Why is the sound of closing the left and right car doors different?
3 Answers
The sound of closing the left and right car doors is different because the damping plates inside the doors are either missing or improperly positioned. Reasons for the difference in closing sounds between left and right car doors: Poor adjustment of the door latch, resulting in insufficient compression of the door seal strip when closing (besides sealing, the door seal strip also helps improve the sound of closing). The control of the door hinges and latch position involves torque control. The position of the latch determines the engagement state with the lock, which should not be too low or too high; otherwise, it can cause interference between the door lock and the latch, increasing the force required to close the door. Door maintenance precautions: When opening and closing the doors, check if the door stopper is functioning properly and avoid slamming the doors. Ensure that the screws are not loose. Minor unusual sounds are not a big issue and can often be resolved by applying some lubricant.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I often notice that the inconsistency in the sound of closing the left and right doors is mostly related to usage frequency. The driver's side door is opened and closed daily, causing faster wear on the door lock and sealing strip, which may result in a duller sound when closing. The passenger side or rear doors, which are used less frequently, may produce a crisper and brighter sound when closed. This isn't just a noise issue—it could also be due to uneven loosening of door hinges or aging of rubber pads, leading to improper door alignment, which affects sound insulation and waterproofing. Small issues left unattended can worsen wear or lead to potential leaks over time. I recommend checking the elasticity of the rubber seals during each car wash, lubricating the door lock mechanism, and ensuring balanced usage to avoid excessive strain on one side.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I can say that differences in door closing sounds are often caused by improper mechanical adjustments or body structure deviations. For example, slightly misaligned door lock positions, minor deformations in the door frame, or unevenly installed sealing strips can all result in different sounds when closing due to varying air expulsion patterns. This is particularly noticeable in vehicles that have undergone accident repairs or those parked on slopes for extended periods, as frame displacement becomes more pronounced. Manual adjustment of the latch position or replacing aged sealing strips usually resolves the issue. Don't overlook its impact on door airtightness, as it may lead to dust ingress or increased wind noise. A simple DIY solution is to test the tightness of door closure or apply wax for lubrication and maintenance. If you can't fix it yourself, seek help from a professional workshop.
