The Best Door Lock Actuators
Many of us take an automatic car door locking system for granted. Being able to securely store things inside your car can dramatically increase your peace of mind, knowing that all your valuables — and the car itself — will continue to be there when you get back. Not to mention, a broken automatic lock can make getting in and out of the car a major inconvenience. Usually, the main point of failure with automatic locking systems is the actuator, which delivers power to the door lock when triggered by your remote key fob. If you have a broken door lock, all is not lost. We've put together a list of the best automatic door lock actuators on the market so you never find yourself shut out of your won vehicle again.
What to Look For
While researching the best door lock actuators, we focused on a few key features, including reliability, ease of installation, and affordability. We think the best option for most people is InstallGear’s universal lock actuator, which strikes an ideal balance between price and performance. For heavy-duty vehicles, we recommend Dorman’s door lock actuator, which has been rigorously tested to last up to 15 years. Check out our full list of the best door lock actuators below and bring a little confidence back with a quick car door repair.
InstallGear Universal Lock Actuators
Price and performance
InstallGear’s universal lock actuators are effective car door lock replacements that won’t break the bank. Coming in a set of two actuators, you can easily replace two car door locks, if necessary, or have a second one to spare. Also included in the package are the mounting straps, connecting rods, and the screws necessary for installation. While mechanical knowledge is always highly recommended when replacing car parts, the detailed set of instructions will help even a novice get the job done right. If you have a car door you need to fix but don’t want to spend a ton of extra money doing so, choose InstallGear’s universal lock actuators.
Pros:
- With two actuators per set, we think this option is a great value.
- We also appreciate that all necessary installation hardware is included, so you can repair your door quickly and without hassle.
Cons:
- This isn’t the most robust actuator and may not last as long as others.
Zone Tech Universal Door Actuators
Fully equipped
Replacing a broken car door lock can be a cumbersome experience, especially if the parts you’re trying to use don’t fit as well as they should. Zone Tech’s universal door actuators have been expertly designed to relieve some of that frustration with their ultra-thin profiles and smooth performance. Made out of high-impact resin, these motors operate quietly while still offering up to 13 pounds of push and pull power. The actuators are also water and dustproof, ensuring they won’t fail due to outside elements over time. For easy-to-install car door lock replacements that will make the job a breeze, grab a set of Zone Tech universal door lock actuators.
Pros:
- Their universal design makes them compatible with nearly every vehicle.
- Unlike bulkier options, these boast a slim design, which helps make installation very easy.
Cons:
- They may require a bit of modification to work with some car models, but they will perform afterward.
ESupport Universal Lock Actuator
Flexible function
ESupport’s universal lock actuator is powerfully and intelligently designed, helping you have confidence each time you lock your car doors that your belongings will stay safe. Capable of pulling up to 10 pounds, this actuator quickly and completely locks your car door, then opens back up when it receives the electronic signal from your key or car alarm prompting it to do so. It’s made of high-impact resin, which helps provide a smooth experience that avoids jamming or other failures. For an effective and reliable car door lock replacement, buy an ESupport door lock actuator today.
Pros:
- This comes in a four-piece set, which is perfect for people who need to change the locks on all of their car doors at once.
- In addition to car doors, you can also use these for other purposes, such as robotic drumming.
Cons:
- Though fast, they’re not as strong in terms of pull power as similar models.
Dorman Door Lock Actuator
Maximum security
Dorman’s door lock actuator brings reliability to a new level, having been rigorously tested to ensure consistency and functionality when you need it most. It’s been benchmarked to perform up to 20,000 times without failure and has also gone through safety compliance testing to ensure it won’t cause harm to you in the event of an accident. It’s also been designed to be a perfect replacement for many specific models of vehicles, helping ensure that it will work immediately without having to modify its fit. With upgraded plastics and corrosion-resistant electronics, Dorman’s door lock actuator is a heavy-duty part that’s hard to beat.
Pros:
- The high safety rating provides some extra peace of mind when it comes to protecting your car (and yourself).
- These actuators undergo rigorous testing, unlike cheaper models.
Cons:
- This pick is a bit pricy, but we think it’s worth the cost for its reliability.
VaygWay Universal Lock Actuators
Affordable assistance
Replacing your car door lock shouldn’t need to be expensive, and VaygWay’s universal lock actuators prove just that. They’re affordably priced yet still manage to use quality materials that ensure the longevity of the parts so that you can have confidence every time you use them. With high-impact resin cases, these actuators are sealed to keep water and dust from corroding the internal mechanics, which are capable of 13 pounds of quiet push-pull action. Their sleek profile helps make installation easy in even the most restrictive spaces and keeps them neatly tucked away behind your door panels. Don’t compromise on quality despite a lower price, and purchase a set of VaygWay universal lock actuators today.
Pros:
- Thanks to their affordability, this is a great choice if you want to install an automated lock system on a manual car.
- They’re surprisingly smooth and durable given the low price.
Cons:
- The motor could be quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need a car door lock actuator?
A car door lock actuator can replace a broken automatic door lock or help turn a manual door lock into an automatic one when used in tandem with a remote keylock system. While many people may have gone to a mechanic to have this installed in the past, nowadays, these door lock actuators can be easily installed on your own at a fraction of the cost.
How do I know if my car door lock actuator is going bad?
You can tell if your current car door lock actuator is going bad if you start to hear unusual sounds coming from your door when you use it or if it behaves inconsistently when trying to get it to lock and unlock. A failing lock actuator can be especially problematic if your car doesn’t use a traditional key and relies on a keyless fob to gain entry into the car.
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