The distance between the center of the front and rear tires is known as the wheelbase.It is important to know your vehicle's wheelbase in order to have the right parts installed.All you need to measure the length of your vehicle is a steel square, some chalk, and a tape measure.
Step 1: The car is less likely to roll if it is parked on a level surface.
Flat, level ground is ideal for paved driveway and garages.The best way to prevent the vehicle from rolling is to set the parking brake.It is easier to make markings on the ground when parking on a driveway.If you are measuring the length of a rail vehicle, leave the vehicle on the tracks and apply the brakes to keep it from moving.
Step 2: The wheels need to be straightened out.
Straighten your turning wheels so that they are pointed in a different direction.The front and rear tires should be parallel to each other, as well as the rest of the vehicle body.Most likely, your turning wheels are your front 2 tires.The steering wheel can be used to turn these tires.
Step 3: The door sticker for the factory is the first thing to look at.
The factory specifications for the vehicle will be included in the sticker on the inside of the driver door.Knowing this figure will allow you to compare your own measurement to the factory's and gauge whether you've taken your measurement correctly.The letter WB will be followed by a number on the sticker.The measurement will be in inches.This is the best way to get an accurate measurement if you need to know your vehicle's wheelbase in order to purchase replacement parts.
Step 4: To know where you'll measure from, identify the center of your tires.
This is where the screws hold the tire in place.The wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear tires of both road and rail vehicles, so you need to measure from one center to the other to find it.The distance between the steering wheel and the center of the driving group is known as the wheelbase.To find the points where the wheels contact the rail, look for the center of each wheel.The wheel centers are measured between these locations.
Step 5: You can align the steel square with the center of the tire by placing it on the ground.
The steel square or framing square should be placed on the ground.If you want to align it with the center of the tire, slide it along the ground.If you want to get the best results, align the long end with the center of the tire.
Step 6: The square is near the tire center.
There is a mark where the bottom of the long end meets the ground.The mark is easier to see if the steel square is removed.Don't draw it out as a line or make it too thick.It will be more difficult for you to accurately measure the wheelbase because of this.Stick to a circle no larger than 2 inch.
Step 7: The rear wheel can be used to make a second mark.
The steel square and chalk can be used to make a mark on the ground.Make sure your marks are on the same side of the vehicle.You should now have 2 marks on the ground for the steering and rearaxles.
Step 8: Measure the distance between the marks using a tape measure.
Take one end of your tape measure and put it on the mark by the steering axle and the other end at the back of the vehicle.This is the length of the vehicle.The measurement is usually recorded in inches.
Step 9: On the opposite side of the vehicle, repeat this process.
It is important to know if the wheelbase is the same on both sides of the vehicle.The rubber on your tires may be pulled off if the vehicle is longer on one side than the other.If you want your vehicle altered, you can take it to a body repair shop.