Choose a Dented Car, Is It Better to Repair or Buy New?

When a car is speeding and accidentally hits a pothole, there is a risk that the car's rim will get damaged. Whether it is bent, cracked, or broken. So, which is actually better to deal with this problem? Repairing the bent rim or buying a new one? It should be considered through several factors that correspond to the condition of the rim and tire.

Like other components, car rims need to be maintained to be durable and long-lasting. However, over time, car rims can also get damaged. The causes vary, from usage age to our negligence as the owners.

Causes of Bent Car Rims

There are many things that can cause bent car rims. Here are some of the main causes that you might want to avoid to extend their lifespan.

Frequently Passing Through Damaged Roads

One of the causes of bent rims is frequently passing through damaged, pothole-ridden, and rocky roads. If you often traverse such road conditions at a relatively high speed, don't be surprised if your car's rim has problems.

This will be exacerbated if you use thin tire profiles. Hard braking when hitting a pothole can also cause the rim to break or bend, especially at the front.

Incompatible Tires

Another cause of bent rims is using tires that are not compatible with the rim's characteristics. One thing to remember is to follow the manufacturer's specifications when you want to replace tires. However, if you have replaced the factory rims with aftermarket products, you can discuss the appropriate tire specifications for the rims.

Using tires with too thin a profile and too wide a tread can damage the car rim. Additionally, installing oversized off-road tires is also not recommended if they do not match the characteristics and material of the car rims.

Air Pressure

The air pressure in the tires can also affect the condition of the car rims. Especially if you forcefully use flat tires for daily driving. So, when you hit a pothole, there will be a direct impact between the asphalt and the rim because the air volume inside the tire is not enough to absorb the shock. This will cause the rim to bend at the lip.

Moreover, excessive air pressure is also not good. This is because it will make the tire's bounce feel harsher as the sidewall becomes stiff. That’s why before traveling, you should check the tire pressure first.

Make sure the air pressure is in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions found on the inner door wall.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace the Rim?

If the incident has already occurred, what should we do to address the bent or deformed car rim? To answer this, you need to first assess the condition of the car rim after the incident.

If the damage is still minor, such as just scratches or affecting its appearance, there is no problem in repairing the rim. So, what if the rim is deformed or bent?

This can actually still be repaired. However, bent or deformed car rims should be taken to a specialized workshop that has a machine to 'press' the rim. Bent or deformed car rims cannot just be repaired with pressing alone. For certain damages, they need to be lathed and shaved to ensure they remain symmetrical.

So what if the car rim is already broken? If your car rim is already broken, it is better to replace it immediately with a new rim or the original rim, although this can actually be addressed with rim pressing.

However, for your safety and security while driving, it is better to replace it with another rim that is still in good condition. No matter how well the repaired rim is, it is not advisable to use it for too long because its strength will be far different from a healthy rim. So, stay cautious!