires evenly will prevent two of them from wearing down more quickly than they should. Balding  tires also do not grip the road as well as those with appropriate tread. They can also waste energy by spinning excessively and failing to transfer proper rotation into propulsion. Tire rotation improves grip bringing the less-worn tires to the front and improving contact with the road. Additionally, the faster tires wear, the thinner they become, which makes them more susceptible to a blowout. This can cause serious damage or even an accident, so it is important to schedule regular tire rotations with your local mechanic.

IMPROVED GAS MILEAGE
Since tire rotation contributes to reducing uneven wear and tear on tires, it works to improve gas mileage. Uneven wear can increase tires’ rolling resistance, which is the force needed to get the tire rolling from a stopped position. The more resistance the car experiences, the more fuel it will burn. Low rolling resistance means less force is needed to move the tire, which then means less fuel consumption. If you are looking for a way to improve your car’s gas mileage, scheduling regular tire rotations is a great way to both keep your tires in good shape and spend less at the pump.

LONG-TERM SAVINGS
Car owners know that tires can be expensive. That is why having your tires rotated regularly is a critical part of cost-efficient vehicle maintenance. If some of your tires wear down faster than they are supposed to, you may have to replace them much sooner than you would have needed to otherwise. A tire rotation does not usually cost much, and it certainly costs less than replacing one or more of your tires. Tires that are never rotated at all may last for about 50% of their potential lifetime, meaning you will most definitely have to pay to replace them more often than you would have had they been properly rotated. Since uneven tread wear can lead to damage to other parts of the car or even an accident, which can be extremely costly, it is better to err on the side of caution.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.