Car Leaning to One Side Inspection

If your car is leaning to one side, a mechanic can inspect the struts, suspension, chassis, and tires for serious damage.
Written by Melanie Reiff
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
An inspection for a car leaning to one side will examine the vehicle’s chassis, suspension, tires, shock absorbers, struts, and springs to identify any mechanical failing.
If you notice that your car looks off-balance or leans to one side, take it to the mechanic for a thorough inspection. The
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What is an inspection for a car leaning to one side?

Every car has a suspension, struts, shock absorbers, and other components that work together to keep the wheels and the frame of the car balanced correctly. 
A mechanical failure or damage to any of these parts could cause the car to lean to one side, signaling a serious issue that needs immediate correction. 
Bring your car to a trusted mechanic if it is leaning to one side. The direction and degree of the lean will give the inspector clues as to why it’s off-balance, but they’ll also examine the following components to check for damage or wear.  

Chassis and suspension

The chassis is your car’s frame, and the suspension connects the frame to the wheels. An issue with either one could produce a noticeable lean and require major repairs. 

Tires

If there’s unequal inflation in the tires on one side due to damage or error, the effect might be visible. The mechanic will check the tire pressure and size specification for each wheel and may be able to repair the issue quickly. 

Shock absorbers, struts, and springs

Shock absorbers and struts absorb the impact of the drive and connect your wheels to the car, and they can become warped or damaged. The springs that work in tandem with the shock absorbers can also get stuck on one side or the other. 
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Do I need to get an inspection if my car is leaning to one side?

A car that’s leaning to one side is definitely experiencing a mechanical issue. If the damage occurred in a collision or other incident, you may be able to tell exactly why your car is leaning. 
If the tilt happens over time, however, you’ll need an inspection to determine the cause of the issue. 

How important is an inspection for a car leaning to one side?

If you notice that your car’s leaning to one side, take it to a mechanic immediately for a full inspection. Ignoring this problem could lead to further damage to some of the most important components of your car, and it makes driving extremely dangerous. 
The fix could be relatively simple if you act quickly, but waiting to have the car inspected almost guarantees an expensive repair bill.

Tips for an inspection for a car leaning to one side

When you notice your car leaning, you should take it to the mechanic right away. Here are a few things you can do before the inspection: 
  • Check the size specification and pressure of all four tires 
  • Take note of the direction and degree of the lean
  • Try to identify when the car started leaning
The more information you’re able to provide for the mechanic, the more successful your inspection will be. 

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