When you buy a new car, you obviously expect it to be perfect. However, small manufacturing issues or transportation damages can affect your experience if you don’t spot them in time. That’s why
checking the car doors and windows before taking delivery is an important part of your PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection). Many buyers skip this step and later face problems such as noise from doors, misaligned frames, slow power windows, or water leakage during rain. In this guide, you will learn how to check car door alignment, how to do a proper power window test, and how to perform a
car sealing inspection to make sure your new car is completely trouble-free. The steps are simple, practical, and written in normal English, so even first-time buyers can follow them easily.
Why Inspecting Doors and Windows Matters?
Car doors and windows are used hundreds of times a week. Any small defect today can become a big irritation later. Misaligned doors can cause wind noise, reduce cabin insulation, and sometimes even damage the paint on the edges. Poor sealing can lead to water entering the cabin during rain. Faulty power windows can stop working suddenly and become a safety risk.
Doing these checks at the dealership helps you avoid visits to the service center, and if anything is wrong, the dealer must fix it before you sign the delivery documents.
1. Check the Car Door Alignment Properly
Door alignment is one of the most common issues found during new car delivery. You should inspect all four doors (and the boot) with proper attention.
a) Look at the door gaps
- Stand at a slight angle and notice the gaps between the door and the car body. The gap should be even from top to bottom. If one part of the door is touching or too close, it means the car door alignment is incorrect.
b) Open and close the door slowly
- A well-aligned door closes smoothly with minimum effort. If you need to push the door harder or it makes a vibrating noise, alignment is off. A new car door should feel solid and balanced.
c) Check if the door sits flush
- After closing the door, run your hand along the edges. All the edges must sit flush with the fender and side panels. If one side is popping out, ask the dealer to adjust it immediately.
d) Listen for any noise
- If you hear a metal-to-metal rubbing or a plastic clicking sound while opening or closing, it might be due to improper hinge setup.
2. Perform a Full Power Window Test
Nowadays, all cars come with power windows, and checking them is very important. Many buyers don’t test rear windows, but they also need equal attention.
a) Test each window from the driver's side panel
- Use the master control panel on the driver's door and operate all four windows. The windows should open and close without delay, shaking, or jerks. A slow movement can indicate motor or regulator issues.
b) Check from individual door switches
- Now operate the same windows from their respective door switches. If a button doesn’t respond or works only sometimes, note it down and ask for repair.
c) Look for glass alignment
- When the window goes up, observe the glass movement. It should go straight into the channel without tilting or making a grinding sound.
d) Check the auto-up/auto-down function
- If your car has a one-touch up/down feature, check if it works correctly for each window that supports it. Sometimes, this function needs resetting after transport.
e) Listen for unusual motor noise
- Power windows should make a soft whirring sound. If you hear loud motor noise or vibration, it may indicate improper fitting.
Doing a good power window test ensures you don’t face issues like stuck windows, slow movement, or failed switches after delivery.
3. Do a Detailed Car Sealing Inspection
Weather seals and rubber beading around doors and windows keep the cabin silent and protect the car from rainwater, dust, and wind noise. Checking them properly is a must.
a) Inspect the door rubber beading
- Check if the rubber is continuous, has no cuts, and sits properly in the channels. Press it lightly to see if it returns to its shape.
b) Look for gaps around the glass
- When you close the window, the sealing should touch the glass evenly. A poor seal leads to annoying hissing sounds while driving.
c) Check for loose or folded rubber
- Sometimes during transport, the rubber lining folds or comes loose from its place. You can visually spot this while doing the car sealing inspection.
d) Test with the door closed
- Sit inside the car, close all doors, and try to observe if outside light is entering through any seal gap. Light entering indicates a faulty seal.
4. Inspect the Door Handles and Locking System
Door handles and locks must work smoothly as they are used daily.
- Pull each door handle twice to check smoothness
- Check the request sensor (if available)
- Lock/unlock the car using the key fob
- Try the child lock on the rear doors
- Ensure the door doesn’t bounce back when pushed
5. Check the Window Channels and Outer Weather Strip
The outside weather strip keeps dust and water away from the door internals. Run your fingers along the window line and feel if the strip is properly fitted.
If you notice loose rubber, wavy finishing, or sharp edges, ask the dealership to replace it before delivery.
6. Inspect Sunroof (If your car has one)
Many new cars come with a sunroof, and it needs the same attention:
- Open and close the sunroof completely
- Check for smooth movement
- Ensure no cracking or rubbing noise
- Test the tilt function
- Inspect the rubber sealing around the glass
Sunroof leaks are one of the most common issues if the sealing is not perfect.
7. Take a Short Noise Test
Once you finish the physical inspection, sit inside the car and shut the doors. You should feel a good ‘thud’ sound depending on the car model. A hollow or metallic noise sometimes indicates poor insulation or loose door pads.
8. Use Professional PDI Support if Needed
If you feel unsure about inspecting these things yourself, you can choose expert help like CarVaidya, which offers detailed
Pre-Delivery Inspection services. Their team checks door alignment, window functioning, and sealing quality to ensure your new car is delivered in perfect condition.
Inspecting car doors and windows before delivery isn’t difficult, but it does demand careful attention. Spend 10–15 minutes checking alignment, running a full power window test, and doing a complete car sealing inspection. This small effort can save you from future repairs and ensure your new car feels as premium as you expect.
If something feels off, don’t hesitate to ask the dealer to fix it immediately. After all, you're taking home a new car, and it deserves to be perfect from day one.
By CarVaidya
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