Did you know that previous studies attributed 3% to 27% of road crashes to vehicle defects? Or that older vehicles carry a higher road crash risk? For example, cars manufactured before 2000 have a 71% higher crash risk than a 2010 model.
All that should be enough reason to keep your ride roadworthy, especially if it’s older. One of the best ways to do that, in turn, is never to delay getting a new tire rim to replace a defective one.
So, how can you tell you need new rims, then? We listed the top signs below, so be sure to read on.
1. Your Tires Keep Losing Air
Each tire rim consists of a barrel, a valley-like structure designed for tire mounting. It features inboard flanges meant to secure a rubber tire in place. Mounting humps also run along the barrel, and their purpose is to help the inboard flanges do their job.
So, a deformity in any of those components can render a rim unable to secure a tire in place. That can then lead to a tire leaking out its air.
Thus, you may have defective rims if your tires keep losing air even if they don’t have any damage, such as punctures.
It’s vital to have your rims checked and replaced ASAP, as they can contribute to a dangerous tire blowout. That’s because a tire blowout can occur due to low tire pressure, something that a deformed rim can cause. Unfortunately, a blowout can make you lose control of your car and possibly cause an accident.
Since it’s dangerous to drive with rims that cause your tires to leak, it may be best to have a mechanic pick up your car. Fortunately, many US auto body shops now offer such services for free. Some examples are Vivid Auto Body, Sky Collision, and Courtesy Collision Center.
2. Noticeable Vibrations From the Steering Wheel
Bent or broken rims can cause the tire they hold to make uneven contact with the road surface. That can make your tires unable to rotate at the same speed.
If that happens, your wheels are likely to shake and vibrate. All those movements, in turn, can climb up the steering wheel column.
Do note that a vibrating steering wheel can also result from misaligned wheels.
In any case, bring your ride to a mechanic as soon as you notice noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel. That’s the fastest way to get an accurate diagnosis and professional recommendations.
3. Your Ride Pulls in One Direction
Like misalignment problems, a defective tire rim can also cause your car to pull in one side. It may also lead to your vehicle drifting. Both are dangerous, as they can force your vehicle to swerve or move to another lane.
So, before that happens, have your car inspected and talk to a mechanic about getting new rims.
Invest in a New Tire Rim
Always keep in mind that 20 to 50 million people sustain non-fatal road crash injuries each year. While most are due to driver behavior, others result from defective vehicle components. That includes wheel malfunctions, such as those caused by bent or broken rims.
So, never delay getting a new tire rim to replace a damaged one or as soon as you notice any of the abovementioned signs.
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