Hitting potholes not only causes damage to your rim but can cause further damage to your vehicle that you aren’t even aware of. A bent or damaged rim can also result in total tire failure or premature tire wear and poor vehicle handling. If your rim is bent your car may have the following problems:
- Vibration or a Steering Wheel Shake
- Premature and Uneven Tire Wear
- Unnecessary Wear and Tear on your Car’s Suspension
Your wheel may be slightly bent now but if the wheel takes another impact in the same area it is much more likely to crack. If it does crack you’ll be spending much more money to either weld or replace it with a used or reconditioned wheel than you would have to straighten the wheel in the first place.
As previously mentioned riding on a bent wheel can cause uneven tire wear. All four tires can begin to wear unevenly due to just one bent rim. This can significantly reduce the life-span of your tires. Vibration caused by a bent rim can cause long-term damage to suspension components and bearings as well.
A smooth ride generally requires that all four rims and tires are parallel, a process called “four-point alignment.” An impact which can bend a wheel will most often affect the car’s alignment, which can cause the car to pull to one side or vibrate and also affects tire wear patterns over time. It is difficult to properly align a car with bent wheels
The cost of straightening is less than the cost of replacement including new, reconditioned or used wheels. Reconditioned and used wheels are obviously cheaper than new. AFW must first see the damaged rim to properly assess the cost of repairing it. Some damage may not be visible until the rim is fully inspected.
If your OEM factory stock rim is damaged beyond repair AFW will be more then happy to help you find a replacement at a reasonable price. Stop by for a FREE ESTIMATE. 4341 Twain Avenue San Diego, CA 92120
The city of San Diego is required by law to maintain safe roads. If you have sustained damage to your vehicle, due to driving over a pothole, you may be eligible for repair reimbursement from the city. Here are ten simple steps you will need to take to get compensated for your pothole-related expenses:
- Note the date, time and exact location of the occurrence.
- Drive back to the physical location where the incident occurred.
- Park your vehicle and use a safe site like a sidewalk to shoot several photos of the pothole that caused damage to your vehicle. Take clear photos of the main and cross streets and any landmark that might help identify the location. Using a digital camera is recommended for optimal quality and because you can include your own text alongside the images, using any basic graphics program on your PC.
- Obtain statements from any witnesses to the incident, including any passengers riding with you at the time.
- Gather all invoices that require reimbursement, i.e. wheel repair, wheel replacement, labor, tire replacement, etc.
- Make a copy of your driver’s license, registration and insurance – proving you are the owner of the car.
- Download an automobile damage claim form Here
- Present claim by personal delivery or mail to:
The City of San Diego, Risk Management
Dept., 1200 Third Ave., Suite 1000
San Diego, CA 92101
- Make sure to file your claim no later than 180 days after the incident. Any claims submitted after 180 days will automatically be denied.
- Claim payments vary from 30-90 days but you can call the San Diego City Treasurer’s office at 619-743-9348 for an update on your case.
