Is It Normal for a Car to Be 1cm Lower on the Left Side Than the Right?
2 Answers
It is not normal for a car to be 1cm lower on the left side than the right. Here are the methods to address the issue of a car being lower on the left side than the right: 1. Replace the shock absorbers: Uneven height can be caused by aging shock absorbers. In this case, it is best to replace the shock absorbers entirely. If the shock absorbers are relatively new, you can try replacing the shock absorber oil seals to prevent oil leakage. 2. Inflate the tires: Uneven tire pressure can cause imbalance. This is the easiest issue to fix. Simply check the air pressure in all four tires and inflate the underinflated tire to restore balance. 3. Replace the rims: A horizontal difference can be caused by a deformed rim. Rims can become deformed after a significant impact, affecting the vehicle's balance. In this case, repairing or replacing the deformed rim will solve the problem.
When I first bought my car, I also noticed the issue of the left side being lower than the right by about 1cm. This is actually quite common in daily driving and not a major problem, but it's still something to keep an eye on. The most common causes are uneven road surfaces or the car being parked on a slope for an extended period, which can cause it to lean slightly over time. Additionally, check if the tire pressure is even—insufficient pressure on one side can lower the height. Aging suspension systems can also contribute to this, especially as springs or shock absorbers wear out after a few years of use. Last time I went to the dealership, the mechanic said a difference of up to 2cm is acceptable, but it's best to measure it with a ruler when parked on level ground to confirm. Mention this during regular maintenance to avoid any potential imbalance in load affecting handling safety. In short, a 1cm difference usually isn't a big deal, but if you're handy, adjusting the tire pressure or inspecting the suspension yourself can give you peace of mind.
