Although wheels are made of high-strength materials, such as steel and cast aluminum, it’s not uncommon for a wheel to become bent due to impact damage. Often, the damage results from hitting a large pothole or making contact with a curb.
If your car’s wheels become significantly bent somehow, you’ll likely notice one or more undesirable symptoms that you’ll want to address right away.
Common Symptoms of a Bent Wheel or Rim
Do you think one of your vehicle’s wheels might be bent? In many cases, you won’t be able to tell whether a rim is bent just by looking at it. But if you notice one or more of the following symptoms, a bent wheel could be the problem.
Note: Many other problems can mimic a bent wheel. You (or your mechanic) should perform a thorough diagnosis before performing any repairs.
Vibration While Driving
The most common symptom associated with a bent wheel is a low-frequency vibration within a certain speed range while driving. Typically, a bent front wheel will cause a vibration in the steering wheel, whereas a bent rear wheel will cause a vibration that’s felt in the seat or throughout the entire vehicle.
Abnormal Tire Tread Wear
A bent wheel can cause the tire to shake and make uneven contact with the road, eventually causing abnormal tread wear. Often, the problem leads to patchy tread or flat spots that originate at the center of the tire. Excessive wear to the outer tread is also possible because a bent wheel can lead to a loss of tire pressure.
Poor Handling
As you might guess, a bent wheel that’s causing the tire to shake can result in poor handling.
Assessing the Rim’s Condition
To diagnose a bent rim on your own, check for gaps between the straightedge and the wheel’s surface.
You can also try spinning the tire while the vehicle’s jacked. Wobbling or any irregular wheel movement can indicate a bent rim.
Of course, the safest route for non-DIYers is to seek professional help from a trusted auto shop to confirm whether or not a rim is bent.
FAQ
Whether a bent rim requires replacement or repair will depend on the location of the bend and the extent of the damage. It’s a good idea to check with a professional who specializes in fixing wheels to see if repair is an option.
Either way, the rim will have to be detached from the rest of the vehicle.
If a bent rim can be fixed, the cost of repair will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of wheel and the extent of the damage. You can usually expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $400 to get the job done by a professional.
You should not continue to drive on a bent rim because the problem can have a negative impact on the way your vehicle handles. Furthermore, a bent wheel can cause the tire to lose air pressure, increasing the chance of a flat tire or tire failure. It’s a good idea to address a bent wheel right away to help keep your car safe and comfortable.
How to Get a Quality Replacement Rim
A bent rim can cause vibrations while you’re driving, abnormal tread wear, and poor handling—making it risky to drive. The good news is you don’t have to put up with all these symptoms for too long if you get a top-notch replacement rim from CarParts.com.
Find what you need and check out securely in minutes when you shop online at CarParts.com. Simply input your ride’s exact details into our easy-to-use vehicle selector. Then, choose from our excellent selection of wheel rims sourced from the best aftermarket brands in the industry.
All our wheel rims are made of premium materials, so you can be sure you’re choosing among the best possible rim replacements for your ride. Order today, and get your new rim replacement in just a few days. Got some questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly round-the-clock customer service team.
Shopping for quality rims has never been this quick and hassle-free. Shop now and enjoy the best deals on aftermarket rims.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
