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Houston’s Wheel Repair Shops
Is Wheel Repair Worth It?
The short answer is yes. Wheel repair lets you save money, keep your wheels, and even customize them. In 85% of cases, you save money and time by repairing your wheels unless the wheel is beyond repair. Then you should buy a new wheel.
In the world of automotive care, damaged wheels are an inevitable hurdle. Whether it’s cracks, dents, or curb scrapes, we’ve got your questions covered: What do they actually do to repair wheels? Should I buy a new wheel or repair it?
Explore the art of wheel repair, from the intricacies of fixing structural damage to the joys of customization. Uncover the secrets to saving money while maintaining optimal performance.
Get ready to roll confidently on wheels that reflect your unique style. Join us on this journey, where every turn leads to a smoother, more vibrant ride through the realm of wheel repair.
What is a damaged wheel, and can it be repaired?
Damaged wheels typically fall into three main categories: cracks, dents, and scrapes.
Cracks and dents often result from hitting potholes or other hard objects, leading to flat tires, while scrapes occur when the wheel encounters curbs or other abrasive surfaces.
In most cases, damaged wheels can be repaired.
A skilled team can straighten bent rims, weld cracked wheels, and fix scraped or curb-rashed wheels. However, caution is essential to avoid repairing wheels beyond recovery.
Wheels with multiple cracks or those compromised during welding should not be fixed.
Normally, wheels that have experienced 3 or more cracks will continue to crack, and we do not recommend fixing them.
Do not weld a wheel alongside a spoke unless necessary. This can lead to danger since you are compromising the integrity of the wheel.
A dent in the drum of the wheel or the face of the wheel should be taken more seriously than one on the back rim of the wheel. This is because of the difficulty in restoring the original shape of the wheel, which can cause vibration and other issues.
Seek a second opinion if unsure about the repair feasibility.
How do you repair wheels?
The repair process depends on the type of damage. Let’s get into it:
Cracked wheels
Cracks are typically found on the back lip of the wheel, these are fixed by removing the tire, welding the crack, painting the repaired area, and balancing the wheel.
Afterward, the wheel repair team will paint the area to match the rest of the wheel, mount the tire, and check for any leaks.
Then they will balance the wheel and tire, install it on your vehicle, and you’ll be ready to go!
Bent wheels
After tire removal, the wheel is inspected. The bend is marked, and the wheel is heated so that it can be shaped more easily by specialized equipment.
Then the tire is remounted and balanced before being installed on your vehicle.
Scraped or curb-rashed wheels
There are different ways of fixing this.
The easiest and cheapest way to fix curb rash includes sanding down the scraped area and then applying a layer of wet paint to it.
A more extensive process involves paint stripping, sanding, CNC machine finishing, powder coating, and baking or “curing” the wheel for a professional result. Depending on the layers and the desired look, the wheel can be baked and powder-coated multiple times.
The wheel is then cooled and ready to go!
common types of damage
Is wheel repair worth it?
In short, yes. Wheel repair lets you save money, keep your wheels, and even customize them.
In most cases, welding or straightening a wheel can cost you anywhere from $75 to $400, depending on the shop and damage.
Most wheels nowadays cost north of $250 at a retail level. That’s not to say you can’t find wheels on Facebook Marketplace or the junkyard, but good luck finding the same wheel with the correct fitment.
And even if you do, you’ll need someone to install it, and there is no warranty, and it’s a whole headache to meet up with a stranger and you get the idea.
So, if you value your time and hard-earned cash, welding or straightening a wheel is the way to go. Plus, most wheel repair shops can weld a wheel on the same day or in a short period, giving you time to tackle the more important tasks in your life.
Also, don’t forget that you can take your wheels and customize them to your liking.
A wheel recondition or refurbishment can cost you anywhere from $100 to $400.
This lets you fix any curb rash, change the color, and even add small custom designs that help you stand out from all the rest.
Repairing a wheel, whether through welding or straightening, is a cost-effective alternative to buying a new wheel, which can be considerably more expensive.
Wheel repair not only saves money but also allows for customization, including fixing curb rash, changing colors, or adding unique designs.
I fixed my wheels, how do I maintain them?
Congratulations on repairing your wheels!
So you fixed your wheels, and now you don’t want to visit the wheel repair shop anytime soon. Understood.
If you live in a large city like Houston, TX, you are familiar with potholes and highway construction (plus all the traffic!).
With that being said, you need to do your very best to always pay attention to the road.
Yes, that means no texting or scrolling while driving! Please, people.
It’s 2024, potholes are not going away anytime soon, and it’s your responsibility to drive defensively (yes, that includes when no one else is on the road).
Also, if you are riding on low-profile tires, do not expect the slim amount of rubber you have to protect your wheels.
It comes with the style, and you should understand that. Yes, they look great, but those hard pothole hits hurt 10 times more when there is not much tire to protect your wheels.
Consider downsizing your wheels and adding a larger tire.
Next, if you enjoy washing your car or spending a little extra on the detailers, make sure they are not using heavy chemicals on your wheels.
Chemicals will burn away protective layers and can even destroy the powder coat in some cases.
So, to keep your rims in top condition you should:
- Be vigilant on the road, especially in areas with potholes and construction.
- If you have low-profile tires, consider downsizing wheels and using larger tires for better protection.
- Avoid heavy chemical use on wheels during washing, as it can damage protective layers and powder coating.
In conclution:
(If you don’t want to read the whole article)
Is wheel repair worth it? Yes. In the majority of cases, repairing your wheels is a cost-effective and time-saving solution.
Can a damaged wheel be repaired? Yes. Curb rash, cracks, and bends can all be fixed, as long as safety is a priority.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked or bent rim? Around $75 to $300, depending on severity and wheel type.
Feel free to contact us for a quote or if you’re uncertain about repairing a wheel.
Your satisfaction and safety are our priorities.
