3 Signs You’re Driving on a Bent Rim
Posted April 15, 2016
A bent rim may seem like a minor issue, but ignoring one for too long can be dangerous and expensive down the road. Sometimes the problem will be obvious. If not, do a quick mental rundown of your driving history. Have you hit any curbs, major potholes, or been in an accident recently? If so, it’s worth checking out your rims.
Here are a few telltale signs that you’re driving on a bent rim:
Bent rim sign #1: the vibration symptom
Feel for vibration. If your steering wheel rattles, you probably have a tire issue at the front of your car. However, if you sense vibration in your seat, check out the rear. This is a subtle sign. Many other problems, besides a bent rim, can cause vibration. But it’s important to watch for after diving into a pothole or bumping a curb.
Bent rim sign #2: Your car doesn’t handle like it used to
Are you having more trouble than usual controlling your vehicle? You may find that you’re taking corners slower. If your steering isn’t like it used to be, that’s a sign to get your undercarriage checked out.A bent rim often affects the pressure on your tires and your ability to handle your vehicle. The longer you ignore it, the more likely you’ll experience dangerous or costly tire issues.
Bent rim sign #3: Something doesn’t look right
A bent rim can be obvious to the trained eye. The rim rests on the outer edge of your tire and maintains the air seal between your tire and your wheel. As a result, the affected part is visibly bent away from the tire, breaking the flush seal.If you have alloy rims, you’ll see this right away. For a steel rim with a hubcap, you can remove the hubcap itself.
If your vehicle is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional. At best, an untreated bent rim can cause tires to leak air over time. At worst, you’re looking at a flat tire or a blowout. These are dangerous and costly consequences — and ones that could otherwise be avoided.
When in doubt, stop by Veenstra’s Garage today for your 22-point inspection. We can give you the peace of mind that you’re driving safely on the road.