Alloy Wheel Damage: Different Types and How to Spot

Alloy wheel damage is a very broad term for what can actually be a number of different problems. Some types of damage are primarily cosmetic, such as minor scuffs, scratches and scrapes. On the other hand, there are some more severe forms of alloy wheel damage which actually hinder the structural integrity of your wheels, and need repairing as a matter of urgency.

It can be difficult to understand which type of damage you are dealing with, and how severe or dangerous this could be. That’s why we’ve written this helpful article, teaching you how to spot certain types of alloy wheel damage. 

What causes alloy wheel damage?

Alloy wheel damage is usually caused by direct contact with something. This might be the bumper of another car, the wheels of another car, a kerb, speed bumps, potholes, or really any other obstacles you run into when driving.

However, alloy wheel damage can also occur, or be worsened by other factors such as brake dust, road debris, and even exposure to salt if driving during the winter months.

Driving means that your car, and subsequently your alloy wheels, are going to be exposed to a lot of corrosive substances, and even if your wheels are coated with a high quality sealant, eventually this can wear down and lead to the wheels becoming damaged, sometimes this is just unavoidable.

Common types of alloy wheel damage

So, let’s have a look at some of the most common types of alloy wheel damage. The chances are, if your alloys are damaged, you’ll be dealing with one of the following issues:

• Kerb rash - Probably the most common type of alloy damage, kerb rash occurs when alloys are scraped along the kerb or pavement whilst parking. Usually, this issue is only cosmetic, but in some cases, it can be serious enough to cause structural concerns.
  
  
• Scratched alloys - These are normally caused by road debris hitting the alloys at high speeds, especially when driving on a motorway. Again, usually a cosmetic concern, but as with most issues, it can lead to more serious problems if left unfixed. We delved deeper into scratched alloys on our dedicated blog: scratched alloys: should you fix yourself or call an expert.
  
  
• Buckled alloys - A buckled alloy is a wheel that has become bent out of shape, which means it won’t be aligned with the tyre. These can be quite a dangerous form of damage, because of the handling problems they bring, as well as increased risk of tyre blowout. At Alloy Wheel Repair, we can fix bucked alloys, no problem.
  
  
• Corrosion - Especially around the lug nut holes, exposure to the elements can gradually lead to corrosion of the wheels. Alloys are especially susceptible to corrosion around areas which are already scratched, as the protective layer on the wheel is already gone.
  
  

How to tell if my alloys are damaged

There are some things you need to look out for to determine whether your alloy wheels are damaged. Whilst you might be able to see very clear and visible scrapes and scuffs, you need to be aware of the signs of more dangerous structural damage.

First of all, we’d recommend giving your tyres a surface level inspection. Check for external damage such as scuffs and scrapes. If there are a few noticeable scratches, you probably won’t need repairs as a matter of urgency, but you should definitely consider them to avoid the damage worsening and leading to severe issues.

After this, you should check for uneven tyre wear. If you notice that the tyre tread is unevenly worn on either side, this could be a sign of buckled alloys, or alignment problems.

Then, look out for the following factors whilst you are driving:

If you notice any of these problems, your alloys might be damaged. But what should you do if your alloys are damaged?

What should I do if my alloys are damaged?

If your alloys are damaged, we’d recommend speaking to a professional as soon as possible. Whilst not every form of alloy wheel damage is an immediate and dangerous problem, the forms that are present enough danger that it just isn’t worth the risk of leaving them be.

On top of this, even minor scuffs and scrapes almost always degrade into something worse if left unrepaired, which leads to even more expensive damage. So we’d recommend sorting these issues as soon as possible. To do so, book an alloy wheel repair today with one of our professional garages near you.