How to Fix a Bent Wheel on Your Car
It’s a common concern for drivers to wonder about the condition of their wheels, especially after hitting a pothole or curb. You might be wondering, “Do I need to fix a bent wheel on my car?”. It’s more common than you think for wheels to experience slight bends over time simply from the regular impacts of driving. Metal is malleable, and everyday driving stresses can subtly alter wheel shape. Even during tire installations, a technician might notice a minor bend while using the wheel balancing machine. From a safety perspective, a slight bend is often not a major concern; it’s frequently just a minor imperfection that develops from normal road use. We often only see the outer face of our wheels, and impacts from potholes or road debris can cause bends that aren’t immediately visible.
Road force balancing is a highly recommended service when you get new tires or suspect wheel issues. This advanced balancing method can detect subtle wheel imperfections that standard balancing might miss. Whether you’ll actually feel a bend in your wheel is subjective and varies greatly from driver to driver. Some people are very sensitive to wheel balance issues, while others may not notice minor imbalances.
When a wheel is not perfectly round – and realistically, no wheel is perfectly round from the factory, and neither are tires – it can lead to harmonic vibrations. These vibrations usually occur at specific speeds, related to the wheel’s rotation speed (RPM), and often at multiples of that speed. You might not feel anything at all, which is ideal. However, you might experience a vibration that suddenly becomes noticeable at a certain speed, like 80 or 85 mph. It’s a situation where you might be aware of a slight bend but only feel it at higher speeds. If the vibration is only present at speeds you don’t frequently drive, you might choose to monitor the situation. If the vibration becomes bothersome, a mechanic can refer you to a wheel straightening specialist. These professionals are skilled in repairing bent wheels and can often restore them to excellent condition.
