How to Check if the Car Body is Parallel?
2 Answers
Adjust the left rearview mirror so that the lower edge aligns with the rear door handle. Move your head to the central area inside the car, extend the right rearview mirror outward, and stop adjusting when you can no longer see the right fender in the mirror. Observe both left and right rearview mirrors to check if the car body is parallel to the road edge lines. If parallel, it indicates that the vehicle is properly aligned within the lane.
When judging whether the car body is parallel while driving or parking, I mainly rely on visual observation. After stopping the car, I first glance through the side window and rearview mirror to check if the distance between the car body edge and the roadside line is even. If one side is tight and the other loose, it means it’s not parallel and needs adjustment. Then, I sit up straight to feel if the car is level without any tilt—if not, I can sense a slight wobble. As a beginner, after a few tries, I learned that parallel parking isn’t just for aesthetics; it also helps avoid tire wear or parking ticket issues. Next time, you can also practice repeatedly in an empty space, using roadside markers or buildings as reference lines, and you’ll gradually get the hang of it. In short, stay patient, take a few more glances, and you’ll always manage it.
