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How do you adjust a car door to close tighter?

How can I make my car door close tighter? I’ve noticed recently my driver’s door doesn’t close as tightly as it should. In eyeballing it, the alignment looks off.

avatar
Will Baldwin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Thankfully, if misalignment is causing the issue, fixing it is pretty easy. Follow these steps first to confirm your door is misaligned:
  • Check if the side molding is perfectly straight. Since you noticed the alignment looks off, having a second reference point is important.
  • Check to see if the rocker panel is parallel to the ground. Rocker panels run along the side of your car, underneath your door. If you notice it’s slanted or crooked
If you notice an issue, you can adjust the car door to close tighter. To do so:
  • Open the door and look at the two hinges (top and bottom).
  • Loosen the bolt slightly but
    don’t remove it
    .
  • Now, adjust the door in whatever direction you noticed was an issue.
  • When you find the right spot, hold it as solidly as possible and tighten the bolt
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t do this alone as car doors are heavy. Ask a friend or family member to help you or consider taking your car to a professional auto repair shop.
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