One of the most inconvenient things you may experience with your car or vehicle is a faulty window regulator. In actuality, aside from the annoying fact that you can’t lower or raise your window during your trips and travels, the window regulator replacement cost in totality is quite of a headache especially if you are on a tight budget. Although you may opt to just leave your window regulator at its faulty state, it may be quite an inconvenient and displeasing option especially if you are very much of a road traveler and if the window is left stuck on an open state.
Now, a window regulator is considered to be an essential mechanism in the interiors of your car or vehicle. It can be either operated manually or by electrical motor – which apparently is the main factor you have to consider in having your faulty window regulator repaired and replaced. Knowing the mechanism that works for your window regulator will enable you to explicitly know your needed budget for the repairs and replacement.
Another thing you have to very well regard in this case is the type of your window regulator since there are generally two types. Old and traditional models of cars have a scissor type of window regulator. This kind is usually heavy since all parts are made from metals. On the other hand, lighter cable types, as the name states – is a much lighter type due to the materials being used to manufacture the product. Also, cable types are much more seen on newer and later models of vehicles.
The two types of window regulators given are both can be manually operated or powered by electric motors. Same applies in this case as for the mechanisms, learning the type of window regulator you actually have enables you to know the window regulator repair cost and replacement expenses since this will allow you to know the exact parts to purchase and to work on.
The Average Cost of Repairing and Replacing a Window Regulator
Generally, the process of repairing and replacing a window regulator is pretty much similar for both types and mechanisms. Primarily, the window panel is being taken off to inspect further the complications in the interiors and consequently removing the window. Once the window is safely and carefully removed, the faulty regulator will be the next part to be removed which enables the replacing and repairing tasks to start or simply the installation of the new parts. After being installed, all of the other parts being removed initially will be reassembled to finish the overall job.
In the recent times, the average range of price of repairing and replacing a window regulator starts from $125 and may reach up to $600 in totality depending on the type of vehicle, type and mechanism of the window regulator, and the chosen service center you opt to do the job. These prices already include the parts needed and the labor costs.
Note that there are cases wherein the total expenses may reach even up to $1,000 or more especially if your car has a window regulator that is being operated by an electric motor. Accordingly, the expected expenses for repair and replacement apparently vary depending on the exact mechanism since an electrical motor-powered window regulator cost much more than manually operated.
Purchasing Parts: Vehicle Manufacturer vs Aftermarket
If you are opting to purchase the parts on your own considering this option may help you save costs and expenses in totality then you must know where to specifically purchase the necessary parts for the repairs and replacements. By and large, the amounts you need to pay in purchasing the needed parts are very much dependent on the style and mechanism of your regulator, the type of your vehicle, and certainly the place or location of purchase. Accordingly, the latter factor is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing the parts on your own.
Today, a simple and manually operated window regulator cost cheaper than the other type. Aftermarkets would sell this kind at a price that may actually start from $40 in general. However, if you are to purchase this kind of window regulator on a specific vehicle manufacturer wherein all materials are OEM certified, then expect for much higher costs. Although it is much safer and recommendable to purchase OEM certified materials and parts for a vehicle component, it doesn’t always mean that the quality and safety of the parts being acquired on Aftermarkets are compromised.
In addition, note that the price of the parts varies depending on the factors given above and may actually reach up to $300 nowadays on an average note in both vehicle manufacturers and Aftermarkets.
Hiring Mechanics
If you were the one who purchased the parts needed for the repair and replacement works then you are the one to look for the laborer who will work for the job. Usually, mechanics and automotive experts or specialists are on call for this kind of repairing and replacement works and are rated on an hourly basis. It is very much important to note that choosing this kind of option may either decrease or increase your total window regulator repair cost – so it is very crucial for you to choose the proper and right mechanic in this case.
Know that a window regulator repair and replacement work normally takes one and a half up to three hours to finish the entirety of the job. Moreover, a mechanic’s rate normally ranges from $50 up to $120 per hour depending on the location, credentials, and experience of the hired mechanic.
The Cost of Do-It-Yourself Replacements
Another option you could choose after you purchase the needed parts is to actually do the replacement works on your own. Certainly, choosing this way will lessen your overall expenses of having your faulty window regulator replaced since you only need to spend money for the parts alone.
However, keep in mind that doing an automotive related work entails knowledge and skills about the specific task at hand since doing the said job on your own without knowing the details and proper ways to do it will endanger not only your vehicle but also your bank accounts. It may actually require you to pay double amounts in purchasing again the parts and having all the complications fixed by a mechanic or an automotive service. So if you are not actually familiar with the task at hand then it is much recommendable to have it all fixed by a more skillful and knowledgeable person.
Service Centers and Car Repair Shops
Apparently, choosing a renowned service center or automotive shop is the most convenient and efficient option of all since they will not only cover for the labor works but also the acquiring of the necessary parts. More often than not, these automotive centers have already in stock the parts needed to do the repair and replacement. Furthermore, it will save you much more time and effort if you intend to choose this as your way of repairing your window regulators and other relating problems in your vehicle. Today in these centers and shops, the window regulator replacement cost ranges from $125 up to $600 including already the needed parts and labor to finish the job entirely.