Over time, your vehicle and its wheels will wear down. Your rims and wheels might even become damaged and need professional work. While some wear and tear is inevitable, there are some ways to prevent rim damage and save money down the line. In this article, we discuss five causes of rim damage and how you can better maintain your car.

Driving Over & Hitting Curbs

Perhaps the most obvious cause of rim damage is driving over or hitting curbs. This will, of course, cause damage (sometimes major) to your wheels and rims. When you drive over a curb, your vehicle’s entire weight lands on your wheels, putting a ton of pressure on them. This can cause your rims to bend or crack.

Brake Dust Collecting on the Rims

Every time you press the brakes, black-colored dust flies and sticks on the rims, giving them a dark and dirty appearance over time. As more brake dust collects, it can wear down the rims’ material from the constant burning and heat the brake dust gives off. Regularly clean your rims with brake dust cleaner and a soft-bristled brush.

Hitting Potholes

Potholes can cause major damage to your rims. Deeper potholes can actually lead to you taking your car in for a whole new bumper if you drive over one fast enough! Hitting a major pothole just once can leave your wheels in bad shape. Hitting minor potholes several times can do the same over time. So when you are driving, be sure to pay attention to the road conditions and look for any potholes, especially on unfamiliar roads.

Parking Too Close to the Curb

It’s understandable that you want to get as close to the curb as possible when you’re parking alongside a busy street (we’ve all been there), but parking too close to the curb could cause rim damage! As you’re parking and when you drive away, your tires could skid along the curb and the rims could get scratched. So try to keep at least an inch distance away from the curb!

Driving With a Flat Tire

When you lose air pressure in your tire, you run the risk of damaging your rims because there is less of a cushion and less support for your rims. They come into closer contact with the pavement, which can put damaging pressure on them. Be sure to regularly check your wheels’ and rims’ condition for your safety and the health of your vehicle. And don’t forget, tire pressure can dramatically change between winter and summer! The air in your tires will expand in the heat and contract in the cold, so be aware of these shifts.

Get Your Rims Repaired Today!

Get your rims repaired today! Call Nationwide Dent Repair for a free estimate. They will restore your vehicle to pristine, safe condition!