On this page
- What are the visible signs of a damaged wheel?
- What driving symptoms point to a bent wheel?
- Why does a damaged wheel make the tyre lose air?
- Can you drive with a damaged wheel?
- Damaged wheel: repair or replace?
- Should the tyre be checked along with the wheel?
- Hit a pothole or kerb in Milan?
- Frequently asked questions
What are the visible signs of a damaged wheel?
The visible signs of a damaged wheel are mainly on the rim edge, the part that touches the tyre and takes the impact first.
- Dent or bend in the rim edge, inner or outer;
- crack on the rim edge or near the spokes;
- deep chips or missing material;
- a tyre that does not sit evenly against the rim.
Check the inner side of the wheel too, if you can see it: a lot of pothole damage is found there and is not noticeable when looking at the wheel from outside.
What driving symptoms point to a bent wheel?
A bent wheel shows itself mainly through vibrations in the steering wheel or the seat, which usually increase with speed. Other common symptoms:
- the car pulls to one side;
- the tyre slowly loses air even without visible holes;
- rhythmic noises linked to the wheel's rotation.
These symptoms can also have other causes: you will find them in the guide on steering wheel vibrations and a car that pulls to one side.
Why does a damaged wheel make the tyre lose air?
A damaged wheel makes the tyre lose air because the tyre can no longer seal properly against the deformed rim edge. A small gap forms through which air escapes, often slowly.
The result is a tyre that goes down over hours or days. Pumping it back up often does not solve it: as long as the wheel stays deformed, the leak comes back.
Can you drive with a damaged wheel?
Not with a cracked wheel: a crack can widen and lead to a sudden loss of pressure. With a slightly dented wheel you can drive only with care, checking the pressure, until you get it assessed.
If after the impact the steering wheel is off-centre or the wheel looks tilted, the damage may also affect the suspension or steering: in that case do not drive off and consider towing, as explained in tow truck or mobile tyre fitter.
Damaged wheel: repair or replace?
Whether to repair or replace a wheel is decided by a technician after examining it: it depends on the type of damage, the material and the manufacturer's guidance.
| Damage | General guidance |
|---|---|
| Surface scratches on the rim edge | Cosmetic issue, generally does not affect the seal |
| Slight bend in the rim edge | Have it assessed: possible air leak |
| Marked bend or deformation | Often needs replacing |
| Crack | Do not use the wheel; have it assessed urgently |
Should the tyre be checked along with the wheel?
Yes: an impact hard enough to damage the wheel may also have damaged the tyre. The typical damage is a bulge on the sidewall, a sign that the internal plies have broken.
Find out how to spot it in the guide on a bulge in the tyre. Large wheels with low-profile tyres are more exposed to this kind of damage, as explained in low-profile tyres and large wheels.
Hit a pothole or kerb in Milan?
If after an impact the tyre is losing air or is damaged, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 across Milan and its province, in 30 minutes on average: we check the tyre and the wheel and, if there is a usable spare wheel, get you back on the road on the spot. Call +39 377 326 0999 or send a request for assistance with a photo of the wheel.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bent alloy wheel be straightened?
In some cases a slight bend can be treated by specialist workshops, but it is not always possible or advisable: it depends on the extent and position of the damage and on the manufacturer's guidance. A cracked or badly deformed wheel generally needs replacing.
Is a steel wheel less easily damaged than an alloy one?
A steel wheel tends to bend rather than crack, whereas an alloy wheel can crack under hard impacts. Both can deform enough to cause air leaks or vibrations. Either way, after a hard impact the wheel should be checked.
How can I see the inner side of the wheel?
With the front wheels you can turn the steering fully to one side to get a better view of the inner part. Use your smartphone torch and look at the inner rim edge all the way round, moving the car slightly if needed. A lot of pothole damage is on the inner side.
Does the wheel need balancing after replacing the rim?
Yes. Every time a tyre is fitted to a wheel, whether new or different, the wheel must be balanced to avoid vibrations. If the impact was hard, it is also worth having the alignment checked, because the toe may have been knocked out.