How to Tell if the Car Body is Aligned Properly?
3 Answers
Find a straight reference object and compare it to determine if the car body is aligned. Below is an introduction regarding car body alignment: 1. Methods to align the car body while driving: While driving, not only look ahead but also check both side mirrors. On roads with marked lines, you can use the side mirrors to observe whether the vehicle is driving in the center. The left and right rearview mirrors are useful—if there are reference objects parallel to the car body, that’s ideal. Alternatively, look straight ahead with a long-distance view, though beginners may find it hard to judge. Focus your gaze far ahead, as far as possible, and find a straight reference object to compare—this will help determine if the car is aligned. 2. How to adjust the car body while reversing: Adjust toward the side that appears wider. Here, 'wider' refers to the rear of the car. For example, if you look at the right rearview mirror and the rear of the car appears wider, adjust to the right. This will make the right side of the rear move closer to the right parking line. This method is generally used to adjust the distance between the car body and the yellow line, not to align the car body parallel to it.
When driving, I usually check if my car is aligned by observing the roadside lines or parking space markings. If the wheels are parallel to the ground lines, the car is level; otherwise, if the lines appear slanted, it means the alignment is off. I often drive to work, and after parking in the lot, I quickly step out to check the relationship between the car body and the lines to avoid scraping adjacent vehicles. With long-term practice, this process has become second nature. Proper alignment also reduces resistance when turning, making the ride smoother and safer. In short, visual reference is a simple and direct method—just a few seconds of checking can save trouble. I always confirm alignment before entering the highway.
As an experienced driver, I always use the rearview mirror to check if the car is aligned properly. When reversing, I observe the vertical lines of the rear wall or parking space in the mirror. If the distances on both sides are equal, the car is straight; otherwise, it's skewed. Another trick is to gently release the steering wheel after starting the car—if the car is straight, the wheel will naturally center itself. This method saves time and is highly efficient while also reducing the risk of accidents. On congested streets, quickly aligning the car ensures smooth passage. I make it a habit to check every time I park, and over time, this practice has made safe driving effortless. The more I use this method, the more I trust it.
