Many people think that car wheels are super strong because they are made of metal. However, despite their sturdy appearance, wheels still have the potential to crack or even break. In addition to making the car look less appealing, damaged wheels can also interfere with stability and endanger safety while driving.

Damaged wheels are not easy to repair. That's why it's crucial to understand the causes and how to prevent damage before it worsens.

Why Do Wheels Crack? Here Are the Culprits

1. Potholes

These are the main enemy of car wheels. A hard impact when hitting a deep pothole, especially when driving at high speed, can immediately cause cracks or breakage. Even small but frequent impacts can cause hairline cracks.

2. Puddles

They may seem insignificant, but puddles often cover large potholes. When tires are underinflated, the impact from potholes is felt more strongly by the wheels, increasing the risk of cracks.

3. Curbs

Parking too close to the curb or hitting it while turning can also make wheels prone to cracking. The weight of the car pressing on the rim when hitting the side of the road causes the metal to be pressed harder.

4. Brake Dust Accumulation

Fine dust from the brakes can settle on the rim. Over time, the dust burns and causes corrosion, creating small cracks that can grow larger.

5. Incorrect Tire Pressure

Underinflated tires cause the rims to work extra hard, as the tire treads are unable to absorb the impact. Conversely, overinflated tires make the tires stiff and transfer all the impact to the rims.

6. Corrosion/Rust

Rims are designed to be rust-resistant. However, constant exposure to water, dust, and road debris can still weaken the metal structure and eventually cause cracks.

Can Cracked Rims Be Repaired? Yes, But It Depends on the Condition

Not all rim damage can be salvaged. Hairline cracks may still be repairable, but if the damage is severe, the rim usually needs to be replaced entirely. Some common repair methods include:

• Epoxy or resin – Suitable for minor cracks that only affect appearance.
• Welding – Filling cracks with molten metal, but only safe for small cracks on the edges.
• CNC machining – Removing the damaged part and reshaping it. Effective, but more expensive.

How to Prevent Wheel Cracks to Keep Them Durable

To keep your wheels safe and looking good, there are several steps you can take:

1. Avoid Potholes

Reduce your speed when driving on damaged roads, or choose another route with better conditions.

2. Monitor Tire Pressure

Make sure your tire pressure is always as recommended. Too low or too high is equally risky for the wheels.

3. Don't Drive with Flat Tires

Flat tires cause the wheels to absorb impacts directly. Immediately inflate the tires if they start to feel soft.

4. Be Careful When Passing Curbs

When parking or turning in narrow areas, keep your distance from the curb so that the wheels don't hit it.

5. Clean Your Wheels Regularly

Dirt, brake dust, and water can cause corrosion. Cleaning your wheels allows you to detect potential damage more quickly.

6. Check Their Condition Regularly

If you start to feel strange vibrations, immediately check with a repair shop. Early detection can prevent further damage.

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6 Penyebab Velg Mobil Retak dan Cara Mencegahnya

Banyak yang menganggap velg mobil itu superkuat karena terbuat dari logam. Padahal di balik tampilannya yang kokoh, velg tetap punya potensi retak atau bahkan pecah. Selain bikin tampilan mobil jadi kurang enak dilihat, kerusakan velg juga bisa mengganggu stabilitas dan membahayakan keselamatan saat berkendara.

Velg yang rusak pun bukan perkara gampang diperbaiki. Makanya, penting banget buat paham apa saja penyebabnya dan bagaimana mencegah kerusakan sebelum makin parah.

Kenapa Velg Bisa Retak? Ini Biang Keroknya

1. Jalan Berlubang

Ini musuh utama velg mobil. Benturan keras ketika menghantam lubang dalam, apalagi saat melaju cukup cepat bisa langsung memicu retak atau pecah. Bahkan benturan kecil tapi sering, bisa memunculkan retak rambut.

2. Genangan Air

Kelihatan sepele, tapi genangan air sering menutupi lubang besar. Saat ban kurang tekanan angin, benturan dari lubang makin terasa ke velg dan memperbesar risiko retak.

3. Kena Trotoar

Parkir terlalu mepet atau menyenggol trotoar waktu berbelok juga bikin velg rentan retak. Berat mobil yang menekan velg saat menghantam sisi jalan membuat logamnya tertekan lebih keras.

4. Debu Rem Menumpuk

Debu halus dari rem bisa mengendap di velg. Lama-lama, debu itu terbakar dan memicu korosi, lalu membuat retakan kecil yang bisa membesar.

5. Tekanan Ban Tidak Tepat

Ban yang kurang tekanan membuat velg bekerja ekstra, karena bantalan ban tidak sanggup meredam benturan. Sebaliknya, tekanan berlebih bikin ban jadi kaku dan seluruh benturan diteruskan ke velg.

6. Korosi/Karat

Velg memang dirancang tahan karat. Tapi paparan air, debu, dan material jalan yang terus-menerus tetap bisa melemahkan struktur logam hingga akhirnya retak.

Velg Retak Bisa Diperbaiki? Bisa, Tapi Tergantung Kondisi

Tidak semua kerusakan velg bisa diselamatkan. Retak rambut masih mungkin diperbaiki, tapi kalau sudah parah, biasanya harus diganti total. Beberapa metode perbaikan yang umum dilakukan antara lain:

• Epoxy atau resin – Cocok untuk retak ringan yang hanya mengganggu tampilan.
• Pengelasan (welding) – Mengisi retakan dengan logam cair, tapi hanya aman untuk retak kecil di bagian pinggir.
• CNC machining – Menghilangkan bagian yang rusak lalu membentuk ulang. Efektif, tapi biayanya lebih mahal.

Cara Mencegah Velg Retak Supaya Tetap Awet

Supaya velg tetap aman dan enak dipandang, ada beberapa langkah yang bisa kamu lakukan:

1. Hindari Jalan Berlubang

Kurangi kecepatan saat melalui jalan rusak, atau pilih rute lain dengan kondisi lebih baik.

2. Pantau Tekanan Angin

Pastikan tekanan ban selalu sesuai rekomendasi. Terlalu rendah atau terlalu tinggi sama-sama berisiko buat velg.

3. Jangan Mengemudi dengan Ban Kempes

Ban kempes bikin velg menerima benturan secara langsung. Segera isi angin kalau terasa mulai lembek.

4. Waspada saat Melewati Trotoar

Saat parkir atau belok di area sempit, jaga jarak dengan tepi jalan agar velg tidak menyenggol trotoar.

5. Rutin Membersihkan Velg

Kotoran, debu rem, dan air dapat memicu korosi. Membersihkan velg membuat kamu lebih cepat mendeteksi potensi kerusakan.

6. Periksa Kondisinya Secara Berkala

Kalau mulai terasa ada getaran aneh, segeralah cek ke bengkel. Deteksi dini bisa mencegah kerusakan makin parah.