How to Solve the Problem of Uneven Door Height in a New Car?
2 Answers
To solve the problem of uneven door height in a new car, you can adjust the hinge connecting bolts to fine-tune the door. The car's cabin door is usually composed of an outer door panel, inner door panel, window frame, etc. The inner door panel serves as the mounting base for various accessories, including door hinges, glass and its regulator, door lock, door opening limiter, and positioning tongue. The door is installed on the car body shell via the door hinges. The design requirements for the door are: 1. Ensure ease of passenger entry and exit, with the maximum opening angle controlled to around 65 to 70 degrees; 2. Avoid positional interference with other parts during the opening process; 3. Ensure reliable locking when the door is closed, preventing it from opening while driving; 4. Provide good sealing performance; 5. Have a large transparent area to meet lateral visibility requirements; 6. Ensure sufficient strength and rigidity to guarantee reliable door operation, reduce door vibration, enhance side collision safety, and prevent door sagging.
I ran into the same issue the other day with my newly bought SUV—the left rear door was noticeably lower than the right one, which looked really off. I measured it myself and found a gap of nearly one centimeter. It might have been due to misaligned door hinges during factory assembly or bumps during transport. I drove straight to the 4S shop, where the mechanic did a quick check and said the hinges needed adjustment. A few turns of the screws later, and the door was leveled. Since the car was still under warranty, the fix was free. The mechanic also reminded me that minor discrepancies are common in new cars, but gaps exceeding 5 mm can lead to poor sealing, allowing wind and rain to leak in and accelerating wear on the weatherstripping. He advised checking door gaps carefully during future pickups to avoid the hassle I went through. DIY hinge adjustments might scratch the paint, so it’s safer for beginners to leave it to professionals.
