Your car is one of your most precious investments, so it makes sense to pay extra attention to it. Delaying the depreciation of your vehicle involves keeping it in as pristine of a condition as possible, but this goes far beyond preserving its shimmering paint and preventing it from getting scuffed or dented. Your wheel rims deserve just as much care as they hold the tyres in place while helping with handling.
Although wheel rims are sturdy, they don’t last forever as they are subject to damage and wear and tear. Here’s what you need to know about rim wear, the signs of rim trouble, and how to choose wheel rim replacements:
The Importance of Rims
Your wheel rims act as a solid, sturdy base to mount your tyres while providing them with leverage. A top-quality rim effectively reduces friction and handling while helping with gas mileage, helping your wheels do their job of adding cushioning to your vehicle.
Your car’s rims should be in excellent shape so that your tyres fit on them properly and don’t leak air. Previously, tyres used a tube to contain the air, held with a casing to protect it. However, all of today’s tyres are tubeless, so it’s vital to get a tight seal with your rim. Additionally, if your rim is cracked, your entire wheel may break apart.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Wheel Rims
If your tyre cannot store air for a long time, that indicates you have trouble with your rims. However, if you can’t find any punctures in your tyre and the valve stem doesn’t show any signs of a leak, your rims may be worn or out-of-round. You’ll find this happening when filling up your tyre, only to have it deflate overnight or after driving for a few hours.
Another sign you need to replace your rim is if you feel a vibration in your steering wheel. However, some wheel and suspension problems result in this sensation, so you’ll need to have your suspension inspected along with your wheels. You may also start experiencing a drift or pull in one direction, like an alignment issue. A scalloped wear pattern on your tyres is also a sign you’ll need to replace your rims right away.
Any time your rims are damaged, cannot hold air, or lead to braking and handling problems means you need to replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, your worn or broken rim may result in a sudden blowout even when the damage seems minor.
When Do Rims Get Damaged?
The most common way your rims get damaged is when you hit an object or a deep pothole. However, if you have a habit of rubbing against or bumping the kerb when parking, your rims may also bend and become damaged. Road salts can also eat at your rims, along with age and heavy use, as rims are also subject to wear over time.
How to Choose New Rims
The best way to choose new rims is to pick the most similar ones to your current rims. While you can choose to replace your rim with one from a manufacturer or an aftermarket equivalent, it’s best to consult a mechanic to receive expert advice.
Replacing your rims is also an opportunity to give your car a unique look through custom-made rims. You can even slightly upsize or downsize your rims to achieve a specific look and handling. Regardless of what you choose, ensure that your rims and tyres are in good condition because they play a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle’s safety.
Conclusion
Wheel rims do more than make your car look elegant. They do the important job of holding your tyres in place and reducing friction and handling. If you find a problem with any of your wheels, be sure to bring your vehicle to the shop for repair right away.
Wicked Rims is a professional wheel refurbishment company that can help your wheels look wicked. We can refresh the paint on scuffed wheels, change the colour, conduct a wheel repair, and more. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you!