The Most Common Types of Wheel Damage in Edmond and How to Fix Them

Wheels take more abuse than most people realize. From potholes and curbs to road debris and harsh weather, it’s no wonder they eventually show signs of wear and tear. For Edmond, OK drivers, recognizing the early signs of damage can save time, money, and the hassle of a flat tire or compromised handling. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved with professional rim repair, which restores both the appearance and safety of your wheels.

In this post, we’ll cover the most common types of wheel damage and what you can do to fix them—whether you’re dealing with a minor cosmetic issue or something more serious.

1. Curb Rash: The Most Frequent Offender

Curb rash happens when your wheel scrapes against a sidewalk, curb, or other hard surface—usually while parking. It results in scuffed, scratched, or chipped edges on the outer rim of the wheel. While it’s mostly cosmetic, ignoring it can lead to corrosion over time.

Fix: Light curb rash can often be sanded down, filled, and refinished by a wheel specialist. The process usually includes repainting and clear-coating to match your existing wheel finish. For deep gouges or bent edges, it’s best to let professionals assess whether repair or replacement is needed.

2. Bent Wheels: A Hidden Threat

Edmond roads, like any other, have their fair share of potholes. Hitting one at the wrong angle or speed can bend your wheel, even if it’s barely noticeable to the eye. Bent wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, poor fuel economy, and steering vibration.

Fix: A wheel straightening machine is used to restore the wheel’s round shape and eliminate bends. It’s a precise process that requires trained technicians to measure and correct imperfections down to the millimeter.

3. Cracked Rims: Serious and Dangerous

Cracked rims are often the result of severe impact—think hitting a deep pothole or a road hazard at high speed. These cracks can appear on the inner or outer part of the rim, and while small at first, they can expand and cause air leaks or complete failure.

Fix: If the crack is minor and doesn’t compromise structural integrity, welding may be an option. However, not all cracks are repairable. A reputable technician will evaluate the extent of the damage and advise whether a replacement is safer.

4. Corrosion and Rust: Cosmetic and Costly

While most modern wheels are made from aluminum alloys that resist rust, they’re not immune to corrosion—especially during winter when road salt is used. Over time, this can cause bubbling paint, flaking finishes, or even pitting on the metal surface.

Fix: The wheel can be stripped, cleaned, and refinished. This involves sandblasting the surface, applying a primer, and repainting it to match your set. In many cases, corrosion can be fully reversed with proper treatment.

5. Out-of-Round Wheels: The Invisible Issue

Even if your wheel isn’t visibly bent or cracked, it may still be “out-of-round.” This type of damage affects how the wheel spins and often causes vibration at high speeds.

Fix: Like bent wheels, these need to be inspected on a specialized machine. Professional technicians can use heat, hydraulic pressure, and real-time sensors to restore the correct shape and rotation balance.

Case Study: How One Edmond Driver Saved a Set of Custom Wheels

A local Edmond resident recently brought in a set of luxury aftermarket wheels to Premier Color and Wheels after noticing steering vibrations. The wheels had both visible curb rash and minor bends. Within 48 hours, the team used advanced diagnostics and refinishing techniques to fully restore the wheels—saving the client over $1,000 in potential replacements. The best part? You couldn’t even tell they were damaged in the first place.

Whether you're facing cosmetic blemishes or structural issues, fixing wheel damage quickly is crucial. Not only does it preserve your vehicle’s performance, but it also protects your investment in style and safety.

For Edmond drivers looking for reliable wheel restoration, Premier Color and Wheels offers a range of expert services to get you back on the road—smoother and safer than ever.

Not sure if your wheels are damaged? Get in touch with our team and get expert advice tailored to your car’s needs.