Rims are a very important part of the car because they connect the axles to the tires. In a perfect world, they would always stay in great condition.
But sometimes, something can happen and they get bent. This can cause problems with the car. A lot of our customers ask us questions about bent rims, so we put together this list of FAQs to help you out. More information can be found at zero60times.com.
What Causes A Bent Rim?
Wheels are important for a car. They help the car move. When you drive over a hole, your wheel goes into the hole. That's what makes the car stop moving.
What Happens If I Have A Bent Rim?
If a rim is not fixed in time, it can cause the tire to lose air. This makes the car use more gas and makes it hard to drive. It can also lead to a flat tire or even a blowout. This can be dangerous, especially on the highway. Bent rims can also make the car shake and make it hard to steer.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bent Rim?
The most common symptoms of a bent rim include:
- Vibration in the steering wheel
- Vibration in the seat (a sign that one of the rear rims is bent)
- Less responsive handling
- Tire scallop
- Decreased fuel economy
- A thumping sound while driving
Is It Possible To Repair A Bent Rim?
It depends on the damage to your car's rim and what kind of wheels you have.
- If you have steel wheels, and a bent rim is your only issue, you can usually have the wheel repaired.
- If you have alloy wheels, there is typically no way to repair a bent rim. Even minor bends can crack if you try to repair them, so it’s usually a good idea to just buy a replacement wheel.
If you have a bent rim, it's important to check if the wheel studs are damaged. If they are, then you will need to replace them.
Why Are Replacement OEM Rims So Expensive?
Replacing an OEM alloy wheel costs, a lot of money. You would have to pay more than you would for a single aftermarket wheel, but not as much as a set of aftermarket wheels. This is because automakers want people to buy replacement wheels from them instead of other companies.
There are a few things you can do to try and save money on a replacement OEM rim:
- You can buy a replica of the original wheel. There are a few companies that sell nearly identical replacements for the original wheel. The trouble is, they're not quite the same, and they're typically only available for popular models.
- You can buy a 'take-off' rim. This is a type of wheel that people sell when they get new ones. Sometimes you can buy just one, but not always. These wheels are sold on the internet and in stores near where you live.
First, make sure your car is safe. You can buy new rims for your car and sell the old ones as "take-offs." If you find out that a take-off rim isn't available or it costs a lot, you can sell 3 of your good wheels as take-offs. Just be sure to list them on eBay and then wait for someone to buy them. If one of the wheels sells for $200 then it will be hard to sell all 3 of them.