Shaky Ride? 5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Rims

Despite their crucial function, rims often fail to garner the respect they deserve. When your car is shaking when you're driving, it's a reminder that something isn't right.

You need to pull over, call for help and take a look under the hood. The most noticeable part of every car can be the wheel, so pay more attention to it during the inspection.

They are subject to wear and tear just like any other moving part and need regular maintenance to ensure that everything is working as it should be. We'll share the most attention needed for symptoms in this blog.

5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Wrecked Rims

You can tell when your tires are going bald. When it's time to go shop for replacement tires, is it time to retread or replace your rims as well? Is there a difference in cost or quality? You're not alone!

There are many common misgivings when it comes to tire and rim replacement decisions. WheelSynergy gives you the most important signs to check your rims' health status.

1. A Wobble in Your Steering Wheel

When you notice a wobble in your steering wheel, it indicates something isn't suitable with your tires. This can signify that one or more of your rims have gone out of alignment, which might mean the rims themselves need to replace.

However, there can be other causes for this problem, so don't jump to conclusions based on this alone. Better read the following signs to confirm it.

2. You Hear Squeaking When You Turn Left or Right

If your rims have a lot of mileage, they can develop small cracks or dents. These slight imperfections can cause the tire to rub against the rim as you take sharp turns. The friction between the tire and rim creates a sound that's not unlike nails on a chalkboard—the only way to make it stop is by replacing your rims with new ones.

3. The Paint Has Chipped Off of One Spot on Each Rim

This is usually the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your current rims. If the paint around one of your wheels is chipped or peeling off in big chunks, it could mean that the rim isn't balanced correctly and needs replacing immediately. Otherwise, the constant vibration from driving could cause pieces of the rim to start falling apart.

4. A back-and-forth Rocking or Swaying Motion

A back-and-forth rocking or swaying motion can make the ride feel shaky and unstable, especially over bumps and potholes. Eventually, it can cause you to feel anxious about your safety. It could also harm your vehicle's tires and alignment.

If you don't take care of it immediately, this issue can worsen over time and even lead to tires wearing down unevenly or premature suspension damage.

This is why replacing your rims can be a great idea if you find yourself experiencing these symptoms.

5. Your Tires Are Worn Down Unevenly

All tires are designed to have a certain amount of "tread" on them—the part that comes in contact with the road. This helps increase control and traction for the driver.

The tread is ground down by driving and weathering, which is why all tires have a treadwear rating. The rate indicates how much wear they can sustain before replacement. When your tires show uneven wear, it could signify that your car needs new wheels.

Conclusion

One of a car's most overlooked—and most important feature—is its rims. These metal disks, which hold the tires, can define the style and personality of your vehicle. But more than that, they are integral to your car's handling.

They are what hold your tires to the axle of your car, which translates each movement from you turning the steering wheel into forwarding momentum.

If the rims are not in sound condition in any way, this could cause a severe safety hazard. And if you notice strange noises or feel a shakiness while steering your vehicle, it could be time to replace your rims before they become dangerous.