Signs That You're Due for Wheel Repair
When your vehicle's wheels show signs of damage, immediate wheel repair is essential for both safety and performance. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to tire blowouts, loss of vehicle control, and costly repairs to other components. The experienced technicians at Peruzzi Collision Center help drivers identify and address wheel damage before it leads to more serious problems. Here’s what to look for.
Visible Damage
The most obvious signs your wheels need professional repair include visible cracks, bends, or chips in the rim. Even small cracks can expand under pressure and lead to sudden tire failure. Bent wheels, often caused by hitting potholes or curbs, create an uneven surface that prevents proper tire sealing.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wheel-related failures contribute to thousands of accidents annually. Scratches and scuffs may seem insignificant, but they could indicate hidden underlying issues that will weaken the wheel's structural integrity over time.
Performance Issues
Vibrations while driving often indicate wheel damage that isn't immediately visible to the naked eye. If your steering wheel shakes at highway speeds or your vehicle pulls to one side, damaged wheels could be the culprit behind these handling issues. Unusual tire wear patterns also suggest underlying wheel problems, as bent or cracked wheels prevent even tire contact with the road surface.
These performance issues worsen over time and can damage other vehicle components like suspension systems, wheel bearings, and brake components. What starts as minor wheel damage can cascade into expensive repairs throughout your vehicle's systems, so it’s important to address these issues promptly.