A guide to rim repair Houston
Vehicles require periodic maintenance, and most responsible car owners do it regularly. However, one aspect which they often overlook is the health of the car’s rims. Rims also referred to as wheels or alloys are one of the vital parts of your car. They not only make the car appear good they also have a lot to offer as far as functionality is concerned. Damaged or compromised rims can lead to several problems which can include poor vehicle performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even safety issues. So, let us take you on the vital tips related to rim repair Houston, which will help you keep the car well-maintained for a prolonged period.
Causes of rim damage
Rim damage can be attributable to various factors, and the most common ones are as follows:
- Potholes: The most frequent cause of rim damage is the car hitting potholes, curbs, or road debris when operating at high speeds. This usually leads to a bent or cracked rim.
- Corrosion: Another common cause of rim damage is corrosion. Over time, exposure to moisture, road salt, and chemicals causes corrosion which has the potential to weaken the structure of the rim.
- Improper installation: If the tires are not installed correctly it can put excess pressure on the rims leading to damage. It can also happen if accidentally, the wrong size of tires are used for the rims.
- General wear and tear: Like any other car spare parts, rims also experience wear and tear over time. It can eventually lead to minor cracks or bends.
Signs to watch out
Sometimes, it is not easy to determine whether the rims require repairs. Here are some signs you can watch out for:
- Vibrations while driving: Generally, a bent rim can cause the car to vibrate, especially when it is going at high speed. If you notice the steering wheel vibrating, it can be related to rim damage.
- Air leaks: Damaged rims can often lead to the tires leaking. When you experience regular deflation or notice the tires are on low air, you should consider the rim behind it.
- Visible damage: After you return to driving from rough road conditions, you should inspect the rims. If you spot any cracks, bends, or scratches, you should rush to the repair center as these issues can become wider quickly than you can imagine.
- Poor handling: A damaged rim can also affect the car’s overall handling and alignment. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable when driving, it can be due to rim damage.
Types of rim repair
Repairing a damaged rim would depend on the type and extent of rim damage. Here are the most commonly used methods explained to you:
- Bent rim: Bent rims are repaired with the help of a straightening procedure. The service center uses special machines that apply heat and pressure to realign the rim to its original shape. It is usually considered a quick fix, but it is done by professionals to ensure the rim does not become weak any further when the repair process is ongoing.
- Cracked rim: Cracked rims are more serious than bent rims. Thus, they often require welding. However, it all depends on the location and size of the crack. The technician can weld the area and refinish the rim for smoothness. In cars where the crack is widespread, the rims are considered irreparable and need to be replaced by a new one.
- Cosmetic repairs: Minor issues like scratches, scuffs, and other surface damages can be repaired through the help of sanding and refinishing. It is considered a cosmetic fix and is ideal for those who wish to maintain the aesthetic appeal of their cars.
- Corrosion: To address corrosion, the professionals will stripe the rim of its existing finish, clean it, and then refinish it with a protective coating to prevent future corrosion.
Cost of rim repairs
The cost of rim repair can vary based on multiple factors. Some of them include the type of damage, the make and model of the car, and where the repair work needs to be done. Still, here is a rough estimate of rim repair costs in Houston:
- Bent rims: The cost of repairing bent rims ranges from $75 to $150 per rim, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Cracked rims: Cracked rims require welding, as has been mentioned before, and it can cost between $100 and $200 per rim. Severe cracks may require full replacement, which as you can understand, will cost more.
- Cosmetic repair: It is the cheapest of all, and it usually costs around $50 to $100 per rim.
So, never consider rim repairs as a costly affair. It is more affordable than replacing the entire rim. If your car has high-end or custom rims, the costs of replacement will be even more. Therefore, stay proactive, and check the rims regularly, and that should extend the life of the rims and keep the vehicle in top condition for years to come.