Warning signs your black alloy wheel might be failing:
- Vibrations: Feeling shaking in the steering wheel or seat, especially at certain speeds.
- Bent Rim: Visually seeing a bend or dent in the wheel.
- Cracks: Noticing cracks in the wheel's surface.
- Air Loss: Having to constantly add air to the tire on that wheel.
- Unusual Noises: Hearing clicking or thumping sounds coming from the wheel area while driving.
How to test if the wheel is the problem:
- Visual Inspection: Carefully look for bends, cracks, or damage.
- Tire Pressure Check: Make sure the tire is properly inflated. Low pressure can mimic wheel problems.
- Wheel Balancing: Have the wheel balanced at a tire shop. An unbalanced wheel can cause vibrations.
- Wheel Runout Test: A mechanic can use a special tool to measure how much the wheel deviates from true.
- Swap Wheels: Temporarily put a known good wheel in place of the suspected bad one to see if the symptoms disappear.
Common causes of wheel failure:
- Pothole Impacts: Hitting potholes at high speed can bend or crack wheels.
- Curb Rash: Scraping the wheel against curbs can cause cosmetic and structural damage.
- Accidents: Collisions can severely damage wheels.
- Corrosion: Salt and road chemicals can corrode alloy wheels over time.
- Overloading: Exceeding the vehicle's weight capacity can stress the wheels.