Alloy wheels are often a standard fitting to many cars these days, however, they can be damaged more easily than steel wheels. Damaged alloy wheels can negatively affect a vehicle’s performance in addition to its appearance. Traffic accidents, potholes, running over curbs, damaged utility covers, fitting of snow chains, hard debris, or other road hazards can all damage your alloys, with bends and fractures.
While many alloy wheels can be repaired, unfortunately, some wheels are just not safe to repair. Sometimes, alloys are completely destroyed upon impact. Alloys with cracks may be repairable by welding, however, the wheel must be seen first. The location of the crack will also determine whether it is safe to repair. The damage is not always easily seen. Sometimes a bend in an alloy may look very slight, but on inspection, hidden fractures may be discovered. These need to be assessed as to whether it is safe to repair them. A qualified mechanic or welder will be able to tell you whether your alloy can be repaired or whether you will require a replacement wheel.
Alloys are defined as mixtures of a metal and other elements and are often stronger than items made with a single pure metal. Alloy wheels are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. These are usually lighter in weight for the same strength than wheels made from steel (although not always) and also provide better heat conduction, which may improve braking performance. Lighter wheels can improve road handling and improve grip. They can also help improve fuel consumption by reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Alloy wheels can corrode if not cared for, which can cause the tires to leak air. They can also be harder to repair than steel wheels but the higher price of alloy wheels makes them more economic to repair than steel wheels. It used to be that alloy wheels were only for luxury cars or an expensive addition to a lower range model. Now that manufacturing costs have dropped, alloy wheels are often fitted as standard.
REPAIRING ALLOY WHEELS
Whether your alloy wheels were part of your purchase or you invested in purchasing a set for your car, you will probably want to keep them looking at their best, if at all possible. The problem is, accidents DO happen. High kerbs, corners where you didn’t expect them and potholes, especially after a cold and frosty winter, can all lead to cracks, kerbed wheels and a need to repair alloy wheels. At worst, you could end up with a bent wheel. And extensive kerbing may lead to corrosion and fractures. These can all cause road safety problems for you. A deep pothole may bend a wheel out of alignment. It could also render it irreparable. Some kind of less serious impact, could distort the rim and might cause a slow air leak and will mean you will need an alloy wheels repair service.
Roads are so essential to our lives, that sometimes we forget just how dangerous it can be to be on them. We all use them in some way, probably every day, even if we are walking to purchase goods and services that have arrived in our local area. Most of us are on or alongside a road, walking, driving, riding, or travelling as a passenger at some time during the day.
Unfortunately, this level of exposure leads to people being killed and injured. Road deaths and injuries are not necessarily inevitable and there has been a drop in the number of people killed or injured on the road, even though traffic levels have increased, because many different strategies have been put in place to improve different areas of road, vehicle and driver safety.
Road traffic crashes are one of the biggest causes of death and injury in the world. They are the 9th leading cause of death globally. It’s even sadder when we realise that most of the victims are healthy before their crashes. Nearly 1.3 million people die in road crashes each year, that’s over 3000 people a day! And another 20-50 million are injured or disabled. More than half the road traffic deaths happen in young adults ages 15-44. These are the people are who are, or who are about to become, economically active, supporting their families.
Some crashes are caused by vehicle faults. Fewer these days, because of legislation. But it is illegal to drive an unroadworthy vehicle.
Is your vehicle safely equipped to drive? Wheels, brakes, lights, steering, suspension chassis. These are all important areas to consider.
Well, you might expect that both types of wheel have advantages and disadvantages. You pays your money, you takes your choice, as they say!
In terms of driving, steel is tough, inexpensive and a true workhorse, while alloy gives you performance advantages and beauty, with individual looks available. Alloy wheels are manufactured from light metals, usually aluminium and magnesium, meaning they are lighter than steel wheels allowing faster acceleration and better stopping, with better heat dissipation from brake components and also less strain on suspension components.
On the other hand, alloy wheels are more susceptible to corrosion; and to damage from potholes and kerb damage because they bend more easily than steel under road impacts and can crack if bent too far. This can be due to the construction methods used, like casting or pressure forging. which can affect the strength of the alloy.
Why Bother About Cracked Wheels?
Cracked wheels are not just unsightly. They can be a safety hazard. Car tires are physically sealed around the rim to keep the air in the tire. If the rim is cracked or bent the seal can break causing your tire to leak, which can cause a possible lethal tire blowout. Even if the tire doesn’t blow out, the cracks can lead to uneven tire wear and a reduction in gas mileage. They can also make your vehicle difficult to handle,
Don’t continue driving on a cracked rim. Get it repaired by trained professional.
Winter Tire Hazards
Winter can be especially hard on cars and tires, with slippery roads and corrosive salt and grit. Frost can produce enormous potholes that can badly damage your wheel rim and even your suspension if you don’t see them. And swerving to avoid potholes can lead to loss of control of your vehicle, especially if your wheel rims are already cracked or bent. If you need an alloy wheel crack repair, consult a reputable workshop for a professional repair.
If your car has had problems before, you know what a frustration car repairs can be. Because so many repair shops are less than honest, it can be hard finding a good one. Thankfully, this article will show you how to find an honest, reputable auto repair shop. When doing your own work on your automobile, you want to make sure you never take things too far in error. You’re saving yourself some money by doing it yourself, but if you’re not sure about something, you need to find out or let a professional handle the matter. You could end up costing yourself so much money.
If you are worried about an auto body shop puffing up the amount of work that needs to be done, go and get free diagnostics from somewhere else. Since there is no guarantee you will get work done by them, they have no reason to claim there is more needed than necessary. If you are having work done on your car, make sure you get a written estimate beforehand. The estimate should include what is being repaired, the parts that will be needed and the anticipated cost for labor. It should also say that they will call for your approval before doing any additional work which exceeds the amount or time specified. If you have to drop your car off at a garage or dealership, instruct the mechanics that you wish to be called with an estimate before they do any work on your car. Do not let a mechanic convince you to pay for expensive repairs because the vehicle is already partly dismantled. Once you have paid a mechanic for replacing a part of your vehicle, ask him or her if you can keep the old part. If your mechanic cannot show you the parts, you have no way of knowing if the parts have actually been replaced. This is a red flag that should be raised.
Don’t put off washing your vehicle during the winter time. Winter can ruin the quality of your car with constant precipitation. The sand and salt from winter leads to rust and abrasion. Take care to dry your vehicle before driving it again. You wouldn’t want ice to form.
Ask for a guarantee when you get your car repaired. Make sure you get it in writing and that you understand what it covers. You may also want to pay a little more at a dealership to have big jobs done, such as a transmission overhaul. This guarantees your work will be covered regardless of where you are. Remember that you don’t have to go to your dealer to get auto repair work done. There are many technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. If you’re comfortable with a local mechanic, don’t be afraid to use one. Be responsible when performing DIY auto repairs. Just about every item you might replace or repair on a vehicle is environmentally unfriendly. Take care to dispose of liquids such as motor oil and coolant properly. Take used parts to your local junk yard or recycling center. Don’t toss plastic bottles about the landscape. If you are unsure of where you can dispose of these items, check with your local waste disposal agency or an automotive supply store.
If your car overheats on the highway, move to the side and turn off your engine as soon as you can. Don’t try checking on any liquids as they can burn you if you aren’t sure what you are doing. Rather, call a tow truck immediately to get you to your auto repair shop. Don’t ignore a “Check Engine” light. Many people think it’s ok since they continue to run their car with no obvious issues. But a check engine light would have never appeared unless some internal check failed. It’s best to get it looked into immediately, or you run the risk of a larger problem down the road.
If your car is brand new and having problems, get in touch with the manufacturer. It’s possible there’s been a recall on that car, and you might not be the only one having the problem. Sometimes, you will get the auto repair for free.
If you can video record an issue you are having with your car, do so. That video can prove invaluable to your auto repair shop as they try to understand the issue. It’s a much better solution than you trying to describe the problem verbally. The repair team can watch the video over and over to learn what they can.
No one likes to deal with car repairs, but unfortunately, it is something that must be dealt with. Be sure to use the information provided in the article above the next time you need something fixed on your vehicle. Knowing the reputation of your chosen mechanics can help relieve some stress.
If you’ve ever faced auto repairs with a hopeless expression, then you’re not alone. It’s not fun dealing with things that go wrong with your vehicle because they can prove rather costly. However, knowing the best things to do in those situations can help you immensely. Keep reading to learn more about auto repair. When performing your own car repairs, make sure you budget enough time to get the job done. It’s easy to underestimate how long a repair job will take. You may encounter difficult to remove bolts or nuts, or find out a part is harder to remove than you anticipated. Giving yourself enough time to complete the repair safely will make the job much less stressful. Avoid unexpected auto repair problems while driving by performing a basic safety check before you set out in your car. Start your engine, turn on your lights and your flashers and walk all the way around your car. Check your tires and make sure your lights and flashers are working properly. This simple check will ensure a safer ride and help you avoid the need for emergency repairs.
Tips on protecting Your Car and Awareness Of Problems
Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that’s easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don’t drive in areas with high water levels. Don’t start your car if it’s been exposed to flood waters.
If you hear a squealing sound when you step on your brakes, it is likely that you need new brake pads or rotors. Do not wait to have a mechanic check your brakes. There will be more damage to pay for and it is also dangerous to drive your car if your brakes are not functioning properly.
Pay attention to any fluids that pool under your car when parked. Small spots may not mean very much, but take note of what the fluid is. Plain water is usually just condensation that builds up on a car naturally. But bright green or orange fluid is the cooling system. Oily fluids are those like engine oil, or transmission fluid. These are warning signs.
If you feel vibration when you drive or have a hard time steering the wheel, you should have a mechanic look at your car. The problem could be cause by misaligned wheels, a broken transmission or a damaged suspension. You should get the problem checked before it gets any worse.
Choosing An Auto Repair Company
Do your research prior to choosing any auto repair company. Don’t trust solely the company’s website. Look to auto forums and be wary of any complaints you may see. Also take into consideration any rave reviews the auto shop receives. These are typically objective reviews, so you can trust them more than what the shop’s materials may say. Lots of people who take their cars to get repaired end up paying for much more work than initially believed. They do this to make it look like you are getting a good deal from them. Tell them that you will get back to them, then search around and see if you can get a better deal. Make sure the repair shop technician is familiar with the particular model of your vehicle. If they have experience with your type of car, they are more likely able to correctly diagnose and fix the problems your vehicle is having. Always ask in advance how much labor costs at that particular shop. In fact, do not give them your keys until you have a clear understanding of what you will be charged. Many times, this information is not posted in an obvious place, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. You do not need to purchase a new filter every time you go in to have an oil change. The auto repair person may show you a worn filter next to a new one and claim it is yours, but be firm and let them know that you do not need a new one right now. There are no standard warranties on repairs. Make sure you are aware of what your warranty covers and that you have it in writing. Warranties may have limitations such as deductibles, mileage, time, businesses authorized to do the warranty work or special steps needed to get reimbursement. Know your warranty rights. Take your owner’s manual with you when you go to the auto repair shop to get work done. If someone tells you that you need to get a service after a certain amount of miles, check and see if that matches what is in the manual. If it does not, let them know that you decline that particular service.
If you want a laugh, check out this old Stanley Dangerfield video on training mechanics. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen today to to you!
Hopefully this article has helped you gain a firmer grasp on how to handle auto repairs in the future. It’s important that you make the right decisions so that you can enjoy your car. No one wants to constantly worry about what to do when something goes wrong with their vehicle.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.