The topic of a cracked rim issues surrounding it such as whether it can be repaired or not is something of great interest to drivers, car owners, and car repairs.
The interest is focused primarily on whether the from can get cracked or not, what could cause the crack, and could the crack be repaired. As it applies to all car problems, the first instinct is to save money by repairing rather than opting new one which is considerably more expensive.
How effective is this repair? This will be the primary focus of our discussion here in this article. So, can a cracked tire rim be repaired?
It is unfair to answer this question with either a simple yes or no. This is because several factors come in to help decide whether the repair is worth the try or not.
Depending on the length and width of the crack and the expertise of the repair person, a cracked rim could be successfully repaired without any relapse.
The underlying determinant of the effectiveness of repair done on a cracked rim are the length of the crack, its width, and how proficient the repairer’s skills are.
So take, for example, a crack that is short in length, and stands a better chance of benefiting from repair than an extensive one. Similarly, a broad crack is likely going to benefit from repair and will demand the rim to be replaced.
In terms of the expertise of the repair person, this is the third crucial point to be considered before attempting to repair the rim. A crack in the rim is not like a tire puncture and therefore requires more skills and experience to get it done right.
Given the technicality involved in repairing a cracked rim, not every repair person is qualified to give this a shot. Ideally once a cracked rim is noticed, rather than taking the car to an auto shop around your neighborhood corner, it is best to reach out to the original dealer or manufacturer of the tire.
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How can a tire rim be repaired?
If you skipped to this portion of the article hoping to learn some ” do it yourself ” ( DIY) steps that you could follow to fix the crack in your rim, then I am sorry to disappoint you. When it comes to cracked rims, there is no DIY practice here except if you are an expert in welding.
To fix the crack in the rim, there is a need for an assessment, to determine whether the crack is fixable or not. This is determined as mentioned earlier by three basic factors; the length of the crack, its breadth, and the expertise of the repairer.
These conditions decide whether the weld will be enough to fix the crack and allow for further use of the tire or not.
The assessment of the crack and its repair using the tungsten inert gas welding method should not be carried out by you, rather, this should be done by the dealer preferably or by a certified professional.
The brittle nature of the aluminum used as the primary construction material of car wheels explains why these wheels suffer bends and cracks upon impact with potholes and speed bumps.
Is it safe to repair the tire rim?
Given the harsh economy, a less expansive solution is commonly sort after except when this not does prose a lasting result.
As regards repair of the tire rim, yes this is much more economical than purchasing a brand new tire, its safety is depended upon the conditions mentioned above about a crack qualified for repair.
As long as the depth, as well as the light of the crack and its direction, is such that the crack can be fixed, an expert versed and skilled in such repair may be able to do this.
However, in most instances, replacement of the rim is what is recommended. This is on account of fear of recurrence and the fatality associated with such.
What causes the tire rim to crack?
While the rim may not look as vulnerable as tube tires, they are not impervious and can get hurt from common factors found readily on the road and street.
A cracked rim barely goes unnoticed, minutes after the crack, the driver is bound to quickly observe the development of certain symptoms which will necessitate the inspection of the tires.
Your first impression of the cause of the vibration felt at the steering wheel is a flat tire arising from a puncture that could have been caused by a nail, screw, or similar object.
To your dismay, you will find the tires in perfect form following a thorough inspection. This begs the question of where the fault is. Usually, a crack in the wheel is visible enough to be seen, however, in some scenarios, the crack may be so thin that the unaided eye may not be able to see.
The commonest presenting complaints include a feeling of vibration after some minutes of running over a pothole or speed bumps. The causes of a cracked rim therefore include:
- When the car is driven on a road with multiple potholes. In the presence of potholes, the car should be driven at a much slower speed to reduce its impact on the edges of the pothole. Running through a pothole without the slightest application of the brakes could cause a crack in the rim. Drivers who are familiar with a road riddled with potholes or uneven in some aspects have learned to avoid these potholes and can therefore afford to drive at a considerable speed and night without much fear of unknowing running into a pothole.
- Cracked rims can also result from running over a speed bump at a high speed without the minutest application of the brake pads.
- Involvement of the car in an accident either involving other cars or moto bikes or a stationary object such as a tree. In either of these situations, the impact could be great enough to cause a crack in the rim along with other effects such as a bent rim and damaged car parts.
How do I prevent the tire rim from cracking?
In terms of preventive measures, drivers can imbibe to prevent the rims from cracking, these would be in the form of ways to avoid the causative factors of the cracked rim.
Drivers should generally make sure to drive carefully, especially on bad roads riddled with potholes. Also, it is helpful to slow down when driving over a speed bump and not to overload the car with excess heavy luggage.
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These are other measures preached by your mechanic that are not absolute and may not stop the occurrence of the cracked rim. Not practicing any of there may however increase your risk of cracking your rim.
Can you drive with a cracked rim?
Should driving a car with a cracked rim be open for discussion? As soon as you figure out the diagnosis, if this turns out to be a crack, both visible and invisible in the rim, the car should as soon as possible be taken to the dealer of the rim for proper diagnosis and management.
So many persons view the crack in the rim as a minor issue, something that is rarely going to cause any major effect in the nearest time, a sleeping beauty and not a time bump!
A cracked rim should not be taken likely, it should be considered a risk too costly to afford and should be attended to promptly. Driving with a cracked rim is like begging for disaster. The greatest worry associated with such a reckless act is the possibility of having a blowout of the tire on the cracked rim.
In most instances when a blowout occurs, it is difficult to find a driver who was able to control the car successfully and avoid colliding with other cars or swerving off the road, especially when this happens while the car is accelerating at full speed. (Read Also:Will Nissan Wheels Fit Ford?)
Aside from the imminent accident which could result from driving with a cracked rim, there is also the risk of accruing ore cost as a result of damages done to another aspect of the car as a result of the cracked rim.
Studies and observational have linked cracked rims as one of the factors that aggravate uneven wearing of the tires as seen in a misaligned car. It equally causes the development of a bad alignment and may cause further damage to the suspension
It is for these reasons a high index of suspension should be placed on the rim when symptoms such as vibration are felt and yet the tires are unaffected or are in perfect shape upon inspection. Note that it is not on all cases of cracked rims that the crack is obvious to the aided eyes.
Therefore even in the absence of an obvious crack in the rim, probe for symptoms such as abnormal noises heard from the direction of the wheels, poor handling of the car, and abnormal vibration that could be felt while holding on to the steering wheel.
Can I purchase a new tire rim for my vehicle?
The assembly of online auto shops, as well as offline shops, has bridged the gap between the manufacturer and consumers and has created a big marketplace for all styles and designs of rims.
As a potential buyer, do not be carried away simply by the sensing of the rim, consider the fitness of its diameter, backspacing, offset, and other specifications before placing the order.
Conclusion – Can A Cracked Tire Rim Be Repaired?
Following the assessment of the crack, the decision could either be in favor of repair or a suggestion for a replacement. Rather than attempting conservative management which could put your life at risk, the rim should be changed when the verdict indicates this.
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.