Three Most Common Causes of Wheel Damage

We’ve all been there. Just when you’ve thought your parking couldn’t be better, you hear that dreaded sound of your wheel scraping against the curb. The feeling that washes over you is similar to when you abruptly strike a major pothole or drive over some unexpected road debris.
Even though rims are made of metal, they are not invincible. Rims are susceptible to a variety of road dangers. The scary reality is that a bent or shattered rim can occur anytime.

While you can repair alloy wheel damage, it’s best to avoid it altogether. However, due to the poor quality of many roads, it is incredibly difficult to keep wheels in good condition.

Let’s look at the three most common causes of wheel damage.

1. The Dangers of Potholes

Potholes can become a menace on the roads, causing damage to car rims and other parts of vehicles. But, of course, the tires and suspension do their best to absorb impact. Still, even minor potholes, if hit at the right angle or with enough force, can cause a bent or cracked rim — and that’s without even considering the more extreme potholes, which may cause significant damage.

It’s essential to ensure the tires aren’t over-inflated, as this can increase the risk of structural damage. Under-inflated tires can also cause wheel damage if squeezed between potholes or curbs, resulting in bends, cracks, and flat tires.

To prevent your rims from falling victim to potholes, it’s important to inspect them for any signs of damage. In some cases, you can get away with DIY repairs, although the success of these may vary.

2. Brake Dust Coats Wheels

When you press on your car’s brakes, small amounts of brake dust coat the wheels. Over time, this black dust will burn itself into the rim, causing pitting and dulling of the wheel’s surface. It can also weaken the structural integrity of the rims.

While it’s a bit of an eyesore, you should have peace of mind knowing that you can have the issue rectified. Most rim repair shops in California offer services that can take care of this for you.

3. Beware of Curbs

Curbs are one of the most common causes of rim damage. Bumping into curbs can result in scratches, gouges, and possibly even cracks in the metal.
It’s also important to be mindful of tall curbs when parking, as the cement can grind against the paint and finish on the rims. If the damage is serious enough, chunks of the wheel may even be missing.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional rim repair shop in your area to ensure your rims remain in the best condition possible. It is important to immediately take care of any curb rash, as exposure to natural elements can lead to wheel corrosion.

We Repair All Kinds of Wheel Damage

Even the most basic wheel damage can be dangerous so keeping your wheels in good condition is essential for safety. However, knowing the signs to look out for can help you spot issues before they become significant problems.

If your suspect that your wheels have been damaged, be sure to visit us at The Wheel Guys or contact us if you have any questions regarding any of our superb services.

We’re known for providing the best in class rim repair in San Jose, and we proudly service the South Bay Area and Monterey County. Whether you need curb rash repair, wheel painting, wheel restoration, custom wheels, or any wheel and rim service, the mechanics at The Wheel Guys are your go-to team.