How to Adjust When the Left Side of the Car Body is Narrower Than the Right Side?
3 Answers
Turn the steering wheel towards the wider side. After turning the steering wheel, the car body will tilt. Continue reversing in this manner, and the gap on the wider side will decrease. Observe the position of the rear wheels. When the timing feels right, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to straighten the car body again and align the steering wheel. The distance between the left and right sides of the car body will not change when turning the steering wheel. If you turn in one direction and immediately correct by turning in the opposite direction, the car will remain in its original position.
I've dealt with the issue of the left side of the car body being narrower than the right side several times. Usually, it's due to deviations in suspension alignment, such as incorrect toe or camber angles. Experienced drivers know to first check the tire pressure on both sides to see if they're equal. If not, try inflating them. If the problem persists after inflation, deeper inspection is needed. It could be caused by suspension component deformation from daily driving on uneven roads or worn bushings. The solution isn't complicated: take it to a professional repair shop for a four-wheel alignment. They'll use equipment to measure the angles and adjust the tie rod screws to straighten the car body. If left unadjusted, the tires will wear unevenly, affecting handling and increasing fuel consumption. For safety's sake, address this issue promptly to avoid bigger problems.
When I first bought my new car, I also noticed that the right wheel was wider than the left. I asked a mechanic, and he said it was mainly because the suspension wasn't aligned properly, probably due to incorrect toe angle. The adjustment steps aren't difficult: first, check if there are any visibly damaged parts on the suspension, then test the angles on an alignment machine; if there's any deviation, adjust the length of the tie rod by tightening the screws. The whole process can be done in half an hour, but it should be handled by a professional to avoid making things worse. Also, pay attention to road conditions when parking, and avoid frequently driving onto curbs; this can prevent problems, slow down tire wear, and make driving more stable and worry-free.
