It is important to understand the process of wheel repair and rim straightening to be able to choose the right service provider for your wheel needs. From accidents to other unforeseen circumstances, you never know what the cause of wheel damage will be. Even just a slight misalignment from grazing the curb can cause a crooked wheel or a bent rim. Whether you have a damaged wheel or a dent in your rim, it is critical that you know and understand what the repair process entails so that you can choose the right service.
From aluminum wheel repair to rim straightening, each of these processes is different and may take varying amounts of time. The following are a few things you must understand about these services before getting your wheel repaired.
Aluminum Wheel Repair
Since aluminum is extremely malleable and light, repairing aluminum rims and wheels does not take as long as other processes. Aluminum can be heated and shaped according to requirements within only a matter of hours. Fortunately, aluminum wheel repair is not only a quick process, but it has no effect on the strength of the metal, thus making it easier to work with.
On the other hand, it is still important to be aware of the complications that can occur in aluminum wheels. Problems such as broken or scratched wheel rims, cracked wheel flanges, creased barrels or corroded back seats can all lead to complications. These issues can have several negative effects, such as a drop in mileage, high stress on tires and an increased risk of blowouts.
For this reason, you are better off taking your damaged wheels to an experienced and reputed repair place. In fact, this will also save you a lot of money in the long run. A reliable wheel repair service provider will have the required equipment and personnel to make sure that the job is done efficiently and correctly.
Straightening Bent Rims
With modern technology and updated services, bent rims are now completely repairable. Though you may have to drop your car off for repairs, the process is still not as time-consuming as one would expect. The process for straightening out bent rims is comparable to the aluminum wheel repair process: the rim is heated to a temperature that gives it the right malleability and then hydraulic press devices are used to straighten the rim. A lathe may also be used to create that perfect finish and remove any other material. The final step of the process involves polishing with clear finish or paint to give that “as good as new” look again. The structural integrity of your wheels affects the performance of your automobile so why not leave it to a professional?
