Power windows, also known as electric windows, have become a standard feature in almost every modern car. This allows you to raise or lower the window operated by a switch or a button. The power windows in cars enhance convenience and the overall driving experience.
But how do power windows work? Here’s a detailed overview of its mechanism, features, and everything that you would want to know.
Features of Power Windows in Cars
The power windows in cars use a mechanised system that enables drivers and passengers to control windows’ operation with the help of a button.
Let’s take a look features that power windows are equipped with:
The windows of most of the cars today have an automatic-down feature. To use this, you need to tap and release the down button once, and your vehicle’s window will automatically roll down. The automatic down system of power windows uses a circuit to monitor the control and the speed at which windows slide down. This depends on how much force you put on the button.
If you press the switch for a long time, windows roll down quickly and reach the limit. As soon as you leave the switch, the windows stop going down.
Another important feature of power windows is automatic-up. This feature allows you to roll the windows up by pressing a button. Although the automatic-up feature works similarly to the automatic-down feature, the former needs to be operated carefully. Before pulling up the window, ensure that no body part, such as a child’s hand or a dog’s paw, is sticking out.
Modern power window systems also have the ‘control from outside’ feature, which enables you to operate your car’s windows remotely. This feature is quite useful and can be used in multiple instances. For example, you can use it to ventilate your car before entering it on a scorching day.
The courtesy power-on feature of electric windows allows cars to maintain power in the window circuit even after turning off the ignition. Therefore, you don’t have to stick your car key back in the ignition to roll up the vehicle’s windows. The circuit of the windows system will have a relay on the wire that supplies the needed power.
Do you want your car’s windows to remain open or closed for a specific period? Power windows in cars may come with a timer function that allows you to preset the duration for which your vehicle’s windows will remain up or down.
Nowadays, manufacturers equip advanced power window systems with safety sensors to detect any obstacle during operation, especially when rolling up. These safety sensors ensure that the windows stop rolling up or down immediately if there’s any external resistance.
Mechanism of Power Windows
It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the mechanism of power windows before you start operating it. This would not only help in controlling it better, but also save you from the car power window repair expenses.
The system of these windows involves various electrical and mechanical actions working together to roll windows up and down. Here’s how it works:
- Activation: The window control button is on the side door of the driver's seat. When you press the window switch down or up, an electric circuit completes, transmitting signals to the window motor to adjust the window’s position.
- Motor Engagement: After receiving the signal, the window motor starts rotating. This motor rotation is further transmitted to a set of gears that convert the same into linear motion.
- Regulator Action: The linear motion produced by the motor’s rotation is further transmitted to the power window’s regulator assembly. This assembly guides the window glass’s movement along its predefined path, i.e. up or down.
- Window Movement: When the regulator assembly moves the window’s glass, it travels along the tracks and guides. The glass either rolls up or down, depending on whether the window switch has been pressed up or down.
Conclusion
Power windows are a remarkable innovation in automotive engineering. They have made a tremendous impact on convenience and comfort. The mechanised window system, with multiple features such as safety sensors and a timer function, has made car driving a joyful experience. But just like other car parts, any malfunction can also affect power windows. In such a case, you should immediately get them repaired to ensure smooth operation.
Also, purchase a good car insurance cover that safeguards your vehicle against accidents, damages or theft.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.