Rims ensure your vehicle is moving on the road trouble-free as it is primarily responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the car. Many vehicle owners take good care of their cars and drive carefully. But compromising road conditions can make your efforts in vain. In Houston, there are some areas where the roads are not up to the mark, and the rims have to bear the brunt of it. If you drive on such roads regularly, several issues in the rims may surface which can include bends and cracked rims. In such conditions, it is always advisable to have them checked with a professional. Nevertheless, whether it is a bend or a crack here are the essential points you should know before going for Houston rim repair service.
Primary causes of cracked and bent rims
Potholes and road hazards are often the main reasons leading to rim damage. When your vehicle hits a pothole it exerts immense pressure on the wheels which can lead to cracks. It is very evident in alloy wheels which are more prone to damage than the steel variants. Corrosion is another factor that occurs naturally on rims. The vehicle is naturally exposed to moisture, salt, and various chemicals which eventually weaken the structure of the rims. Gradually, it makes the rim to become vulnerable to cracking under pressure.
Often vehicle owners commit the mistake of driving with over-inflated tires. Then there are some people who tend to put excessive stress on the wheels. When rims experience such loads that are beyond their capacity they can become weak and break over time. Next, although it happens rarely, some rims may have manufacturing defects which can lead to premature cracks. Thus, it is always feasible to get the rims checked with the manufacturer’s website. In such cases, the manufacturer recalls such faulty rims and replaces them.
The perils of driving with a damaged rim
Earlier, it was mentioned here, that driving with a damaged rim can be dangerous. It can worsen the bend or cracks in the rim ultimately leading to a complete failure, such as the wheel breaking apart. Understandably, it can lead to fatal accidents. Moreover, when you drive with a damaged rim, it will not let you gain complete control of the vehicle, especially when you are driving at high speeds. Damages in rims can also lead to multiple tire problems. The sharp edges of a crack for instance can puncture the tire resulting in a flat tire or in the worst-case scenario a blowout. Lastly, compromised rims can also affect the performance of your vehicle’s alignment. Even if the damage is not widespread, it can still lead to uneven tire wear and a less comfortable ride.
Rim repair options
- Cosmetic damages in the form of scratches can be conveniently repaired. Many vehicle owners prefer performing the repair work themselves. However, when the damage is extensive like bents or cracks, it requires professional intervention. Here are the available options in such cases:
- Welding the crack: Welding is the most common repair method for a cracked rim. Skilled technicians can efficiently weld the crack to restore the integrity of the rim. At first, they clean the area around the crack thoroughly intending to get rid of dirt, paint, and corrosion. Then they use specialized equipment to weld the crack and fill up the broken area. Once the welding is finished, they sand down the rim and refinish it to ensure it is smooth and balanced. Remember, although welding seems to be the most suitable option for small crack repairs on alloy wheels, not all cracks can be safely repaired by it. Experts would make the final call on this.
- Bend repair: Bent rims can be repaired with a straightening procedure. Here again, the expert technicians make use of specialized equipment to overcome the bend and regain its earlier shape.
- Minor crack repairs: Auto shops would use procedures such as grinding the crack and applying a strong adhesive to address minor cracks. They can also use a combo of welding and refinishing to restore the rim.
Rim replacement
In some cases, the damage to the rim might be too extensive and it is beyond repairs. Even if they repair it, it would only be a temporary solution and the issue may surface soon. It happens especially when the crack or bend is in a critical area, such as the hub or spoke. In such cases, rim replacement is the only option. Although more expensive than repair, you have no other options as a cracked or bent rim can risk the safety of your car. Replacing them with new ones ensures safety and long-term reliability.
Determining if a rim can be repaired
As mentioned earlier, not all cracked rim are repairable, and is essential to get an expert opinion. Remember these points that determine whether a rim can be safely repaired:
Size and location: Cracks along the lip or rim may be repairable. However, cracks along the spokes and hub are very critical and are not worthy of repairs.
Wheel material: Aluminum alloy wheels are more likely to crack and can be repaired via welding. Steel wheels are harder to repair when they develop cracks, in such cases, a replacement is the best option.
Age and condition of the rim: If the rim has already sustained multiple cracks before and sports significant corrosion repairing it again would not only be cost-effective it won’t be safe either.
Safeguarding rim damage
- Prevention is better than cure, so we can do our bit to minimize the need for rim repair. Here are some ways to reduce the risking the rim:
- You do not have any control over the road conditions, when you notice potholes or drive through a rough terrain you should not drive at high speed.
- Make regular inspections of your wheels for signs of cracks, corrosion, or other possible damages after the vehicle has hit something on the road.
- Ensure the tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure, as mentioned before, over or under-inflated tires can put excessive stress on the rims leading them to sustain damages.
- Lastly, avoid overloading the vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s weight recommendations.
By following the above guidelines, you can minimize rim-related problems.
