Most people spot damage to their alloy wheels when it’s too late. For example, a driver might notice the ride isn’t as smooth or the steering alignment isn’t quite right. Despite spotting the problem, it’s often too late to rectify it at this point and they need to change, repair, or refurbish the wheels.
As you’ll want to spend as little money as possible on car repairs over the years, you’d be wise to avoid various gaffes that could damage your alloys. Learn about the following four common driving mistakes that could damage your alloys.
1. Kerbing
Kerbing is one of the simplest ways to damage alloy wheels. Each time one or both the alloys on one side of a car hit a high kerb, it may sustain scratches, cracks, and gouges on the wheels.
If you’re guilty of kerbing, you would be wise to get the alloy refurbished at rolling-rims.co.uk, as the problem is repairable if they alloy hasn’t sustained significant damage. Also, you must avoid driving too close to the pavement to prevent contact with a kerb.
2. Poor Tyre Inflation
Never drive with an underinflated tyre, as you run the risk of a puncture, and you could damage the whole wheel when driving at a high speed. If your car takes longer to brake, it’s a sign your alloy wheels are poorly inflated.
Also, wheels that take longer to brake will cause extensive skidding, which will weaken the rims and pose a danger to yourself, your passengers, and other road users. For this reason, you must routinely check your vehicle’s tyre pressure, especially if you’re heading off on a road trip or a long drive.
3. Driving Over Potholes
The UK is rife with potholes at present, and they can cause significant damage to cars of every size. The biggest threat is the damage to your alloy wheels. If you’re travelling on a road with one or more potholes, you must drive at a low speed when possible to protect the tyres and wheels. Also, potholes can cause other vehicle issues, such as:
- Early suspension wear
- Vehicle parts damage
- Car destabilising
There’s no doubt driving over a pothole can cause damage to your car, and it could increase your risk of a serious or fatal accident. For this reason, you must drive with caution near potholes and check your tyres after driving on a road riddled with them. Also, report a pothole to eliminate the problem and protect your vehicle and other vehicles in the future.
4. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Many proud car owners might not hesitate to use abrasive brushes when cleaning their alloy wheels. However, the sharp bristles can gradually cause micro damage to the rims and remove the much-needed protective layer. As a result, dirt and debris can become trapped and destroy the shiny aesthetic. For this reason, you must use a microfibre towel or a soft cloth to clean your alloys and apply polish to improve its protective coating.
