Bent tyre rims are one of the most common car problems. They occur due to several reasons and affect the performance of the vehicle. That said, it is essential to identify this problem at an early stage before it causes any major inconveniences.
We have gathered the details of the symptoms, causes and fixes of the bent tyre rim to help you detect and eliminate the issue promptly
Symptoms of a Bent Tyre Rim
A bent tyre rim deterioration can put vehicle safety at risk. It can cause the wheel to pinch or pop, resulting in a blowout. Therefore it is important to have a basic understanding of how to diagnose an affected tyre rim. Here are the top signs that you must be able to identify.
Tyre Keeps Deflating
If you notice your car tyre keeps losing pressure, it might be due to a bent rim. One of the reasons for a flat tyre is the separation of the rim from the airtight seal around the tyre. As a result, the air leaks causing the tyre to deflate.
Also, there will be visible damage to your wheels such as scratches or abrasions. You can remove hubcaps to see any deformation on the wheel.
Shaky Steering
When an uneven tyre hits the road, it causes a bump in the ride. These noises will pick up momentum when you accelerate. An unbalanced tyre causes constant vibration and shaking in the steering wheel column and seats.
Difficulty in Controlling the Car
When a tyre rim is bent or damaged, it becomes difficult to control your vehicle. This causes a change in the tire pressure which impacts the steering of the car. The vehicle will swerve and jostle around easily. You will notice a thumping sound in your car if it has a bent tyre rim.
Extreme Pulling to One Side
When your car pulls to one side, it indicates a misalignment of the wheels. In case of a damaged tyre rim, the car will pull towards one side.
A Decrease in Fuel Economy
When air escapes from a tyre, the car’s engine uses more energy to move the damaged wheel. This leads to bad fuel consumption in the case of misshaped tyres.
Now that we know what are the symptoms of a bent tyre rim, here’s what causes it and how you can fix it.
Causes of a Bent Tyre Rim
A tyre rim can be affected by several factors. From driving over uneven surfaces to basic car maintenance mistakes, the tyre rims can be affected, compromising vehicle safety.
Here are the common causes of bent tyre rims.
Driving Over Potholes
There are several reasons to avoid driving over potholes since it significantly impacts the car’s structure. Since the tyres are in direct contact with the road, the impact causes deformation and deflation. The car wheel can easily be cracked and dented, leading to less stability of the vehicle.
Underinflated Tyres
It is important that the car tyres have the appropriate inflation. If not, driving over uneven roads with underinflated tyres causes the rim to bend. The impact of bumps, pebbles and ruts results in the deformation of the tyre.
Corrosion
The constant exposure to oxygen causes the rims to corrode. The corrosion leads to the deterioration of the metal, weakening its strength. The process gradually increases with time, however, it must be inspected at the earliest to avoid any further damage.
Curb Damage
Wheels can be damaged when the vehicle is parked along tall curbs. Curbs grind the paint job and put dents in the metal. Sharp turns also cause the tyre rims to bend.
Fixes for a Bent Tyre Rim
In case your car has a bent tyre rim, it is advised to seek professional assistance at the earliest. Also, the possibility of the rim replacement depends on the damage extent. If the damage is severe, the rim must be replaced. There are several shops to buy rims in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates that you can go to.
However, if it is a minor bending, you can fix it at home with the help of basic tools. Here’s how you can do it:
- To search for bends or rents, look inside the wheel or roll it. The direction of the movement will differ in case of any deformation.
- Once the bent is found, heat it carefully with a blowtorch.
- Now place a curved piece of wood over the bend.
- Hammer the wood piece on the bend to restore its shape. However, excess hammering can damage the rim and crack it.
In the case of steel wheels, the damage can not be fixed. However, alloy wheels can be repaired but the durability of the wheels won’t be restored.
That is all on the causes and symptoms of bent tyre rims. Although it may seem like a common car tyre problem, it can develop into a dangerous one with time. In case you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, make sure to get the tyre repaired or replaced.
Early action would help to retain the integrity of the car’s safety and prevent any unwanted consequences. Therefore, if you drive a new or a used car in the UAE and identify a bent tyre rim, make sure to get it fixed immediately.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s Auto Blog for more information on car problems and their solutions.
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