When it comes to repairing a rim, there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, how badly is the rim damaged? Secondly, what is the cost of repair? And thirdly, how much time will it take to repair the rim?
Here we will discuss those three factors to answer the question of whether or not it is going to be worth it to repair your rim. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what your next steps should be.
What Damage Has Been Done?
The first thing you should do when deciding whether or not to repair your rim is determine what type of damage has been done. Three main types of damage can occur: cosmetic, structural, and functional.
Cosmetic damages include scratches, dents, or nicks in the paint on your wheels. These may be caused by such incidents as hitting a pothole or another object in the road. Structural damages are those that impact the stability of your wheel, such as a crack in the rim. Functional damages impair the performance of your wheel, such as a flat tire.
The cost of repairing cosmetic damage is relatively low and can usually be done by a professional for around $50-60. However, if there is structural damage to your rim, it will need to be fixed by a specialist and can cost on average anywhere from $100-200, depending on a wide variety of factors.
If your car has functional damage, such as a flat tire, you will have to replace the entire rim and repair any other damages which can cost anywhere from $250-$1000 depending on the type of rim and the make and model of your car.
As a basic rule, the more damage your rim has, the more chance that you’ll be better off replacing it rather than repairing it. If there is any structural damage then it’s often the best idea to get a new rim.
Is it Worth It Financially?
Once you’ve assessed the damage, then you need to figure out whether or not it is worth it financially to get a new rim. This is often a difficult decision as the cost of repair and replacements usually aren’t too far apart.
For example, the cost of getting a new standard steel rim is going to be similar to repairing significant wheel rim damage. If welding is required then it often makes sense to replace the rim. Alloy wheels, however, are much more expensive, and usually, it makes financial sense to repair them.
There is also the factor of how much you drive. If you have a rim welded then there is always a chance that the weld will pop or another crack will appear. These risks will only increase if you need to drive long distances every week. For those who don’t use their car often, repair becomes more of a sensible option.
The exact costs of repair are hard to calculate as many different factors go into it such as the damage and the type of rim. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you take your car to the garage as you should be able to get a quote on repairs and a quote for a new rim. You can then make an informed decision.
The Urgency of Repair
The last thing you should consider is how much time you have to repair your rim. If you need it done right away, then a quick fix will do the trick. However, if there is no rush on getting your rims fixed, then take some time and get them repaired professionally.
Professional repairs usually take between one day and two weeks depending on what type of damage has been done as well as other factors such as parts availability or weather conditions. If you need your rims to be safe urgently then often repairing will be the best option.
Is It Worth It To Repairing A Rim?
If the damage is cosmetic, then the answer comes down to personal preference. If you have a 15-year-old family car then you probably won’t care about a bit of curb rash. If you have a brand new sports car then you’ll want it looking as good as possible. Either way, with cosmetic damage, it usually makes much more sense to get the rim repaired.
It can be a little less clear-cut with structural damage. If your wheel is bent out of shape, then many garages offer wheel straightening which will realign your rim and take away any sharp edges. This is often the cheaper option but if your wheel is very badly bent, then you may be advised that it’s unrepairable.
With cracks, successful repairs can be completed but it’s often only advised if the damage is minor. Even then, the structural integrity of the rim wouldn’t be the same. With cracks, it’s better to pay that little bit extra and buy a new rim.
The cost between repair and replacement isn’t usually hundreds of dollars, it’s more like tens of dollars. Due to this, it usually makes sense with non-cosmetic damage to have a new rim. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to drive away with confidence.
Final Thoughts
So, is it worth it to repair a rim? The answer to this question depends on the type of damage that has been done, how much time you have to get the repairs done, and your personal preference.
If the damage is cosmetic, then repairing it yourself or taking it to a professional for a quick fix is usually a good idea in terms of cost-benefit analysis because the repairs will add value back to your vehicle by improving its appearance.
However, if there has been structural damage, then replacing the rim usually makes more sense since this type of repair requires more work than just painting over scratches and dents. Your wheels are the only thing connecting you and the roads, so it’s best not to take chances.