How to Tell if the Car Body is Straight?

[DeCarter]

Here are specific methods to determine whether the car body is straight or crooked while driving: 1. After sitting in the driver's seat, try to look as far ahead as possible, using distant objects as reference points. If your line of sight is parallel to both sides of the road, it indicates the car body is straight. If your line of sight converges with the road edges, it means the car body is crooked. 2. When driving on roads with lane markings, observe the rearview mirrors with peripheral vision to judge the straightness of the car body. If the position between the car body and the lane markings gradually narrows in the rearview mirrors, it proves the car body is straight. 3. On highways, follow the lane markings on the ground to maintain a straight car body.

[OHailey]

To check if the car body is straight, my experience suggests starting with the exterior. After parking the car, walk around it from a distance to observe whether the overall body lines are smooth; if any part appears dented or irregular, it may not be straight. Next, test the smoothness of opening and closing the doors, hood, and trunk—the gaps should be uniform. If any gap is wider or narrower, it could indicate frame deformation. I usually keep a simple laser level in the garage to check whether key points of the car body, such as the A-pillar and chassis, are parallel. Additionally, while driving, pay attention to whether the steering wheel pulls to one side or if the car body vibrates excessively—these small signs suggest an imbalance in the body frame, which over time can increase tire wear or lead to safety issues. Regular professional measurements are wise, especially after an accident, to avoid hidden problems and save on repair costs.

[VanEvangeline]

I often use simple methods to check if the car body is straight, such as visually comparing the symmetry of both sides after parking. Find a flat ground, park the car, and squat down to check if the wheel arches and bumpers are at the same height; if the wheels are not parallel or the tire wear patterns differ, it's likely the body is misaligned. Try opening and closing the doors—smooth operation is key, and uneven force indicates a problem. If you feel the steering wheel is heavy or the car leans while driving, don’t ignore it—inspect immediately. It’s best to keep a tape measure handy to occasionally check the wheelbase difference between the front and rear wheels, which should normally be less than a few centimeters. A misaligned body can increase fuel consumption and worsen handling, so pay attention to details to prevent issues early on.