Repairing your car’s aluminum wheel is actually doable by any car owner. In fact, most people will actually buy a new one instead of repairing their car’s broken wheel.
However, it’s not bad to repair things, especially with the rising expenses we face today. The usual use it up and toss it out mentality has made us lose those valuable savings in the long run. In fact, a lot of people may not even know that aluminum wheels can still be repaired.
Some people will just get a replacement once their wheels get broken. One of the great things you’ll get by repairing your wheels is that you get to avoid having to buy a new expensive wheel. Second, repairing your wheel will allow you to maintain a unique-looking wheel no longer being offered in the market.
If you’re one of those people who think a car’s wheel can only be “replaced” and can’t be repaired, this article is for you. We have shared an actionable, step-by-step approach to repairing your car’s wheels. You can use these steps to change or repair your car’s wheels yourself and save hundreds, if not thousands, of bucks.
Have a look.
Getting Started
Doing your wheel repair is similar to repairing your car’s bodywork. You need to get rid of the spots and then fill in what’s missing. Like the bodywork, you’ll need to finish the surface as well to complete the repair.
However, while working with wheels, you’ll need to work with tools, equipment, or machines. Now you’ll probably need to go to an auto shop to smooth down the wheel because a small grinder will be needed.
Smoothing down the wheel will eliminate the sharp edges and any protruding pieces when it gets broken. However, if you have a regular grinder, you can simply do it in your garage.
Welding is needed to add material to your wheel as needed. This all seems to be an easy process if you have the equipment. If not, perhaps you can do it on your own, and just go to the shop for steps you can’t do at home. Let’s start to learn how to repair the wheel.
The Step-by-step Car Wheel Repair Process Explained
- If your aluminum wheel has been bent, cracked, or worn out, grinding it will allow it to smoothen out. You can get rid of the ragged edges by using a small grinder. This is the first step in prepping up your aluminum wheel.
- Once your wheel no longer has rough edges, it’s time to have it TIG-welded. For most of us who don’t have a TIG weld, you’ll need to go to your local auto repair center or auto shop. Having your wheel TIG-welded will fill up any dents or low spots in your wheel. This step will also strengthen your wheel and make it stronger than when it was brand new.
- Lastly, it’s time to restore the rim to how it looks like before. You also can’t do this at home unless you have a huge lathe. The wheel lip is turned through this equipment. It will improve the look of your wheel. Not only that, but it will help in balancing your wheel as well.
Final Word
If your car’s wheel gets damaged or broken, it doesn’t mean throwing them off and buying new ones, just because it’s a “safety concern”.
Guess what? You can repair your car’s wheels inside your garage, and they will still work as perfectly as new ones. All you need to do is to follow the step-by-step guide discussed in this article. You can also take your car to an auto shop if needed. If you need to purchase high-quality parts for your car’s wheel or any other part, you can consider browsing partsgeek.com.
