Wheel damage is a common occurrence for most vehicles and one of the main causes of roadside accidents. It may occur when you least expect it, so you must be prepared for any instance. If left unfixed, your wheels could be your undoing. One wrong turn and a few skid marks are all it could take.

Here are several kinds of wheel damage to watch out for, and some possible fixes for you to try. Overall, it is strongly recommended to see trained mechanics for a complete assessment of your vehicle.

Bent Wheels

When you hit any curbs or obstructions on the road, it could cause bent wheels. Your rubber tyres take in most of the impact, often leaving a dent. This will often occur with vehicles that don’t have durable tyres. Bent wheels are very dangerous as they could cause leaks, leading to instant flat tyres.

At best, it could leave you with permanent, uneven tyres. Say goodbye to smooth drives and hello to rocky roads. This is still detrimental to you, as this may infect the structural integrity of your vehicle’s inner workings. At worst, your car could spin out on a highway. 

Curb Rash

Curb Rashes typically occur when your vehicles accidentally bump up against elevated curbs in the road. This may be due to a number of things, for instance driving with a flat tyre or while attempting to parallel park. Your tyres’ protective seal may get scratched, leaving marks on the metal.

It won’t damage much of your car’s overall structure, so this type of wheel damage is not so severe. However, you will still need to replace your wheel immediately to avoid further damages and the risk of an accident.

Cracked Wheels

You will most likely get cracked wheels from the impact of stationary objects on the road. Much like the bent wheel, it is affected by damage taken to the rim. Although sturdy, the lightness of wheels may leave their metal alloys susceptible to cracks. 

Depending on the manufacturer, there will even be rare cases wherein the alloy cracks without any external force. The chances of this are slim, but you can never be too careful.

Classifications of Wheel Damage

These three forms of wheel damage fall into two classifications. The urgency of seeing a professional mechanic for assessment will depend on the classification of your wheel damage. It will also determine how repairable the damage is.

Cosmetic Damage

Cosmetic damage is damage done to the outer appearance of your vehicle. This may be in the form of cracks, scuffs, scratches or anything that needs refinishing or sanding. These types of damage should be easily repairable.

Structural Damage

On the other hand, structural damage will take a lot more work. It is damage caused to the wheel or rim that, as its name implies, will affect its overall structure. For these kinds of damage, your technician will need to perform complicated processes like welding or reshaping, to repair this completely.

Depending on the weight of the damage, there is a slim chance for any structural damages to be repaired.

Conclusion

It’s always good practice to monitor your vehicle for any signs of wheel damage. Preventing any from occurring will save you the time and resources for fixing. Nevertheless, it’s best to see trained professionals for a better idea on the subject.

For complete protection on the road, you can trust East Coast Coatings. We provide a number of services, from alloy wheel refurbishment to tyre replacement. Consult with us today!