Why Driving on Cracked Rims is Never Safe

If you only pay attention to your tyres when they’re flat, you’re not alone. A surprising amount 

of Kiwis either ignore tyre maintenance altogether or inflate them once in a while. Drury Tires are at the top of the Auckland car game which means we notice things that most drivers don’t – specifically the quality of rims. 

While you might be familiar with rims in an aesthetic sense, there’s more to them that meets the eye. These sturdy metal circles support the tyre and are crucial for your vehicle’s overall safety and performance. Unfortunately, cracked rims are a common issue, and many motorists either don’t notice them or underestimate just how dangerous they can be. At Drury Tires, we know better and we want you to know better too. That’s why we’ve created an expert guide on identifying and repairing cracked rims to ensure better road safety for everyone. 

 

The Dangers of Cracked Rims

A cracked rim is much more than a cosmetic flaw. Rims support the tyre, helping to maintain its shape under the weight of the vehicle. If there’s a crack in this support system it creates an uneven tyre surface, throwing off the wheel alignment and making it difficult to drive straight. 

But that’s not the worst of it. The real danger of cracked rims comes into effect on the motorway. When a rim is cracked, it prevents the tyre from seating properly. At high speeds this can lead to air leaks and even sudden blowouts, the results of which are catastrophic.

 

Identifying Cracked Rims

Unfortunately, cracks aren’t always visible to the untrained eye. Here are some telltale signs that we keep a lookout for:

• Thumping Sounds: If you hear a persistent thumping while driving, it could be your rim struggling to maintain its shape.
• Steering Wheel Vibrations: Excessive vibrations can indicate a problem with your rims or tyres.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: A cracked rim can throw your wheel alignment off, causing your car to pull to one side.
• Increased Fuel Consumption: Damaged rims can affect your vehicle’s efficiency, leading to higher fuel usage.

If you notice any of these symptoms pull over and inspect your rims. Still don’t see any cracks? It’s better to be safe than sorry. At Drury Tires we’ve had years of industry experience and are trained to notice the slightest problem. Our experts can check your rims and put your mind at ease with our stamp of approval. 

 

Tips to Prevent Rim Damage

If we confirm that your rims are fine, there are a few things you can do to ensure they stay that way:

• Maintain Correct Pressure: Keep your tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. When a tyre is under-inflated it puts extra pressure on the rims making them more susceptible to damage.
• Drive Carefully: Be mindful of potholes, curbs, and other road hazards. This is especially important when driving on poorly maintained roads as they’re more likely to damage your rims. 
• Respect Load Limits: Do not exceed your vehicle’s recommended load capacity. The heavier your load, the more pressure you put on your rims, increasing the risk of cracks.
• Finally, Invest in Quality: At Drury Tires you can find a variety of high-quality rims and tyres that are designed to withstand the stresses of everyday driving. Cheap or substandard components are more prone to damage.

 

Repair vs Replacement

Whether you get inspected by one of our experts or identify a crack yourself, there’s only one smart solution. Unlike bent rims, which can sometimes be straightened out, cracks compromise the structural integrity of the rim, posing a significant risk. This means even the most experienced welder may have trouble getting the rim back to a safe state. The best option for cracked rims is to replace them. 

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or expensive ordeal. At Drury Tires, we ensure road safety without breaking the bank. Contact our team for a rim repair quote and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.