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The gap dimension describes the distance between two adjacent components of the vehicle. So for example between the front and the rear vehicle door in a four-door car. There is a gap at the end of the front door and at the beginning of the rear door (seen from the front). The distance between the two doors is then that gap size. Small and even gaps are a sign of good quality, especially for body parts such as engine covers or doors. A small gap and therefore low air resistance is also important for seals and car parts that are exposed to mechanical friction.
What does the gap size say?
If the gap dimension is the same over the entire edge length, this indicates good quality and perfect function. An even gap size is also a indication that the vehicle did not have a major accident at this point. On the other hand, uneven gap distances are not only visually disturbing, but also indicate a production defect, inferior quality, an accident or a poorly performed repair. As mentioned, the gap is only one indication and no guarantee, e.g. for the vehicle being accident-free. It can also be quite simply just a misaligned rubber buffer (such as the bonnet or tailgate) can be to blame for a bad gap dimension. Incidentally, too high or uneven gaps between the joints can also have a negative effect on the aerodynamics, so that parts can no longer be closed or no longer function properly.
Which tool do you use to measure the gap?
Special tools are commercially available for checking the gap widths, optically or mechanically. It is about crack width rulers, measuring trowels, specific stencils or Feeler gauges. Gap dimensions can also be measured with a simple ruler or a caliper measured with a scale of up to a tenth of a millimeter.
Set the gap dimensions on the vehicle!
One thing in advance: there can be no general explanation of how to set the gap size correctly. On the one hand, of course, it depends Component (the components), on the other hand, of course, the vehicle manufacturer also plays an important role. Some manufacturers have gaps that are several millimeters apart and others have a gap that is exactly right down to the smallest corner. As a rule, however, you can already achieve a lot with that Loosen some screws and the subsequent realign from the component.
In the case of the bonnet, it's about them screws on the hinge, Und die rubber buffers all around, with which you can change the gap size. Also the neighboring ones fender can be attached incorrectly and thus lead to a poor gap dimension. It is relatively similar with the Hatchback. The doors are often the Shot from the castle or Locks themselves (or both) to blame for a poor gap measurement. You can achieve a lot with a bit of "trying around", but you can also adjust even more. The following videos of common vehicles may be a little help on how to set/adjust the gap dimensions on fenders / bonnet & Co.
Adjust gap dimension bumper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH0bi7Z-Blo
Adjust the bonnet gap
Adjust tailgate buffer stop rubbers
Adjust the gap dimension of the hanging door
The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".
Of course, that wasn't the end of it!
In this tuningblog category there are guides and instructions for common defects/repairs on the vehicle and for installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain in a simple way common defects and the corresponding repairs and they also explain how the first signs of a defect become noticeable. In most cases, we also have initial clues to the repair instructions in our repair instructions approximate costs listed. The goal of ourAuto Repair Guide“ is to create a head start in knowledge for the next visit to the workshop with initial tips. This may save you from tedious troubleshooting and you may even be able to do small things yourself. The same applies, of course, to the installation of accessories/tuning parts. Here, too, we would like to help with the implementation with instructions and tips. There are many other posts on this as well. Below is an excerpt of the last and HERE there are all previous instructions.
Interesting that the gap dimension describes the distance between two adjacent components of the vehicle. Unfortunately, my bonnet has to be replaced due to damage. I am looking for a good body shop for a replacement bonnet.