Car door closer: what is it and how does it work, types

Today, additional equipment for cars has become commonplace; in order to increase comfort and safety, automakers are introducing innovative technologies into their designs to significantly simplify vehicle operation. If a specific car model is not equipped with the necessary useful option from the factory, nothing prevents you from ordering it from a dealer or upgrading the iron horse yourself.

Another relatively fresh trend has become car door closers, which have been installed on premium cars for many years by well-known auto giants such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. Now convenient devices are available for cars of any class and every motorist can make useful adjustments to the functionality of his bolivar , and in this case there is no need to obtain permission for re-equipment at all. The problem of doors not closing tightly and the need to make efforts to slam them, which often arises in bulky SUVs and passenger cars, is solved by installing door closers. The technology increases not only the level of comfort, but also safety, and for many drivers it is a necessary attribute.

What is a car door closer?

Motorists often encounter situations where the car door does not close tightly. This most often happens with the rear doors of cars, or with the heavy doors of SUVs, as well as when the doors are closed by children or elderly people. In order to get rid of this problem, as well as to gain comfort, universal SLAMSTOP car door closers have been developed. The automatic closer pulls a loosely closed door until it is completely closed. With the use of a door closer, the car user will not have to open the door again and slam it forcefully.

Such systems have long been used in premium cars and are already loved by many car owners. But this option is not available for all makes and models of cars, actually or from a material point of view. As mentioned above, car door closers are available only for the premium segment - Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc. Installing such a solution on two doors at a car dealer costs from 70,000 to 200,000 rubles.

The new development SLAMSTOP is a universal door closer for car doors and can be installed without restrictions on most brands and models of cars. In its price category, it falls into the affordable class of devices, because the cost of this product together with installation costs from 27,000 rubles for one set (two doors)!

Did you know that...

Some actuators begin to close the door when a person pulls the tailgate down slightly, indicating a desire to close it. Remember a computer CD-ROM: give it a little push and the tray slides away on its own.

The device allows you to implement an interesting function - the door is raised not to its full height, but by an amount programmed by the driver. This may be required in a garage with a low ceiling. The Hall sensor allows the “electronic intelligence” to count the number of revolutions of the electric motor that are necessary to lift the door to a given height. You can set the door lift height by pressing a button on the remote control or on the door itself.

Why install electric closers on car doors?

Automotive electric door closers perform a number of important functions. As we have already noted, they will never allow the door to remain ajar, which will protect it from being fully opened when the car is moving (accordingly, the risk of a person falling out is reduced to zero).

Also, such devices are a great help when loading or unloading a car (since you don’t have to put any effort into opening/closing the door, your hands remain completely clean). In addition, there are door closers with a system for “memorizing” the lift height of the tailgate, which means that the next time you open it, the system itself will select the optimal lift level you want.


Using the device, you also don’t have to worry about whether all the doors are tightly closed before starting to move, but a child or an elderly person may not be able to reach them when boarding. Of course, in such cases, there is no need to talk about the safety of the trip, however, an installed closer will allow you to avoid unnecessary worries about this. If you are tired of passengers constantly slamming the door, the device described above will also help solve this problem and annoying impacts will become a thing of the past. Rather than talk in parts, let’s take a more specific look at all the advantages of using electric automatic door closers, so to speak, let’s summarize what has already been said earlier:
1.

If you haven’t closed the door tightly, the device will do it for you, which will not only protect all passengers, but also protect the car from intruders.

2.

Thanks to special fuses, you don’t have to worry about possible injuries to your hands or fingers; the system simply won’t allow the door to close all the way.

3.

Compared to manual closing, the use of an automatic system allows it to be done more tightly, which helps maintain a constant air temperature inside the cabin and prevents dust, dirt and moisture from getting inside, which significantly extends the life of the car.

4.

The service life of door elements (especially hinges) increases significantly.

5.

Boarding/disembarking passengers or loading/unloading cargo is much easier and faster (if your hands are busy, it may close itself). In addition, with the help of closers, it became possible to leave the door in several positions.

6.

The machine closes smoothly and without unnecessary noise.


I think the described advantages are more than enough to make a decision on purchasing an electric car door closer. But just don’t think that someone obliges you to do something...Making any decision is the sole business of each person, and if you have a different opinion on this matter, then you have the right to listen to it. We will be grateful if in the comments someone would share their experience in using the door closers mentioned here, even if it is not all positive. As they say, “in a dispute, the truth is born,” because each person has his own opinion regarding this or that issue.

Motorists often encounter situations where the car door does not close tightly. This most often happens with the rear doors of cars, or with the heavy doors of SUVs, as well as when the doors are closed by children or elderly people. In order to get rid of this problem, as well as to gain comfort, universal car door closers SLAMSTOP have been developed. The automatic closer pulls a loosely closed door until it is completely closed. With the use of a door closer, the car user will not have to open the door again and slam it forcefully.

Such systems have long been used in premium cars and are already loved by many car owners. But this option is not available for all makes and models of cars, actually or from a material point of view. As mentioned above, car door closers are available only for the premium segment - Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc. Installing such a solution on two doors at a car dealer costs from 70,000 to 200,000 rubles.

The new development SLAMSTOP is a universal door closer for car doors and can be installed without restrictions on most brands and models of cars. In its price category, it falls into the affordable class of devices, because the cost of this product together with installation costs from 27,000 rubles for one set (two doors)!

The purpose of the newfangled design

The device has a number of useful advantages and disadvantages, as evidenced by the following features:

  • a door that is not tightly closed will be closed automatically by the closer. This function will make driving safe, since people in the car will not be in danger of sudden door opening while driving; in addition, this will help protect the car from illegal actions of intruders. The automatic closer is equipped with fuses that close the door slowly and carefully, the driver and passengers will not be able to injure or damage their hands and fingers;
  • The doorway is closed so tightly that this will maintain a constant temperature in the cabin and prevent the entry of dirt, debris, dust and moisture. All these characteristics directly affect the service life of the machine;
  • the time for normal functioning of hinges and other door elements increases;
  • disembarkation/embarkation of the driver and passengers is much easier, loading of cargo is simplified (the rear door closer of the car will automatically close the trunk if a person’s hands are busy). This design allows the doors to be opened in several different positions;
  • opening/closing doors is easy and silent.

Types of automatic closers

In addition, a car door closer can be of different types, depending on which body part it is intended for. There are two main types:

  • for front and rear doors of the car;
  • for the rear door of a crossover or SUV.

Of course, each type differs not only in its design features, but also in other nuances. For example, installation, or how to adjust a door closer of one type or another.

About the need for a thermal damper

Rare models of door closers are equipped with a damper that protects against changes in atmospheric temperature. However, such a damper allows you to avoid adjusting the device every time the temperature rises/falls. This point is especially relevant if we are talking about a floor-type door closer. Thanks to this, its service life is increased, while the oil does not expand or its viscosity, on the contrary, does not increase.

It is difficult to advise anything specific here. Thus, the cost of an outdoor mechanism with a thermal shutter (especially a floor-mounted type) is quite high when compared with conventional door closers, but it will last longer. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the exact conditions in which the mechanism will be operated.

If you plan to install it on external doors, then temperature changes (indoors - outdoors) should be taken into account.

Types of device

Car door closers are divided into several types and types. They differ in their characteristics and design; electric units are the most popular among Russians.

So, let's look at all models of automatic closers in more detail:

  • For large vehicles such as SUVs and station wagons, specialized designs are provided that can easily “lift” the huge rear doors of these vehicles. Closers can replace standard gas stops. Despite their similar appearance, they differ in their design; the inner part of the latter is an electric motor equipped with a worm gear.
  • On the market you can find a model that hides under the upholstery. Such a unit is connected via an electric motor to the door hinges using a gearbox. It is this device that is “responsible” for opening/closing the trunk and other elements in the car.
  • An automatic closer equipped with a hydraulic system is considered no less accessible and functional. In such a unit, high pressure is pumped using an electric pump, which promotes the action of liquid on all sides of the piston.
  • A truck can be equipped with a very convenient design that you can easily install with your own hands - a door closer that can remember the height required to lift the trunk lid.

Prices

The cost of installing automatic car door closers will depend on the car make, model and year of manufacture. You can find the detailed price list below.

BRANDMODELYEAR4 DOORS2 DOORS
BMWX12009+100 000
X32003+100 000
X42014+100 000
X52006+100 000
X62007+100 000
SERIES 12004+100 000
SERIES 32005+100 000
SERIES 52003+100 000
SERIES 62004+100 000
SERIES 72001+100 000
Z42002+100 000
AUDIA12010+60 000
A32004+110 00060 000
A42007 +110 00060 000
A52007+110 00060 000
A62008+110 00060 000
A72010+110 00060 000
A82010+120 00065 000
Q22017+110 00060 000
Q32012+110 00060 000
Q52012+120 00065 000
Q72005+120 00065 000
R82015+70 000
TT2006+65 000
VOLKSWAGENSCIROCCO2008+55 000
POLO2011+100 00055 000
PASSAT2005-2010110 00060 000
PASSAT (CC)2011+110 00060 000
JETTA2011+100 00055 000
GOLF2009+100 00055 000
BORA2017+100 00055 000
BEETLE2012+100 00055 000
AMAROK2010+100 00055 000
TIGUAN2007+100 00055 000
TUAREG2010+120 00065 000
SKODAKODIAQ2017+100 00055 000
SUPERB2008+100 00055 000
OCTAVIA2013+100 00055 000
RAPID2013+100 00055 000
PORSCHE718 CAYMAN2016+65 000
718 BOXSTER2016+65 000
918 SPYDER2013+65 000
PANAMERA2010+125 00065 000
MACAN2014+120 00065 000
CAYENNE2010+120 00065 000
CAYMAN2013+65 000
CAYMAN GT42015+65 000
9112011+65 000
911 GT22017+65 000
911 GT32013+65 000
LEXUSLX 5702007-201590 00050 000
LX 5712015+90 00050 000
RX2009+90 00050 000
NX2014+90 00050 000
GX4602009+90 00050 000
GS 350/300H2012+90 00050 000
ES2012+90 00050 000
R.C.2014+50 000
TOYOTA4 RUNNER2009+90 00050 000
AVENSIS2003+90 00050 000
CAMRY2006-201790 00050 000
CAMRY2017+90 00050 000
FORTUNER2016+90 00050 000
LC 2002008+90 00050 000
RAV 42006+90 00050 000
SEQUOIA2008+90 00050 000
HIGHLANDER2007-201390 00050 000
HIGHLANDER2013+90 00050 000
PRADO2002+90 00050 000
FORDFOCUS2011+100 00055 000
KUGA2012+100 00055 000
MUSTANG2010+55 000
MONDEO2015+100 00055 000
MERCEDES-BENZC CLASS2014+110 000
E CLASS2013 +120 000
E CLASS2016 +110 000
CLA2014 +110 000
GLA2014 +110 000
GLC2015+110 000
GLC COUPE2017+
M.L.2013-2015120 000
GLE2014+120 000
GLE COUPE2017+
GLS2014+120 000
CLS2011 +120 000
INFINITIQX 562010-2013110 000
QX802013-2017110 000
NISSANPATROL2010-2018110 000

*Prices for services may change due to changes in exchange rates!

The principle of operation of electric car door closers

Most modern cars already have various additions to the door design aimed at increasing the operating comfort of the vehicle. For example, to prevent unauthorized break-in, the machine can be locked by the owner using special latches; Passenger compartment doors are often equipped with child safety locks; and instead of handles, which have to be pulled with a certain force, in some designs, corresponding buttons are used to operate door latches.

In a word, there is no limit to perfection, so it is not at all surprising that the current car accessories market is simply teeming with all sorts of new products. Such “know-how”, conditionally, includes door closers, which, due to their practicality, are in considerable demand.

Speaking conventionally, we mean their relatively recent mass appearance on the markets, and given that the majority of motorists in our country have not yet heard much about such devices, it would be logical to call them a new product.

A car door closer is designed for automatic, silent closing of the door.

Also, it is a kind of safety feature, since it will never leave the door open or ajar, which eliminates the possibility of passengers or luggage falling out. In general, if you often have to open/close a car door, this is just what you need.

Today, based on their location, there are two main types of car closers:

some are placed on the floor, others - in the upper part, closer to the roof (used to close the luggage compartment lid).
Also, there are “average” closers. Often, the design of cars produced today has a three-stage door closer, with the help of which the door can also be fixed within the established limits.


This device is always selected in accordance with the color, size and weight of each specific door, which indicates their wide variable range.
From the point of view of the material of the product, all mechanisms are divided into steel, iron, aluminum
, and sometimes special silicon alloys are used to manufacture the closer, which can provide a higher level of durability of the part.

All existing models of automatic closers do not require any special maintenance, and the only thing that is required from the owner is periodic lubrication of all moving parts (valves that control the closing speed).

Some models of the mechanism are equipped with two valves: one regulates the closing speed, and the second monitors the position of the rod.

Well, we have already found out what types of car closers exist based on the location of the part and the material of manufacture, now we will consider representatives of another classification, which is based on the structure of the device.

Based on this classification criterion, all automobile closers are divided into electric and hydraulic, and both are equipped with automatic fuses. In some modern cars, the design of the doors allows them to open to the sides, giving some resemblance to butterfly wings. In this case, it is simply impossible to do without door closers, because they allow you to easily open the door, thereby providing a wider opening for passengers to enter and exit. Most often, such models are used on sports cars like Bentley Speed.

or
Toyota GT-One
, and recently also on the
Peugeot 908 HDi FAP.


However, the use of automatic self-closing devices is not limited only to sports cars and is also implemented in classic business class models, where they have become an important attribute for ensuring the comfort of expensive cars. The fact is that to install an electronic system, you do not need to clutter the vehicle with bulky structural elements, and the current consumption is at the level of the LED license plate backlight.

In general, the advantages of use are immediately visible and by installing a car door closer, you will ensure smooth, silent, and most importantly independent closing (it is enough to close the door lightly, without any effort, and the system itself will completely “press” it).

Choice

The advantages of using equipment are easy to evaluate: materials and technologies for insulating wooden, plastic and other types of sheets are not needed, because you do not have to manually adjust the closure density. There will be no more strong slams when closing doors, and drafts will disappear. But all this is possible only if you choose the right type of product.

Interior mechanisms can be classified according to different criteria; according to the type of installation, there are 3 types of closers: overhead, floor and hidden. The overhead version of the automatic closing system belongs to the category of the most budget and widespread products. They are often installed in public places without high pretensions in interior design. They can also be found on interior doors, but they are the worst suited for this.

  • Device with attachment to an overhead loop
  • Floor mechanism
  • Hidden

Hidden (frame) finishing products are the best option for interior doors. They are based on a sliding lever, due to which the product is small in size. The mechanism is built into the door leaf and is practically invisible during installation.

Some experts classify floor-standing options as hidden mechanisms, with the only difference being that they are located not at the top, but on the floor.

Hidden and overhead door closers for interior doors

Floor and hidden closers can be installed on almost any type of interior door. And before choosing one or another closer, you should familiarize yourself with its features:

  1. Hidden. They are distinguished by the most inconspicuous mechanism. They are divided into two groups. The first is products with a sliding rod. Installed at the top. The second is hinges with a closer. They are small in size and have hinges built into the body. Integration into the door element makes this type as inconspicuous as possible. Suitable for lightweight interior doors and have a reduced working life.
  2. Floor-standing. A high-quality option for installation in rooms with glass interior doors. Can be used in conjunction with wooden or plastic sheets where design plays an important role. Found in shopping centers, offices, business centers. The operating principle of such door closers does not require a lever. The canvas is attached directly to the axis of the mechanism, so installation must be provided for at the time of selection of the closing cloths.

When choosing between floor, hidden and overhead closers, you need to take into account the features of interior doors:

sufficient traction force (correspondence of the mechanism to the dimensions and weight of the blade); for sliding doors, a hydromechanical hidden closer is chosen, and for swing doors with the possibility of integration into the leaf, a hidden magnetic mechanism is chosen; pay attention to the design - the product must correspond to the general concept of the room. A properly selected door closer will ensure reliable closing of the curtains and long-term operation

But to do this, you need to take into account the class of the product, and also choose reliable manufacturers who use the best materials for hidden door closers or floor analogs

A properly selected door closer will ensure reliable closing of the curtains and long-term operation. But to do this, you need to take into account the class of the product, and also choose reliable manufacturers who use the best materials for hidden door closers or floor-mounted analogues.

Classification

Depending on the weight and size of the canvas, closers with different forces for closing/opening are selected. The greater the weight of the door, the greater the force. There are 7 classes of door closing mechanisms in total.

Closer classCanvas width in cmMaximum web weight in kg
17520
28540
39560
411080
5125100
6140120
7160160

Not all doors strictly comply with the presented standards. If, for example, the width of the canvas is 100 cm, but the weight is 105 kg, then you need to choose the class upward. That is, for such a canvas you will need a class 6 door closer.

You should not choose a class with a large margin. This will not affect the increase in its service life, but will require greater effort when opening/closing.

Specifications

Car door closers have the following technical characteristics:

  • ensure uninterrupted operation in the temperature range -40 °C ... - +85 °C;
  • MTBF (failure-free operation time) is 30,000 operating cycles;
  • the noise level does not exceed 50 dB;
  • adjusting the time for tightly closing the door in the range of 1 - 2.5 seconds;
  • have an operating voltage of 12 V;
  • allow installation with a door thickness of 50 mm.

The device is installed on average in 3 - 4 hours. Its installation does not require any adjustments to the factory design or technical documentation of the vehicle.

The delivery system is mounted and secured into the inside of the car door mechanism. The device has the necessary dimensions and is adapted for tight mounting. During the assembly and installation of individual system components, the interaction of the main structural elements with each other should be carefully monitored. The intersection of parts and assemblies, as well as their friction against each other, are not allowed.

general information

Door closers are available in different designs. The technology of their fastening and the method of regulation have some peculiarities. How are the products different?

According to the specifics of installation

  • Hidden devices. The mechanism body is placed in the frame or door leaf. Installation of door closers of this type requires a professional approach (practical experience, special tools). They are mounted only on doors whose leaves are at least 40 mm thick.
  • Floor models. Their installation is carried out during the process of arranging the floors, since the “body” of the device is placed under the flooring. In the private sector, products of this group are used extremely rarely.
  • Invoices. The most common options in everyday life. Installing such a door closer with your own hands is quite simple. Even if you have no experience, it will take no more than half an hour.

By mechanism type

  • Rack and pinion + hydraulics. The “working” element in closers of this group is a spring.
  • Cam models. Such products are installed in homes much less frequently.

By traction force

This characteristic is called differently - closing force, door closer size, EN class. When choosing a mechanism, the determining factors are the parameters of the door leaf: its weight (kg) and width (mm). This is taken into account when determining the installation option for the device.

How door closers are installed

The general installation of the entire system begins with removing the car trim at the installation site. After this, an electronic drive is mounted on the newly opened free space. In this case, the pulling link must be installed in the direction of the door lock. This will reduce resistance during operation of the automatic closer. The electronic drive must be fastened very securely, as it experiences large overloads during adjustment. The cable connects the lock's operating mechanism directly to the electronic drive. However, it should not interfere with the operation of other components. The sensor is mounted on the door above the lock and must be adjusted coaxially with the magnet for correct operation. The magnet and sensor are installed strictly in the same plane relative to each other. To do this, two holes are drilled directly in the car body.

Options for Panther and Mangus security systems

Many modern cars have just such security systems installed. Just for fun, let's explore the various functions of the system.

As many as 23 options can be used on the Panther security system, including automatic door locking. You should know that options can be programmable or non-programmable.

Security system Mangus – 22 functions.

Automatic door locking

A system function that is programmable. The doors lock automatically some time after the ignition is turned on. However, if at least one of the doors is not closed tightly enough, the function does not work. The system also unlocks the doors automatically as soon as the ignition is turned off.

Keychain radio transmitter

The Panther security system gives the user the opportunity to use a radio transmitter key fob with two buttons. With their help, you can enable or disable various system functions.

BUTTONFUNCTIONWHAT NEED TO DO
LeftEnables security modePress 1 time
LeftTurns off the security modePress 1 time
LeftTurns off the siren when the system is triggeredPress 1 time when the system is triggered
RightEnables silent security modePress 1 time
RightTurns off the security mode silentlyPress 1 time
RightControls the output of an additional system channelPress and hold for 3 seconds. with security switched off and ignition switched off
Left+RightEnables Panic modePress with ignition off
Left+RightEnables Anti-Hijack modePress with ignition on

How much does a door closer cost?

To save their precious customers from such worries, premium brands, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, optionally offer to install a door closer on their car. This pleasure costs from 70 to 150 thousand rubles, so not everyone wants to fork out for such luxury. This is understandable, for that kind of money you can buy a used six, and for those who own not premium sedans, but simple cars, access to such luxury would seem to be closed.

However, several years ago a number of companies (Dorma, Ryobi, Abloy) offered a ready-made door closer as a kit for installation either with your own hands or under an authorized service. The most famous company producing these devices is SlamStop. Their set of door closers costs about 30,000 rubles for 2 doors with installation. We need two more - services can give a discount, usually 5-7% of retail. Still not cheap, but the beauty is that the device can be installed on any car that has doors. Now more details about the device.

Safety

The working stroke of the side door closers is so small (6–7 mm) that only a finger can be pinched. On the interior side, the manufacturer does not leave any places where, for example, a child could find a gap in which a finger would be pinched. But the outer edges of the door still form gaps. However, you can only put a pencil in there.

Children should not operate the tailgate drives. Well, for an adult, the maximum force developed by the drive and not exceeding 10 kg at the edge of the door is not dangerous. If this force is exceeded, the door stops and even - on some cars - begins to open.

Installing and adjusting the car rear door closer

The principle of installing the rear door closing mechanism of a crossover or jeep is not so different from the similar process in the case of the side doors of the body. The only difference is that the car's rear door closer operates not in a horizontal, but in a vertical plane. In other words, if a conventional device pulls the door to the side, the rear closer pulls it down or towards itself.


However, today there are such universal models. They can be successfully used both on the side and rear parts of the body. It's all about the location of the executive unit and the vector of fastening of the drive cable.

Operating principle

First of all, it is necessary to make a reservation. The car door closer is not an addition to the standard door locking system.


It only helps to “pull” it as tightly as possible to the body. In this sense, such a unit is similar to ordinary door mechanisms that can be found on the stairs of residential buildings or in offices. But the design of a universal car door closer differs significantly from devices installed on indoor entrance doors.

Thanks to the electronic sensor that the car door closer is equipped with, it is activated when the tongue of the lock touches the first loop of the locking device. Next, the electronic control unit reacts, which activates a specially fixed cable that attracts the door to the car body.

Using a weight as a slamming mechanism

This method is becoming one of the oldest and is rarely used today. With this method, a cable or rope is attached to the door leaf, the second end of which is passed through a wheel attached to the wall or frame. A weight is attached to the end, which closes the door. Its weight has to be selected manually, since there is no exact formula for calculating it.

The advantages of this method include its low cost, simplicity and efficiency. If necessary, you can even lock the door.

The obvious disadvantage is that while moving, the load swings and hits the door or frame. In order not to spoil the surface, it is placed in a pipe with the appropriate diameter. This approach will preserve the door and give the composition a more attractive and neat look.

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