Damaged Rim: Navigating a crowded supermarket parking lot or squeezing into tight spaces under the house often involves sharp steering wheel movements, occasionally resulting in contact with curbs. This scenario is a familiar one, and it’s challenging to avoid altogether. Colliding with a higher wall or the curb doesn’t necessarily translate to vehicle damage, but it can be worse if it involves a glossy and flawlessly beautiful lip. Unfortunately, scratches, bends, and even cracks can occur. When faced with such a situation, the question arises: should we seek new rims, or is it possible to repair the damaged one?
The good news is that rims, typically made of aluminum, can indeed be repaired. The market offers a variety of cosmetic products for renovating scraped rims, readily available at auto shops. However, a common concern is whether the repaired rim can regain its original properties and whether it becomes more susceptible to damage. The answer is a nuanced “yes” and “no.” In this discussion, we will delve into when it makes sense to repair a damaged rim and when it might be more practical to opt for a new one.
When can we repair a damaged rim?
As in many cases, the only correct answer to the question posed in this matter should be? it depends. From the degree of wear to the rim and the type of damage. If we are talking about the most popular, little-mentioned curb hooks that end with scratches or small defects, nothing prevents the rim from being restored to the condition it was before the event. You don’t need to use expert help. All you need to do is visit a car shop, buy a suitable crochet hook, paint and we don’t have to worry about the possibility of any problems arising from the incident in the future . Even if the rim is pretty damaged after hitting a curb, aren’t we at a loss? just sand the rims, fill the cavities and paint.
It also happens that the lip bends as a result of damage. Then we can face a noticeable inertia, which not only affects driving comfort, but can lead to dangerous situations on the road. At this point, we are also not forced to buy a new article. Unfortunately, this time we will not do it ourselves – a visit to a specialized vulcanization factory will be necessary. Before starting the job, specialists with advanced equipment to perform this type of treatment will assess their service, present the risks associated with the job and make every effort to ensure that the wheel looks almost as good as new after leaving. from their workshop. In many cases, the procedure will not in any way affect the safety of future use, because most often we face damage to the edge of the rim, which only holds the tire in the correct position, but does not directly affect the rotation of the entire wheel (rim + tires). Unfortunately, straightening aluminum rims with more damage is very difficult and requires not only good equipment, but also the right specialist, with whom, unfortunately, there are problems. The cost of straightening a piece starts from several tens of zlotys.
However, there are times when buying new rims becomes unavoidable. Repair is absolutely not recommended in case of crush injuries . In such a case, even the best specialist will not restore the rims to their original mechanical properties, since the structure inside the material has irreversibly changed as a result of the event.
How are damaged rims repaired?
Damaged rims are straightened, welded or rotated . Sometimes it can happen when repairing an alloy wheel that it breaks, which is a result of not heating the aluminum or using too much force. Then it is enough to solder it correctly.
After performing the appropriate actions on the damage, the next step will be to fill the cavities with putty and sandblasting, which will allow you to remove the damaged varnish. Since the product is corrosion protected, are the rims painted? liquid or powder coating . The first method will bring a better result, but it is much more labor intensive, that is, more expensive. Sometimes varnishing is unnecessary, but these are isolated cases.
Repair or buy new?
There is no clear answer to the question of whether damaged rims are worth repairing. If they are only scratched or slightly damaged, we can refurbish them ourselves. When the rim is more damaged, we should visit a specialized repair shop. Then the experts, dealing with each case individually, will evaluate the service, assess the risk and inform if it makes sense to carry out the procedure.
How are damaged rims repaired?
To address damaged rims, they can be straightened, welded, or rotated. However, when repairing an alloy wheel, there is a risk of breakage, often caused by inadequate heating of the aluminum or excessive force. In such cases, proper soldering becomes crucial.
Following the necessary repairs, the subsequent steps involve filling cavities with putty and sandblasting to eliminate damaged varnish. Depending on the corrosion protection of the product, rims can be painted using either liquid or powder coating. While the former yields better results, it is more labor-intensive and, consequently, more expensive. In some instances, varnishing may be unnecessary, though these are exceptions.
Repair or buy new?
The dilemma of whether to repair or buy new rims lacks a definitive answer. Minor scratches or slight damage can be refurbished independently, but for more extensive damage, a visit to a specialized repair shop is recommended. Professionals, assessing each case individually, will evaluate the service, consider associated risks, and advise on whether the procedure is worthwhile.
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