How to tell if an alloy wheel is bent
A bent alloy wheel usually shows up as a vibration at speed, a steering pull, a tyre that keeps losing air or a visible flat spot on the rim. If you notice any of these after hitting a kerb or pothole, get the wheel checked before driving far.
Signs you can feel while driving
A bent inner barrel is hard to see, so these feelings are often the first clue. The wheel can look fine from the front while the car shakes. Vibration also has other causes, such as tyre or brake faults, so treat the list as a reason to investigate. Our guide on wheel balancing and vibration covers the difference.
Signs you can see
A lip that is scuffed but still round is kerb damage. A lip that looks flat or kinked is a bend. A hairline mark could be a crack, which is a different and more serious problem. See whether a cracked alloy wheel can be repaired.
Look at the outer lip
Look at the outer lip for a flat spot, a flare or a kink in the edge.
Check the gap between the
Check the gap between the tyre and the rim for gaps or bulges.
Look for a bulge or
Look for a bulge or bubble on the tyre sidewall.
Check for uneven wear on
Check for uneven wear on one tyre compared with the others.
Signs that suggest a leak
A bent lip can stop the tyre sealing properly against the rim. If one tyre loses pressure slowly and keeps needing a top-up with no puncture found, the rim edge is worth checking. Look for the tyre sitting unevenly against the wheel.
What to do next
A bent wheel can affect handling and tyre wear, and the wheel is a safety part. Do not assume a wheel is fine because it looks fine. When in doubt, have it inspected.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my alloy wheel is bent?
Look for a vibration at speed, a pull to one side, a tyre that loses air and a flat or kinked spot on the lip. A professional check confirms it.
Can a bent alloy wheel cause vibration?
Yes. A wheel that is out of true shakes as it spins, and the shake changes with speed. Balance weights cannot correct a wheel that is out of shape.
Is it safe to drive with a bent alloy wheel?
It is best not to, beyond a short, slow trip to get it checked. A bent wheel can affect handling and tyre wear and may hide a crack.
Can you see a bent wheel by eye?
Sometimes. A bent lip is often visible, but a bent inner barrel may not be, so the feel of the car is often the clue.
What causes an alloy wheel to bend?
Most bends come from an impact with a kerb or a pothole. See how to claim for pothole damage if that is what happened to you.
Get a quote
Send a photo of the wheel and we will quote within 24 hours. Call or send a photo first so we can book a time. Or call us on 0207 060 3666 Unit 1, 38 Crown Road, Enfield, EN1 1TH · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Sat 8am-1pm
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