Bent tire rims are a bigger problem than many people think. Not only can they affect the stability of your tires, but they can also alter how your vehicle handles. Watch for the following signs and schedule timely repair if you notice them. 

How to Tell if Your Tire Rims Are Bent

1. Vibrations in the Front or Back of Your Vehicle

If a front rim is bent, you may experience a vibrating steering wheel. When it’s the back tire, you may feel shaking in your seat or further back in the vehicle. Both instances cause tires to maintain uneven contact with the road, which results in vibrations. 

2. Constantly Deflated Tires

Depending on how the rim is bent, it can cause holes to form in the tire. This leads to a constant loss of pressure or even a flat tire in serious cases. If you’re constantly putting air in your tire, the problem is worth getting checked out. It shouldn’t be necessary to refill your tire every few days or so. 

3. Problems Braking

When there’s a serious bend or curve in the metal, your vehicle is likely to pull to the left or the right, depending on which tire is affected. This is especially true when braking. Any issue that impacts your brakes should be assessed by a mechanic immediately. Even if the problem isn’t the brakes, it can still create a dangerous situation.

4. Visible Damage

If you’ve recently run through a pothole or hit a curb, visually inspect your tire for damage. It’s often possible to see where and how the rim is bent simply by looking at it. The absence of visible damage doesn’t mean you’re out of the clear, however, especially if the above effects are present. 

If you’re not sure whether your vehicle needs prompt service, the team at M & C Tire in Kalispell, MT, can help you decide. Along with their expansive stock of quality tires for all sorts of vehicles, they provide essential auto services and repairs for customers throughout Kalispell, White Fish, Columbia Falls, Big Fork, Lakeside, and Somers. They also offer numerous financing options and coupons to reduce the cost. Call (406) 752-9662 to schedule maintenance or visit their website to see the complete listing of automotive services.