Alloy wheels are an important part of your vehicle, contributing to its appearance as well as its performance on the road. But when damage occurs, how serious is it, and when does a cosmetic issue become something that needs professional attention?
In this article, we explore what happens if you ignore damaged alloy wheels, warning signs to look out for, and why Miles Better Vehicle Solutions is a trusted choice for alloy wheel repair and refurbishment in Woking.
Key Takeaways
- Common causes of alloy wheel damage include kerbing, potholes, road debris, minor collisions, and general wear and corrosion. Damage can range from cosmetic scuffs and scratches to more significant issues affecting the wheel’s condition.
- Ignoring damaged alloy wheels can lead to worsening damage, slow tyre pressure loss, changes in handling, strain on other vehicle components, and potentially higher repair costs.
- Miles Better Vehicle Solutions provides expert alloy wheel repair and refurbishment in Woking, with 20 years of experience, BSI 10125 accreditation, and specialist diamond-cut refurbishment.
What Causes Alloy Wheel Damage?
Alloy wheels can become damaged for a variety of reasons, from everyday driving incidents to more significant impacts. While some damage may be limited to the surface of the wheel, other impacts can affect its shape or structural integrity. Common causes include:
- Kerbing and scraping against pavements: One of the most common causes of alloy wheel damage is catching the edge of a kerb when parking or manoeuvring. This can leave behind scuffs, scratches, and gouges, especially around the outer edge of the wheel.
- Potholes: Hitting a pothole, particularly at speed, can subject an alloy wheel to a significant impact. Depending on the severity, this can result in dents, buckling, or other damage to the wheel, while the tyre and surrounding components may also be affected.
- Road debris and obstacles: Objects such as loose stones, debris, or other obstacles in the road can strike the wheel unexpectedly. The resulting impact can cause anything from cosmetic marks and scratches to more substantial damage.
- Minor collisions: Even a relatively low-speed collision can damage an alloy wheel, particularly if the wheel makes contact with another vehicle, a kerb, or another object during the impact. The damage may not always be immediately obvious, especially when the impact appears minor at the time.
- General wear and corrosion: Over time, exposure to moisture, road salt, dirt, and other environmental factors can contribute to corrosion and deterioration of the wheel’s finish. While this may initially be cosmetic, leaving corrosion untreated can affect the condition of the alloy, as well as its appearance.
What Happens If You Ignore a Damaged Alloy Wheel?
Depending on the nature of the alloy wheel damage, continuing to drive without addressing it can have wider implications for your vehicle. But what exactly can happen when damage is left unchecked? From the potential for existing damage to worsen to issues that may affect your tyres and handling, there are several factors to consider.
1. The Damage Could Get Worse
It can be tempting to leave a damaged alloy wheel alone if the initial damage appears minor, but continued use can expose the wheel to further impacts and stresses. Existing damage may become more pronounced through everyday driving, particularly when the vehicle encounters potholes, uneven road surfaces, or further kerb impacts.
This does not mean that every scuff or scratch will inevitably worsen, but visible damage should not automatically be assumed to remain unchanged. Where a wheel has been dented, buckled, or otherwise affected by a significant impact, continued driving without addressing the issue could potentially lead to further damage.
2. You Could Develop a Slow Tyre Pressure Loss
Damage to the edge of an alloy wheel can affect the seal between the wheel and the tyre, potentially allowing air to escape gradually. This can result in a slow loss of tyre pressure that may be easy to miss if the tyre only needs occasional top-ups. If you find yourself repeatedly adding air to the same tyre, alloy wheel damage could be contributing to the problem.
3. It Could Affect Your Car’s Handling
More severe wheel damage can also affect how your vehicle feels and behaves on the road. A bent or buckled alloy wheel may contribute to changes in handling, most noticeably at higher speeds, and there are several warning signs to be aware of:
- Vibrations through the steering wheel: A damaged or buckled wheel can cause noticeable vibrations, which may become more apparent as speed increases.
- Pulling or wandering: Changes in a wheel’s condition or shape can affect how the vehicle tracks on the road.
- Changes in steering feel: You may notice that the steering feels different from usual, particularly following an impact with a pothole or kerb.
- Uneven tyre wear: Wheel damage can sometimes contribute to uneven contact between the tyre and road, which may result in unusual or uneven wear.
Did You Know? TyreSafe, a UK-registered charity dedicated to promoting tyre safety, highlights the importance of maintaining tyres and wheels in good condition, as damage can affect tyre performance, handling, and overall road safety.
4. It Could Put Additional Strain on Other Components
A major impact can transmit force beyond the alloy wheel itself, particularly when the wheel has been struck heavily by a pothole, kerb, or other obstacle. Depending on the severity and location of the impact, components such as the suspension and steering system can also be affected, while the vehicle’s wheel alignment may be altered.
This means the visible damage to the alloy may not tell the whole story. An impact that leaves a wheel dented or buckled could also have affected components behind it, even when there is no obvious external damage.
5. A Small Repair Could Become a Bigger Expense
It can be tempting to put off repairing an alloy wheel when the damage appears minor, particularly if the vehicle is still driving normally. However, leaving damage unchecked can allow an existing issue to develop further, potentially resulting in additional repair work and greater costs.
Addressing damage at an early stage can therefore make it easier to identify the appropriate repair and reduce the risk of further damage developing.
Also read: How Minor Accidents Can Lead to Major Vehicle Issues if Left Unrepaired
Can a Damaged Alloy Wheel Be Repaired?
Whether a damaged alloy wheel can be repaired depends on several factors. A professional assessment will consider:
- Type of damage: Surface scuffs and scratches may require a different approach to dents, buckling, or other forms of damage.
- Location of the damage: Where the damage is located on the wheel can influence the appropriate repair method.
- Severity: The extent of the damage will help determine whether repair is suitable or whether replacement should be considered.
- Structural condition: The wheel must remain structurally sound for repair to be an appropriate option.
- Condition of the tyre: Where the wheel has suffered an impact, the tyre should also be checked for any associated damage.
Some alloy wheel damage can be successfully repaired and refurbished, while severely damaged wheels may require replacement. This is why it is important not to assume that a damaged wheel is either safe to continue using or automatically beyond repair.
A professional assessment can establish the extent of the damage and help determine the most appropriate solution for the individual wheel.
Also read: Top Signs Your Car Tyres Need Replacing
Alloy Wheel Refurbishment & Repair from Miles Better Vehicle Solutions
If you believe your alloy wheels have suffered damage, our experts at Miles Better Vehicle Solutions can assess their condition and advise on the most appropriate solution.
When you choose us for alloy wheel refurbishment in Woking, you can benefit from:
- 20 years of experience: We have been helping customers with vehicle repairs and maintenance for two decades.
- BSI 10125 accreditation: Our repair standards are supported by BSI 10125 accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to recognised vehicle repair standards.
- Diamond-cut refurbishment: We can provide specialist refurbishment for diamond-cut wheels, helping to restore their distinctive finish.
- Experienced technicians: Our team has the knowledge and practical experience to assess different types of alloy wheel damage and determine the most appropriate solution.
- A wider range of vehicle services: Alongside alloy wheel repairs and refurbishment, we provide other services, including vehicle bodywork, end of lease car repairs, servicing, and wheel alignment in Woking.
Whether your wheels have picked up a few kerb marks or suffered more significant damage, we can assess the condition of your alloy wheels and advise on the best course of action.
Got damaged alloy wheels? Get in touch with our friendly team at Miles Better Vehicle Solutions, body shop Woking, to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help.