Bent Wheel Repair
When damage is sustained the the hull of the wheel the deformations can cause lingering and growing issues that expand outward from the wheel itself. These injuries can be caused by many different driving hazards such as potholes, debris, and curbs. If your vehicle comes into contact with these hazards it is always best to check your rims before driving again.
By understanding the importance of addressing this issue quickly you will have the knowledge to help prevent further damage. Damages like these tend to compound on each other, what once was a small issue can now have the ability to total your car. Since the very stability of your vehicle is dependent on the bent wheel repair when there is a structural issue you lose the only thing keeping your car connected to the road.
Effects of a Bent Wheel
A bent wheel can affect far more the just the look of your vehicle. It can disrupt the entire wheel assembly, affecting steering, alignment, and tire wear. Not only does it compromise the performance of your vehicle but it can also pose a safety risk. Due to these reasons, a bent wheel should never be left unaddressed if you are driving on it. These issues can also become very costly if not fixed right away.
Many times it is not the driver’s fault when the wheel gets bent. Identifying the cause of a bend can be extremely helpful in understanding the potential extent of the damage. Hitting an unseen pothole at a fast speed can cause major malformation to occur, sometimes not just limited to a single tire.
If you hit something and you notice a new vibration while driving or if your steering wheel starts to pull slightly to one side it may indicate your wheel has become bent. Also, pay attention to any new noises coming from the wheel area and if it is displayed on your conceal make sure your tire pressure is staying the same. Once you can safely park, you can step out of your vehicle and give the wheel a closer examination.
The Repair Process
If you identify a bend your next destination should be to a close repair shop with good reviews. There they can begin the repair process and possibly collect more information about the specific type and severity of the damage caused. Typically there are 3 standard methods a technician might use.
These include straightening out the wheel by applying force to reshape the metal, welding if necessary if the damage has split the metal in some way, and balancing the wheels once again everything is realigned. Through these processes, your wheel has a chance to have a second life.
While there are many experienced people in this field there are certain times when a wheel would not be considered safe to drive on even if repairs are made. This only happens when the damage is too deep or too complete for a technician to repair it with the tools at his disposal. In these circumstances, your technician may refer you to different replacement options that you can choose from that fit your budget and timeline.
Costs
Cost can vary depending on the material of the bent wheel repair, the damage sustained, shop you decided you trust to repair it. While it is more budget-friendly to repair, if a replacement is needed you should be able to order the part with the shop and have them retrofit it. Getting Multiple quotes from different repair shops can also help save you money as not all shops price repairs the same.
Conclusion
Wheel and rim replacement may seem complex at first but once you break down the logistics it becomes a lot more manageable. You should always prioritize the safety of yourself and others by making timely repairs. Your future self will thank you when your car is still working smoothly for years to come.