By pressing a button

Only the cheapest cars don't have factory-installed electric side windows. Should I wear them myself?

Most new cars offered in showrooms are equipped with power windows, and for cheaper cars, they can be ordered as an option at purchase. Owners of older cars are in the worst position, for which the appropriate equipment must be purchased separately and installed independently or at a service station. If anyone has enough At the push of a button A "knack" in mechanical and electrical work, you may be tempted to install a power window yourself, but this is not an easy task.

For self-assembly

Universal power windows can be purchased from auto parts stores and theoretically fit most cars, but that's just a theory. The problem is to find a kit that will fit in the door under the upholstery. In some cars, there is not much space and you need to additionally buy the appropriate door “sidewalls”.

Dealer

A much better solution would be to buy a set of devices that is designed for a specific car model. This set is only available upon request. Only those service stations that are not interested in selling the components themselves, but want to install them on the car, have a better offer.

How to assemble yourself?

There are two main mounting methods. In the simplest case, only the engine with the corresponding worm gear is installed in the existing crank mechanism. This is only possible if all elements of the window lifting mechanism are in very good condition. In older cars, it is better to replace all these elements and install a completely new mechanism with the appropriate transmission, corresponding to the power of the electric motor. This method guarantees subsequent trouble-free operation.

- A certain difficulty for amateurs can cause the correct connection of the control module to the vehicle's on-board network, - says Tadeusz Galka, Auto-Radio-Alarm specialist.

When connecting the module and keys, find a suitable place for these components and run the wires. With the central placement of the keys on the dashboard, it is enough to run one or two wires (depending on the installation and type of control - “plus” or “ground”) from the control unit to the door. This must be made strong enough so that the wires are not cut by the locking doors. It is more difficult to place the power window control unit in the driver's door, since the passenger must also have his own control button at his disposal, and the number of wires in the driver's door increases. Depending on the control method, it is necessary to install a fuse and/or a control relay in the system, which will prevent (in the case of system components that are constantly energized) faster electrochemical corrosion of cables and connectors.

How much does it cost?

It is cheaper to buy a new car with factory jacks than to install them later - either on your own or in a workshop. In the case of used cars, a new set of universal lifts (for a pair of doors) costs around PLN 270-300. Their assembly in the workshop costs more than PLN 200 per set.

– Almost regardless of the car model, the installation of power windows in the front door costs between PLN 800 and PLN 850 (including necessary components), says a Multiglas representative from Warsaw. - We replace all elements of the window lifting mechanism and install new ones. In the case of installation of elevators on existing mechanisms, the cost of the service may be lower by about PLN 200.

Approximate cost of installing front power windows (PLN)

Model	Cost of surcharge for a new cars in showroom (PLN)	Onsite installation cost in the dealer's showroom (PLN)
Skoda Fabia Classic	800	from 1
Opel Astra Classic II	1 000	from 1
Fiat Panda	1 with central lock	Approx. 1 600