Panel Gap
Panel gaps are the spaces between body panels such as doors, bonnet, wings and boot lid.
What is Panel Gap?
Manufacturers design them to be even on both sides of the car. Uneven or large gaps can show poor assembly or previous accident repairs. Doors and bonnets can often be adjusted at their hinges and strikers. A paint thickness gauge and checking bolt heads at hinges for tool marks are other ways to detect previous repairs. Factory tolerances differ between manufacturers, so comparing left and right sides of the same car is more useful than absolute figures.
How it works
Panels are aligned so they close properly and gaps stay even.
Why it matters for your car
When buying a used car, uneven gaps and different paint shades are clues to accident damage. Wrong gaps can cause wind noise and water leaks.
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