Bent Rim Symptoms, Plus FAQ

Written by

Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Updated on September 15th, 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Wheel can become bent due to impact damage, resulting in common symptoms like vibration while driving, abnormal tire tread wear, and poor handling.
  • It’s best to check with a professional when determining whether a bent rim requires replacement since it depends on the location of the bend and the extent of the damage. It can cost between $150 and $400 to replace a bent rim or wheel.
  • You shouldn’t continue to drive on a bent rim because the problem can have a negative impact on the way your vehicle handles while also damaging your tires.

Although wheels are made of high-strength materials, such as steel and cast aluminum, it’s not uncommon for a wheel to become bent due to impact damage. Often, the damage results from hitting a large pothole or making contact with a curb.

If your car’s wheels become significantly bent somehow, you’ll likely notice one or more undesirable symptoms that you’ll want to address right away.

Common Symptoms of a Bent Wheel or Rim

Although wheels are made of high-strength materials, such as steel and cast aluminum, it’s not uncommon for a wheel to become bent due to impact damage.

Do you think one of your vehicle’s wheels might be bent? In many cases, you won’t be able to tell whether a rim is bent just by looking at it. But if you notice one or more of the following symptoms, a bent wheel could be the problem.

Note: Many other problems can mimic a bent wheel. You (or your mechanic) should perform a thorough diagnosis before performing any repairs.

Vibration While Driving

The most common symptom associated with a bent wheel is a low-frequency vibration within a certain speed range while driving. Typically, a bent front wheel will cause a vibration in the steering wheel, whereas a bent rear wheel will cause a vibration that’s felt in the seat or throughout the entire vehicle.

Abnormal Tire Tread Wear

A bent wheel can cause the tire to shake and make uneven contact with the road, eventually causing abnormal tread wear. Often, the problem leads to patchy tread or flat spots that originate at the center of the tire. Excessive wear to the outer tread is also possible because a bent wheel can lead to a loss of tire pressure.

Poor Handling

As you might guess, a bent wheel that’s causing the tire to shake can result in poor handling.

FAQ

Does a bent rim need to be replaced?

Whether a bent rim requires replacement will depend on the location of the bend and the extent of the damage. It’s a good idea to check with a professional who specializes in fixing wheels to see if repair is an option.

How much to fix a bent rim or wheel?

If a bent rim can be fixed, the cost of repair will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of wheel and the extent of the damage. You can usually expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $400 to get the job done by a professional.

Can you drive on a bent rim?

You should not continue to drive on a bent rim because the problem can have a negative impact on the way your vehicle handles. Furthermore, a bent wheel can cause the tire to lose air pressure, increasing the chance of a flat tire or tire failure. It’s a good idea to address a bent wheel right away to help keep your car safe and comfortable.

How to Get a Quality Replacement Rim

A bent rim can cause vibrations while you’re driving, abnormal tread wear, and poor handling—making it risky to drive. The good news is you don’t have to put up with all these symptoms for too long if you get a top-notch replacement rim from CarParts.com. 

Find what you need and check out securely in minutes when you shop online at CarParts.com. Simply input your ride’s exact details into our easy-to-use vehicle selector. Then, choose from our excellent selection of wheel rims sourced from the best aftermarket brands in the industry.

All our wheel rims are made of premium materials, so you can be sure you’re choosing among the best possible rim replacements for your ride. Order today, and get your new rim replacement in just a few days. Got some questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly round-the-clock customer service team.

Shopping for quality rims has never been this quick and hassle-free. Shop now and enjoy the best deals on aftermarket rims.

About The Author
Written By Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor's degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. Certifications include ASE Master Automobile Technician, Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician, L1, L2, L3, and L4 Advanced Level Specialist. Mia loves fixer-upper oddballs, like her 1987 Cavalier Z-24 and 1998 Astro Van AWD.

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