Wheels explained

Over inflated tyres and alloy wheels

Over inflated tyres have less rubber on the road, ride harshly and wear unevenly, and they cushion less when you hit a pothole or kerb, so more of the impact reaches your alloy wheel. Checking pressures monthly is the easiest way to avoid it.

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What over-inflation does to a tyre

A tyre pumped above its recommended pressure bulges, so the tread sits in a smaller, more rounded patch. The car then reacts differently, and the effects show up in four ways.
  • Less grip. A smaller contact patch means less rubber gripping the road, which matters most in the wet and when braking.
  • A harsher ride. The tyre is stiffer, so bumps and joins in the road are felt more.
  • Uneven wear. The centre of the tread wears faster than the edges.
  • Less cushioning. The air in a tyre helps absorb impacts. With too much pressure it absorbs less.
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What over-inflation does to a tyre
Close-up of a diamond-cut AMG wheel spoke and its machined edge

Why it matters for alloy wheels

The tyre and the wheel share the load when you hit a pothole or clip a kerb. A stiff, over inflated tyre flexes less, so a larger share of the force passes into the rim. That can scuff the edge, bend the rim or, on a hard strike, crack an alloy wheel. A bend can also let air escape slowly, which is why a tyre that keeps losing pressure is worth investigating.
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Under-inflation is a problem too

A soft tyre also lets the rim sit closer to the road, so the wheel edge is more exposed to kerbs.
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Under-inflation is a problem too

How to check your tyre pressures

Garage forecourt pumps or a home inflator both work. Check roughly once a month and before long trips, as tyres lose air slowly over time.

Find the recommended figure in

Find the recommended figure in the vehicle handbook or on the sticker in the door sill. The maximum printed on the tyre sidewall is a different figure.

Check when the tyres are

Check when the tyres are cold, ideally before a journey or after the car has been parked for a few hours.

Remove the valve cap and

Remove the valve cap and press a gauge firmly onto the valve.

Add or release air until

Add or release air until the reading matches the recommended figure. The handbook may list different figures for a loaded car.

When to get a wheel checked after an impact

Get the wheel looked at if you notice any of these after a pothole or kerb strike. Our guide on how to tell if an alloy wheel is bent walks through the signs. If a wheel is bent, we assess it and straighten it where we can. See buckled alloy wheel repair.
  • A vibration through the steering wheel or seat.
  • The car pulling to one side.
  • A tyre that keeps losing air.
  • A visible dent, flat spot or crack in the rim.
  • A bulge on the tyre sidewall.
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Alloy wheel with a red brake calliper behind it
Heavy kerb rash along the rim and spokes of a silver alloy wheel

Protecting your wheels day to day

Correct pressures are one part of keeping alloys in good shape. Careful parking, regular cleaning and a protective coat all help, and you can read more in how to protect alloy wheels.
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Frequently asked questions

What happens if you over inflate your tyres?
You get less grip, a harsher ride and faster wear down the middle of the tread. The tyre also cushions less, so your wheels take more of a pothole hit.
Can over inflated tyres damage alloy wheels?
They do not damage a wheel on their own, but they raise the chance of a scuff, bend or crack when you hit a kerb or pothole.
Where do I find the correct tyre pressure?
Look in the vehicle handbook or on the sticker in the door sill. The maximum shown on the tyre sidewall is a different figure.
How often should I check my tyre pressure?
About once a month and before long journeys, with the tyres cold. Pressure drops slowly over time, so a regular check catches it early.
Should I get a wheel checked after hitting a pothole?
Yes, if you notice vibration, pulling, air loss or visible damage. Send us a photo and we will tell you what the repair involves.
Contact

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Email info@whoopswheelfixit.com
Phone 020 7060 3666
WhatsApp +447512308716
Address
Unit 1, 38 Crown Road
Enfield
EN1 1TH

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