The usual tendency for most vehicle owners when the time comes for maintenance is to attend to the problems on the engine, brakes, and tires. However, they overlook one of the essential aspects of their vehicle, i.e. the rims. Rims not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the car but also perform a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the car while driving.
You can consider rims as the backbone of your car as they provide structural support to the tires, ensure smooth handling, and as we all know the overall appeal. Rims are vulnerable to wear and tear like any other car parts. It can suffer damage from various factors too. So, let us quickly take a look at the tips for fixing the all-important aspect of your car in Houston.
The types of rim damage
Before we delve further into the Houston rim repair processes, it is essential to understand the different types of damage that can have a telling effect on the rims. So, here are they:
- Curb Rash: It is one of the most common types of damage that rims encounter. Curb rashes occur when the rim scrapes against a curb which leads to the development of scratches on the surface.
- Bent rims: As you know, some roads in Houston are not in the best of conditions. Thus, chances are, your car can hit a pothole or meet other road hazards. As a result, bent rims are natural. When the rims get bent, it can cause vibrations while driving, uneven tire wear, and can also lead to tire blowouts making Houston rim repair all the more essential.
- Corrosion and rust: With time, rims, especially the ones made of steel can corrode and rust due to the over-exposure to moisture, road salt, and other elements. It can compromise the driving experience.
- Crack in the rims: By chance, when the car unfortunately experiences severe impacts or stress, small cracks can appear. Even if the cracks in the rim are minor, it can lead to air leaks and the total dysfunction of the rims, if not attended on time.
- Peeling paint or finish: Alloy rims mostly are affected by this problem. Peeling results from prolonged exposure to weather elements. It can also occur when the car owner uses improper cleaning products for cleaning.
The repair process
When attempting rim repairs, you should keep a couple of things in mind. Firstly, not all repairs are possible unless you possess the knowledge, so it is best to consult or assign the repair job to an expert. Secondly, specific issues of the rim like bent or cracked rims require professional intervention. DIY kits available in the market may not let you repair the rim accurately. For minor problems, you can of course attempt to fix the issues. So, here are the steps.
Cleaning
Rim cleaning is the most essential aspect before commencing any repair work. The accumulation of dirt, grease, and brake dust can often interfere with the repair materials leading to compromised results. It is best if you use a degreaser or alcohol agents to clean the surface which ensures removing all contaminants present in the rim. Next, you must dry the rim with a clean cloth and then proceed with the repair work.
Fixing curb rash
When the issue you are dealing with is a minor curb rash, you can use sandpaper and a metal file to smooth out the damaged area. You can begin by rubbing the sandpaper until you achieve a smooth finish. In cases, where the damage is deeper, you should apply filler material from a repair kit. After the filler dries, you can sand it down to match the contour of the rim.
Repairing bent rims
Bent rims, as mentioned earlier, require more effort and caution. Thus, it is best to take the car to an expert. Still, if you wish to repair it, you should first remove the wheel, and then gently tap the bent area from the inside of the rim to push it back to shape. Here, you have to be careful not to hit too hard, as it will lead to further damage. When the damage is far more severe, you will require the service of a heat gun to warm the area before tapping.
Corrosion and dust repair
To overcome rust and corrosion, you can use a drill with a wire brush attachment. It helps remove the rusted areas on the rim. After the rust is cleared, you should sand the area to smooth it out. If the corrosion causes pitting or small holes, you can fill these with the help of filler materials and later sand them to smoothen out the surface. To prevent the occurrence of rust accumulation, you can also consider applying rust resistance before painting the rim.
Attending cracked rims
Cracks in the rims can be a grave issue. It is best handled by the professionals. Even if the crack is small, and it seems you can repair it, unless you have the experience, you should not attend it. After all, it concerns the safety of the car while driving.
