Types of wheel damage and how to protect from them

We’re all familiar with the types of tire damage, but what about the wheels? While wheels are generally durable and can last many years, they’re still susceptible to the normal wear and tear caused by daily driving.

Proper wheel care is an essential part of a complete car maintenance regimen. Whether you’re driving a bonafide off-roader like the Ford Ranger Raptor, or a small hatchback like the Toyota Wigo, wheel damage is always something to look out for. If your rims are not well-maintained, you can and will run into trouble down the line. With that said, here’s a quick guide on the most common types of wheel damage and how you can identify and prevent them.

Dents are the first type of wheel damage you should be aware of. Also known as bengkong here in the Philippines, dented or bent wheels can become a serious issue. There are several different ways in which you can dent your wheels. Hitting a pothole, for example, is a common cause of dented rims. Depending on your speed and the depth of the pothole, this can cause significant damage. You can also damage a wheel in a collision. If this happens, the wheel may go out of alignment and cause steering problems.

You can identify dent damage in your wheels by noticing poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, steering wheel vibration at higher speeds, and a persistent beating sound that gets faster with acceleration. Dented wheels may also cause flat tires or even tire blowout.

Fixing a dented wheel

While some dents can be straightened professionally, some are simply beyond repair. Depending on how severe the dent is, the wheel may need to be replaced outright if it has sustained significant damage. The reason being that driving with dented rims can be dangerous. In some cases, steering may become difficult, and the vehicle may even wobble at high speeds. Remember, if a dent is too large to repair, it's best to replace the wheel.

Similar to dented wheels, cracked wheels can occur after colliding with potholes, speed bumps, curbs, or another vehicle. If one of your rims is cracked, you may notice some instability at higher speeds and a repetitive thumping sound that won't go away. Cracked wheels can also cause flat tires or blowouts in addition to negatively affecting your car's handling and mileage.

Fixing a cracked wheel

Smaller cracks can be fixed by straightening the damaged area of the wheel. With larger cracking, however, the structural integrity of the wheel can be compromised. When the damage is too big, the cracked wheel may no longer be safe to use and should be replaced. A professional will be able to assess if specific cracks are suitable for repairs or replacement.

Corroded wheels are not only unsightly, but they can be dangerous as well. Wheel corrosion can be caused by road chemicals, chemical cleaners, tire sealants, and other elements. Rusted rims can quickly deteriorate, especially when constantly exposed to water. When left untreated, rust continually eats away at the metal in the wheels. If the corrosion reaches the tire bead, it can also make it harder to maintain tire pressure.

Fixing wheel corrosion

Minor corrosion can be fixed by using a steel brush and wheel cleaning solution. If you decide to go this route, make sure you apply the solution sparingly and only where corrosion is present. Wheel cleaning solutions can damage wheels and tires if left for a long time. If you encounter major wheel corrosion, however, wheel replacement is advisable.

Curb rash is another common type of wheel damage. You may encounter curb rash if you accidentally scrape your wheel on concrete curbs or other road hazards. A layer of chemical coating protects most alloy and metal wheels, but that coating can come off if you scrape the wheel surface. If this happens, the bare metal rims underneath can be exposed to scratches, scuffs, and even rust.

Fixing curb rash

Minor curb rash can usually be fixed at home. For alloy rims, you'll need sandpaper to file down the damage and, in some cases, automotive spot putty to fill everything in. Depending on how big the scuff is, you may need to repaint the entire wheel to match the original rim color. For particularly large scuffs, we recommend you consult a professional for wheel repairs or replacement.