Exterior Door Handle Replacement Cost Estimate
CWorried you might overpay for your exterior door handle replacement? Use Mymechanic to get a fair cost estimate for your exterior door handle replacement.
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How much does it cost to replace an exterior door handle?
The average cost for an exterior door handle replacement may vary based on your car and your location.
How long does it take to replace an exterior door handle?
An experienced mechanic will generally take 1.5 hours to replace an exterior door handle, though this number can vary depending on the vehicle.
How long does an interior door handle replacement take?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.
What parts do I need for my exterior door handle replacement, and how much do those parts cost?
Your owner’s manual or vehicle repair guide will contain more detailed information, but here’s a general list of the parts you may require:
- Door handle: A new exterior car door handle is the primary replacement part you’ll need.
- Door handle gasket: The gasket or seal prevents water and debris from entering the interior. While this part may come with the new handle, you may need to buy it separately.
- Mounting hardware: Mounting hardware includes any screws, clips, bolts, or fasteners you may need to install the new handle. These parts are essential for proper installation.
- Trim piece: Some vehicles have trip pieces surrounding the handle. If your trim piece is damaged, you may need to replace it when you replace the handle. Trim pieces are available separately and vary in price.
- Weatherstripping: Some cars may require weatherstripping or adhesive to ensure a secure and waterproof fit for the handle. If you need weatherstripping, it should be available separately.
We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores as well as online retailers. We also recommend trusted brands for door handle components. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
When it comes to car door handle replacements, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vs aftermarket isn’t a big concern. If you want parts designed specifically for your car and with a solid warranty, OEM parts are probably the smartest move. If you’d rather pay a lower price, an aftermarket part is the way to go.
You can purchase an OEM door handle from your local dealership or authorized parts retailer. For aftermarket parts, local auto parts stores are a smart choice, but you can also visit online retailers.
Where can I get my exterior door handle replaced?
Searching for a mechanic can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Mymechanic can help you compare replacement costs and hourly rates from more than 2,500 auto repair shops. Mymechanic allows you to compare fair price estimates using real-time hourly rates. You can use Mymechanic to budget for car repairs, learn whether you’ll have to pay diagnostic fees, and find the shop with the best customer reviews. Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to view repair quotes for your area.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How will a mechanic replace my interior door handle?
Here are the typical steps a mechanic will take to replace your exterior door handle:
- Determine the type of door handle:Your mechanic will identify how the handle is attached to the door, whether it contains a lock cylinder, and whether it can be removed from the exterior.
- Remove the fasteners:The mechanic will locate the mounting fasteners and remove them. This may involve removing the interior door panel to access the hardware, depending on the car.
- Remove the old handle:Once the fasteners are removed, the technician can pull the old handle out of the door.
- Replace the lock cylinder (if applicable):If your door handles have lock cylinders, your mechanic will have to remove the cylinder from the old handle and install it in the new one. Alternatively, you may order a new door handle custom-keyed to match your key.
- Install the new door handle:The technician will install the rubber gaskets and then the new door handle. Then, they will replace the mounting fasteners.
What happens if I don’t replace my exterior door handle?
If you don’t replace a faulty exterior door handle, you’re likely to encounter the following problems:
- Difficulty opening and closing the door:If you have a faulty door handle and choose not to replace it, you’ll likely experience difficulty opening or closing the door.
- Safety and security risks:A malfunctioning door handle can increase the risk of theft or vandalism and create unsafe situations during emergencies.
- Inconvenience: If your door handle is faulty, you may struggle to enter or leave your vehicle.
- Damage to other components:A faulty door handle can lead to damage to other components, like the door latch, rods, or linkages, due to increased stress on these parts.
What is an exterior door handle?
An exterior door handle is what allows you to open and close your vehicle from the outside. It is typically a lever that, when pulled, releases the door’s latch and allows you to access the car’s cabin. Exterior car door handles are usually made of plastic or metal and may have a textured surface or painted finish.
When should I replace the exterior door handle on my car?
You should consider replacing your exterior car door handle if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- The door handle is loose: One of the initial indications of a faulty exterior door handle is a handle that feels loose. If you find the handle noticeably loose or requiring more force than usual to open the door, it might be time for a replacement.
- The door won’t open: A malfunctioning door handle could hinder you from opening the door entirely if the rods or linkages fail to engage.
- The door won’t shut or won’t stay shut:If the door handle or linkage malfunctions, it can hinder the door latch from closing correctly. If you find yourself needing to slam your door shut, it might indicate the necessity for a handle replacement.
How often should I replace my exterior door handle?
Exterior door handles usually don't adhere to a fixed replacement schedule, but being subject to wear and tear, they degrade with time. Consider replacing your outside door handle whenever it becomes loose, fails to open, or struggles to close.
Can I replace my exterior door handle myself?
Repairing a door handle can be a rewarding DIY project if you possess the necessary tools and expertise. For a successful replacement, consider obtaining a reliable repair manual tailored to your vehicle. However, if you lack experience in automotive repairs or lack access to the required tools, it's advisable to entrust the replacement to a professional.
FAQs
In general, car door handles are not interchangeable as manufacturers design and produce handles tailored to their specific vehicle models. It's crucial to select a door handle that fits your car correctly.
Car insurance typically does not cover a broken door handle because it's considered a wear-and-tear part that degrades over time. However, if you have comprehensive coverage or collision insurance and the door handle was damaged due to a covered incident, your insurance might cover the replacement.
A locksmith in Malaysia can usually replace a car door handle. Most locksmiths specialize in locks and security systems, including vehicle locks. If you opt to hire a locksmith to replace your door handle instead of a mechanic, it’s essential to find one with experience working on automotive locks.
