Wheel Damage From a Car Accident
If you've been in a car accident, wheel damage may be the least noticeable problem you encounter. Nevertheless, tires and wheels are your vehicle's first line of defense while on the road and your safety depends on their reliable operation. Experts agree that there are times when you can safely repair your car's wheels but other times when they should be replaced. The problem is knowing which choice to make based on the amount of damage.
The Facts of Damaged Wheels or Rims
Most vehicles on the road today have cast aluminum alloy wheels however some cars still have steel rims with hub caps or decorative face plates. Alloy products cost more but look and perform better than steel. Steel rims are more durable and less expensive than alloy products, but are cosmetically less desirable. Alloys are prone to cosmetic damage and are more likely to bend or crack in an accident than steel rims. Steel rims can successfully endure a much greater force than alloy but cannot generally be repaired. In many cases, alloy wheels can be repaired successfully and restored to factor levels of safe operation.
The Hidden Wheel Damage You May Not See
There are cases when wheels appear to be fine (or to have suffered only cosmetic damage) but they actually have latent or hidden damage. This is especially true if tires suffer a side blow or an impact hard enough to separate them from the vehicle, but latent damage can also occur simply from hitting a curb or pothole. Dents or deep scrapes can indicate the potential for hidden problems, however damage can exist without these indications as well. The most common hidden damage lies with wheel bearings, which may not show up for some time.
Should Wheels be Repaired or Replaced after an Accident?
In many cases, wheel damage can be repaired but, unless the damage is purely cosmetic, you should not attempt your own repair. An auto body technician evaluates damage levels only after first thoroughly cleaning away all brake dust and dirt, then checking for cracks, breaks, bends or warping. If the wheel is warped at the center or hub, or if it is cracked in multiple locations, it likely cannot be repaired. Most experts lean toward replacement if there is any doubt about safely repairing the rim; however, if you have specialty rims or a style that has been discontinued, it may be necessary to attempt repair where replacement might otherwise be preferable. Repair technicians use various combinations of vibration, heat and pressure to restore correct wheel shape then complete the necessary cosmetic finishes.
Whether your vehicle has been in a major auto accident or a minor tangle with a pothole, it's always wise to have your wheels evaluated by a trained professional. Auto body repair shops can evaluate your rims and make recommendations regarding repair or replacement. Wheel damage of any kind poses a safety risk to you and your passengers and should be evaluated as quickly as possible.
The Facts of Damaged Wheels or Rims
Most vehicles on the road today have cast aluminum alloy wheels however some cars still have steel rims with hub caps or decorative face plates. Alloy products cost more but look and perform better than steel. Steel rims are more durable and less expensive than alloy products, but are cosmetically less desirable. Alloys are prone to cosmetic damage and are more likely to bend or crack in an accident than steel rims. Steel rims can successfully endure a much greater force than alloy but cannot generally be repaired. In many cases, alloy wheels can be repaired successfully and restored to factor levels of safe operation.
The Hidden Wheel Damage You May Not See
There are cases when wheels appear to be fine (or to have suffered only cosmetic damage) but they actually have latent or hidden damage. This is especially true if tires suffer a side blow or an impact hard enough to separate them from the vehicle, but latent damage can also occur simply from hitting a curb or pothole. Dents or deep scrapes can indicate the potential for hidden problems, however damage can exist without these indications as well. The most common hidden damage lies with wheel bearings, which may not show up for some time.
Should Wheels be Repaired or Replaced after an Accident?
In many cases, wheel damage can be repaired but, unless the damage is purely cosmetic, you should not attempt your own repair. An auto body technician evaluates damage levels only after first thoroughly cleaning away all brake dust and dirt, then checking for cracks, breaks, bends or warping. If the wheel is warped at the center or hub, or if it is cracked in multiple locations, it likely cannot be repaired. Most experts lean toward replacement if there is any doubt about safely repairing the rim; however, if you have specialty rims or a style that has been discontinued, it may be necessary to attempt repair where replacement might otherwise be preferable. Repair technicians use various combinations of vibration, heat and pressure to restore correct wheel shape then complete the necessary cosmetic finishes.
Whether your vehicle has been in a major auto accident or a minor tangle with a pothole, it's always wise to have your wheels evaluated by a trained professional. Auto body repair shops can evaluate your rims and make recommendations regarding repair or replacement. Wheel damage of any kind poses a safety risk to you and your passengers and should be evaluated as quickly as possible.
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