How to Check if the Car Door is Properly Closed?
3 Answers
Before getting into the car, walk around the vehicle to check if all doors are properly closed. Use the sound of the door closing to determine whether your own or the rear passengers' doors are securely shut. If you miss the above two opportunities, you can still check if all doors are properly closed by using the side mirrors after entering the driver's seat.
Here’s a seasoned method to check if your car door is properly closed. Always shut the door firmly until you hear a crisp 'click' sound, indicating the latch has engaged; absence of that sound suggests it’s not fully closed. Then inspect from the outside—the door gap should align seamlessly with the body, with no obvious gaps or protrusions. Test by sliding a finger along the seam; if it fits, the door’s too loose. Additionally, after starting the car, check the dashboard for any door-ajar warning icons—many modern vehicles have this feature. If lit, promptly exit and reclose the door. Once, while driving at high speed, I noticed excessive wind noise due to an improperly sealed door, prompting me to adopt a habit of firmly pushing the door post-closure to prevent accidental openings and save fuel. Regularly clean mud or frost from door frames, as debris can hinder proper latching.
From a safety perspective, doors not properly closed are very dangerous, so thorough checking is necessary. After closing the door, push the door body; if it doesn't move and there's no gap, it's correct. If it doesn't feel secure or you don't hear the locking sound, there might be an issue. Especially when carrying family or children, ensure all doors are properly closed before driving; otherwise, doors suddenly opening during sharp turns or collisions can lead to serious accidents. Another method is to check the warning icon on the dashboard—modern cars will illuminate to indicate an unclosed door. Sometimes, visually inspect the door gap from outside; if light passes through, it's not tight. Or after starting the car, check if the windows are sealed properly without wind noise. It's advisable to develop a habit of checking every time you exit the car to avoid battery drain from lights being left on.
