Most Common Causes of Wheel Damage

Your Guide to Wheel Damage in Baltimore, MD

Wheels play an integral role in the safety and performance of your vehicle. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to many forms of damage. To preserve the integrity of your vehicle, Rim Doctor in Baltimore, MD, is here to highlight common wheel damage causes and how to keep these troubling risks at bay.
wheel tire service at rim doctor

Understanding Wheel & Rim Damage

Wheel and rim damage are common occurrences. Even the most careful drivers encounter these issues. Despite being manufactured for durability, safety, and performance, these critical vehicle components are prone to a number of vulnerabilities on the road. To keep these issues at bay, it’s important to get familiar with the risk factors.

Alloy Wheel Damage Causes: The Common Culprits

Alloy wheel damage causes vary. The common culprits behind wheel and rim damage range from inevitable wear and tear to roadway hazards, rough terrain, and contact with corrosive elements. These problematic experiences may lead to corrosion, bent rims, cracks, and other concerns that compromise the integrity of your wheels, vehicle, and safety.

Pothole Wheel Damage

Pothole wheel damage repair is a routine service provided by our experts at Rim Doctor. Depending on the force of the impact, striking even a minor pothole can lead to bent or cracked rims. Furthermore, hitting larger potholes is known to be among the leading wheel bearing damage causes.

Curb Wheel Damage

Contact with curbs is a common source of wheel damage, often from public lots and city street parking. This type of wheel or rim damage is typically cosmetic. While it rarely impacts the function of your wheels, it can lead to unsightly scuff marks and scratches that compromise the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle.

Brake Dust

Many drivers are unaware of the risks associated with their brakes. Each time you brake, brake dust deposits make their way onto your wheels. Without routine cleanings, brake dust begins to build up, degrading the finish of the alloy wheels and may even spark corrosion. Fortunately, proactive cleaning can eliminate this concern.

Flat Tires

A tire does not have to be completely deflated to begin wearing away at your alloy wheels. In contrast, even underinflated tires can cause wheel and rim damage. To preserve the form and function of your wheels, always address flat or underinflated tires the moment you detect them.

Road Salt

To make roadways safe and manageable during the cooler months, cities will salt the roads. While road salt is beneficial for traction and safe navigation, it is less than favorable for alloy wheels. Road salt deposits are known to leave rims with cosmetic eyesores and can even trigger corrosion and decreased wheel durability.

How to Prevent Wheel & Rim Damage

In many cases, wheel damage is out of our control. However, there are proactive strategies that can help you minimize the risk of wheel and rim damage. Long-term safety and wheel performance calls for a combination of routine wheel maintenance and mindful driving habits.

Best Practices to Prevent Wheel Damage

Rim Doctor is here to explore the best practices to maintain your wheels. To prevent wheel and rim damage, we recommend:

  • Drive cautiously to avoid roadway hazards and potholes.
  • Periodically clean your wheels with non-abrasive cleaner to remove brake dust and corrosive debris.
  • Proactively address flat/underinflated tires and wheel damage
  • Schedule routine wheel inspections

Look to Rim Doctor

When your wheels succumb to roadway damage, look no further than Rim Doctor. Our technicians are a leading choice for wheel damage repair in Baltimore, MD. From minor scratches to wheel bearing damage caused by severe potholes, trust in our advanced training and commitment to quality to restore and enhance the safety and performance of your vehicle.

Secure Quality Alloy Wheel Damage Repair

Whether you’re navigating wheel damage or seeking to proactively avoid future rim hassles, Rim Doctor is here to get you on track to an optimized driving experience. Count on our experts for comprehensive wheel repair and maintenance in Baltimore, MD. Contact us today to schedule high-quality wheel care.