Wheel straightening: What you need to know and why it matters for your vehicle.

Have you ever noticed your car pulling to one side while you are driving? Or maybe you feel a strange vibration through your steering wheel? If so, your wheels may be bent or out of shape. This is where wheel straightening comes in, a service that can make a big difference to your driving comfort, safety, and even your wallet. An essential for car owners in the UK, wheel straightening is a service you cannot ignore at any cost. Find out in this blog more about what wheel straightening is, how you can tell if you need it, and why it is so important.    

What is wheel straightening?

Wheel straightening is the process of repairing your wheels that are bent or damaged. This service ensures they return to their proper shape. Your car’s wheels are made of metal, usually aluminium alloy or steel. They are strong, but they might become bent or out of shape. A sharp pothole, a high kerb, or rough road conditions can bend your wheels and cause damage to them. 

When this happens, your car might still move, but not as smoothly or safely as it should. Straightening the wheels brings them back into alignment, which helps improve the way your car handles on the road.  

Why do wheels get bent?

You might think that a small bump in the road could not possibly bend your wheels. But it is a common experience where even a small bump from the kerbs has bent wheels. Here are a few common causes that can also result in damage to your wheels: 

• Potholes: One of the main reasons wheels bend. A deep hole can hit the rim hard enough to cause damage.
• Speed bumps and kerbs: Hitting a kerb while parking or going over a speed bump too fast can bend the wheel rim.
• Accidents: Even a minor bump can affect the shape of your wheel.
• Low-profile tyres: These tyres offer less cushioning, so the wheel is more exposed to damage from impacts.  

Signs your wheels may need straightening. 

You don’t need to be a car expert to notice when something is not quite right. Here are some common signs that you can recognise easily to find out that your wheels may be bent: 

• Steering wheel or seat vibrates while driving.
• Uneven tyre wear, which can lead to faster tyre replacement.
• Poor fuel efficiency, because bent wheels can cause drag.
• Visible damage to the wheel, like flat spots or bends.

If any of these signs appear, it is best to get your wheels checked sooner rather than later.  

What happens during a wheel straightening service?

When you take your car in for wheel straightening, a trained technician will complete the following process: 

• Inspect your wheels: They will check for any visible damage and test for any imbalance as you drive. 
• Use specialist equipment: Machines are used to gently reshape the metal and return the wheel to its original form.
• Check for cracks: Sometimes, a bent wheel can also have small cracks. These are either repaired or the wheel is replaced, whichever is necessary.
• Rebalance the wheel: After straightening, the wheel is rebalanced so it spins evenly.

The process is usually quick and often far cheaper than replacing your wheel entirely. So, if your wheel has not been damaged excessively, you could opt for wheel straightening Preston.   

Why wheel straightening is important. 

You might be tempted to ignore a slight wobble or a bit of vibration, but doing so can lead to bigger problems. Straightening your wheels is a good decision for a number of reasons: 

• Improved safety: Because of a straight wheel, your tyres stay steady on the road, even in slippery weather.
• Long-lasting tyres: Tyres that are evenly worn out will last for more kilometres, reducing your costs.
• Better performance: Rolling smoothly on the highway saves both energy and fuel. 
• Smoother journey: You will notice that your steering wheel is now steady and does not gradually pull to one side.
• Avoid additional problems: Driving while your wheel is bent may end up damaging your suspension, steering and brakes.

Hence, even a small service could lead to greater benefits for your car in the long run.   

How to avoid wheel damage? 

The best way to avoid any type of damage to your vehicle is to maintain a healthy driving habit. While a few unexpected challenges can still happen, here are some ways you can protect your wheels:

When you see a pothole or speed bump, drive at a slow speed.

Try to keep your car off the kerb by driving over it.

Properly inflating your tyres helps to protect your wheels.

Whenever you are driving on rough terrains, regularly examine the condition of your wheels.

You might often take your wheels for granted, but wheel straightening can make your drives more comfortable. If you have been noticing more vibrations, or that your wheels are wearing unevenly or that your car is not performing on the corners as it used to, you should check your wheels. 

For your vehicle to drive safely, comfortably and not waste much fuel, its wheels have to be in good shape. If you notice lasting issues with your vehicle, invest in timely services to get the most out of your car and driving experience.