As a car owner, it’s normal to experience minimal vibrations when driving on smooth and rough terrains.
However, if the vibrations become excessive, that’s a sign that something is wrong.
Vibrations can occur in many parts of your car, from the engine to the transmission.
However, the most common area where vibrations mainly occur in a vehicle is on the rims. If you have recently hit a pothole, curb or been involved in an accident, a crack may have developed on your rim.
And if you are wondering whether it’s the source of the vibrations you are feeling, keep on reading to learn more.
Can a Cracked Rim Cause Vibration
Unfortunately, a cracked rim can cause your car to vibrate. A cracked rim can alter the amount of contact the wheels make with the road.
As a result, the vehicle may feel shaky, and vibrations caused by uneven contact between the wheel and the road can be transmitted through the steering column.
Therefore, vibrations are one of the main signs of a cracked rim.
A cracked rim can also manifest itself through other signs apart from vibrations.
Some additional signs you need to be on the lookout for include;
- Poor handling: If a rim is severely cracked, it can affect the handling and steering of the car.
- Physical damage on the rim: Another noticeable sign of a cracked rim is the presence of physical damage. It’s always a good idea to inspect your wheels every morning.
- Tires that keep on deflating frequently: A cracked rim can pierce through the tire or create an air leak. So, check for cracks on the rim if you notice your tires deflating regularly.
Driving with a cracked rim is a safety hazard.
That is why if you notice vibrations or any of the signs listed above, you need to inspect your wheels immediately and take them to a service center for repairs or replacement, depending on the extent of the crack.
Can a Damaged Rim Cause a Car to Shake
If one of your rims is damaged, it can cause the tires to make uneven contact with the road, thus leading to shakiness.
The shakiness caused by damaged rims is often transferred through the steering wheel column. You may also notice signs such as poor handling and unexplained inflation of your tires.
There are a couple of things that can damage your car rims. The most common is hitting a curb or pothole. Also, the rim may get damaged if you have been involved in an accident. Rims can be damaged when they bend or crack.
Therefore, these are the two things you need to inspect if you suspect that your rims have been damaged.
Damaged rims need to be repaired or replaced urgently because they always start shaking when you are driving at high speeds. It may be impossible to feel these vibrations if you are driving at 30 MPH.
It’s also worth mentioning that misaligned wheels can also cause your car to shake.
Therefore, if you don’t spot any damage on the rims, you should schedule your vehicle for wheel alignment.
Why is My Car Vibrating When Driving
It doesn’t matter whether your car is new or old. You expect it to cruise smoothly along the highway. However, if you have noticed some unusual vibrations of late, you need to be on high alert.
A cracked rim isn’t the only culprit that can cause vibrations in a car.
There are several causes you should also consider, which include;
- Engine Problems: If your engine has an issue, such as a clogged fuel filter or faulty spark plugs, you may notice vibrations when accelerating. These vibrations will mostly be felt on the engine or front part of the car. Like a cracked rim, a vibrating engine must be fixed ASAP.
- Bent Axles: The axles are responsible for driving power from the transmission to the wheels. They can also get bent after a collision or an accident. If this happens, your car will start vibrating and shaking.
- Warped Brake Rotors: Another culprit that can cause vibrations is damaged brake rotors. If you don’t service your brakes, the pads and calipers cannot achieve a proper grip, leading to vibrations when you press on the brakes.
- Incorrect Wheel Alignment: When your wheels are out of alignment, you may notice a wobbly or shaky response when driving, even on a smooth road.
Whether the vibration is caused by engine issues, warped brake rotors, or a cracked rim, this problem must be addressed immediately because it is a safety hazard.
Is a Slightly Bent Rim Dangerous
It’s dangerous to drive a car with a bent rim, no matter how minor the damage is. If one of your rims is slightly bent, it can pinch into the tire, causing blowouts. Should this happen while you are driving at high speed, the results can be catastrophic.
As if that’s not enough, a slightly bent rim can significantly affect your car’s handling. It makes it difficult for you to steer, placing you in dangerous driving situations.
When you suspect you have a damaged rim, the best thing to do is to park the vehicle on the side of the road and request emergency mechanic repair services.
You should also know that driving with a slightly bent rim can lower the air pressure in your tires. Therefore, you may find yourself with a flat in the middle of nowhere.
A bent rim is dangerous for you, your car, and other motorists. The good news is that if your rim is slightly bent, it can be easily fixed. You, therefore, don’t have to incur expensive replacement costs.
How Do You Fix a Slightly Bent Rim
If the damage is minor, it can easily be repaired.
There are two ways you can fix a slightly bent rim. Either take it to a mechanic or repair it at home.
To fix a slightly bent rim at home, you will need a blow torch to heat it back to its normal shape and a hammer. This has to be done when the rim is removed from the car. You will need some welding experience to pull off this project. Remember to wear eye protection and gloves.
In case a DIY fix for a bent rim seems like a lot of work, you can always pay an expert mechanic. A slightly bent rim can be fixed in less than an hour, which shouldn’t cost you much money.
Conclusion
Can a cracked rim cause vibration? Absolutely! A cracked rim affects the wheel’s contact with the road, and the vibration produced is transferred along the steering column.
If you have hit a pothole or curb and you suspect that the rim is cracked, park safely on the side of the road and make arrangements on how you are going to fix or repair it.
Do not be tempted to drive around with a slightly bent wheel because it’s hazardous for you and other motorists.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.