When you are driving down the road, you likely don’t think about your vehicle’s wheels and rims twice. However, the only thing restraining each tire is two continuous elevated strips of metal on each side of the wheel (the rims), with the right pressure behind it.
Sometimes, just from a minor impact or normal wear and tear, the rims can bend. With a bent rim, your tire can become unrestrained, which is problematic. But how do you know if you have a bent rim? Is it safe to drive on it, and what will it cost to fix?
Wheel vs Rim
Although many use the words wheel and rim interchangeably, they are not referring to the same thing. The rim is a part of the wheel. The wheel is the entire metal part of the assembly, while the rim describes the outermost edges on either side of the wheel.
The rim only holds the tire when you install it; the rim holds the tire for you when you drive. A rim is a small part of a wheel, and a bent rim would present different symptoms from a bent part of the wheel.
Signs You Have a Bent Rim
If you have a bent rim, there are a few different signs that help to highlight that suspicion. The following are five things to look for if you suspect that your vehicle has a bent rim.
#1. Excessive Vibrations/Shaking.
Having a bent rim will throw off the weight and balance of the wheel, and the faster you go, the more you will feel it. And, the faster you go, the more you are likely to feel the vehicle vibrate and shake, which can interfere with the overall steering and handling of the vehicle.
#2. Visible Damage.
Sometimes you don’t need much more information than just visually seeing that the rim looks horrible! You may observe scuffs, scratches, cracks, or just an overall curvature to the rim that is not supposed to be there.
Even if you aren’t paying that much attention to the performance of your vehicle, this may be the first symptom you notice.
Regardless of whether you actively notice a bunch of other performance problems, if you see a bent rim, you should fix it. A bent rim can go from not causing problems to completely throwing the entire tire off the rim if you hit the worst pothole or bump.
#3. Unusual Treadwear.
If you had a bent rim for a long enough time, you may observe a difference in treadwear. The uneven weight from the bent rim will vibrate while driving, and these vibrations will make a big difference in the way the tread is worn down.
You may observe extreme treadwear relative to the tire on the other rim, or you could have patches (inner or outer) on a tire that are wearing down faster than the rest.
#4. Decreased Braking Performance.
If your tire isn’t spinning evenly, it will also throw the equal applying of the brakes off of how your vehicle stops.
This can not only increase your stopping distance when you hit the brakes, but if you hit them hard enough or fast enough could even pull your vehicle in one direction and lose control of the vehicle.
#5. Constant Tire Pressure Loss.
When everything is sitting and working the way it is supposed to, your tire is sitting against the edge of the rim, and a bead forms that will hold all the air inside the tire. A bent rim can form a small gap in the bead so air can escape, and your tire pressure light may come on.
Depending upon the size of the gap, it can determine how fast the air leaks, but either way, it is a problem you need to address as soon as you can.
Bent Rim vs Unbalanced Tire
While a bent rim and an unbalanced tire may show similar symptoms, they are two very different problems, with two very different solutions. Bent rims are actual damage to the rim. Unbalanced tires come from different weights on the tires.
When putting tires on the wheels, you have to do a balance on the tire by putting weight in certain spots so there aren’t vibrations and shaking when driving at higher speeds.
What Causes a Bent Rim?
The most common cause of a bent rim is any kind of impact to the wheel. Whether its driving into a curb, hitting a large pothole, or something hitting the rim.
You may think that if a bent rim occurs, it was an impact that caused it, but sometimes, even the smallest of impacts can lead to a bent rim.
Additionally, if you have an older vehicle, the internal structure of the rim can degrade over time. Eventually, if you have enough trips over potholes or speed bumps, the rim will eventually bend and deform.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Bent Rim?
No. While it may be all right to drive on a bent rim, you run the risk of losing air pressure quickly or having the tire slip off the bead altogether. The rim is there to help seal the tire; therefore, however damaged the rim is, it is going to be less effective at its job.
The last thing you want while driving down the road is to lose a tire and lose control of the vehicle, so don’t drive with a bent rim!
Can You Repair a Bent Rim?
In most scenarios, a certified repair shop can fix a bent rim rather than have you replace the whole wheel. However, it always depends on how bent the rim is.
If the tire is still on the rim and holding air pressure, or it has only lost a little air pressure, it may be fixable by a repair shop.
If you cannot get the tire on the rim anymore or there is damage to different parts of the wheel, the repair shop will probably suggest replacing the whole wheel.
How Much Will it Cost to Repair a Bent Rim?
The amount you will pay to repair a bent rim will depend on a lot of different factors. You will need to factor in how bent the rim is, but you also will need to factor in what type of rim you are repairing.
With that being said, the cost to repair a bent rim generally ranges from $75 and $300. While that might seem expensive to repair a bent rim, it is a good deal compared to paying to replace a wheel.
Depending on what size of the wheel, the functionality of the wheel, and the quality of the wheel you are looking to buy, expect to pay for a new wheel anywhere from $150 to $500 (and sometimes more). Sometimes finding a match is the hardest part, especially with aftermarket wheels.
As a final budget note on the costs to fix a bent rim, remember that it is just about getting the rim back to the right shape. If there is damage to a powder-coated or Plasti Dip rim, remember to factor in the cost of that repair to the rim repair budget.
Does Insurance Cover Rim Damage?
This answer can vary by insurance company, but most will cover rim damage as part of the collision coverage. Most insurance companies will not cover custom rims.
Even if your insurance company does cover rim damage, you might think twice about using it. Check your deductible and the cost of the repairs.
Also, be aware that you may lose discounts on your policy and that most insurance will raise your rates after a claim.
If this is part of a larger claim against your insurance, you should try to get the repairs done, but if you are only covering the cost of repairs to one rim, it may be worth considering passing on the insurance claim.
When is it Necessary to replace the Wheel?
If you are at a professional repair shop and they cannot repair it, then it is time for a new wheel. You can quote a new wheel before, and then go to a professional repair shop to compare the cost of repair to a new rim.
If the repairs to the rim are less and the technician believes they will last, save yourself the money and do not buy a new one! However, if the price is similar or the technician believes it is not a good long-term option, then go ahead and replace the wheel.