HOW DO WHEEL STRAIGHTENERS WORK?

There is no doubt that the need for affordable and safe parts of automobiles is on the rise. The wheel straighteners are also gaining popularity among all the other automotive parts. The use of these straighteners is showing very positive results for dealerships, workshops, and centers where tyres are manufactured. If the wheel of your vehicle is bent due to any reason or mishap, then it can cause vibrations, which can lead to rapid wear and tear of tyres. Thereby compromising the safety of the vehicle and making it difficult to have full control over it.

As per Wheel Straightening Preston, a wheel straightener is equipment that is used to repair alloy wheels if they are bent or warped. These dents on the wheels are often caused by rough roads, potholes that are not easily visible while driving. Some of the signs that your vehicle has such issues are unbalanced steering, uneven wear and tear of tyres, structural damage, etc. These can be fixed only with the help of a wheel straightener.

 

Unlike other cosmetic repair that focuses on the exterior of the vehicle, if there is any paint damage or scratches, wheel straighteners primarily focus on the structural integrity of the wheel. Moreover, if there is any structural damage to the vehicle, it can lead to accidents, so it should be given more attention when compared to cosmetic damage. 

 

The process of wheel straightening

 

The process of straightening a wheel is not just a guesswork but rather a measured technical process. Let's see how this technique works.

 

Step 1: The primary step is to identify the deformation

 

To identify the areas that require repair, the wheel is placed on a spindle and then rotated at a slower speed. According to Wheel Straightening Preston, there is equipment to measure the movement of the wheel, and it helps to determine whether there is any problem or dent on the wheel, both laterally and radially. Moreover, this procedure helps us to identify the exact points that need to be repaired. To make sure that the metal can be easily reshaped, the affected area of the wheel is heated. Moreover, it is done in a very careful way so that it does not weaken the structural integrity of the wheel.

 

Step 2: Applying the hydraulic pressure

 

After identifying the issue, or rather the points that require correction, a well-controlled hydraulic pressure is applied. Moreover, it helps to adjust the wheel up to 26 inches, and this can be suitable for different types of vehicles. After the straightening process is carried out, the wheel is heated to a specific temperature and is then allowed to cool down slowly so that it releases any stress built up within the metal. 

 

Step 3: Verifying and preparing for finishing

 

So when the whole straining process is finished, then the wheel is re-rotated and measured to assure that it is properly repaired. The time taken to complete the full process is a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. This not only minimizes outsourcing but also improves the turnaround time. Moreover, it also improves the overall profitability.

 

The wheel straightening machines are built in a very sturdy way to restore bent alloy wheels. It offers user-friendly control along with sturdy electro-hydraulic performance. He best part is that the straightening machine doesn't require any extensive training, thereby making it easy for the operators to carry out the whole process quickly. As per Wheel Straightening Preston, the maximum width of the rim is 12 inches, and the machine operates in such a precise way that it ensures that the substantial deformation of the wheels can be recovered safely without any issues, such as compromising strength or balance.   

 

Benefits of straightening alloy wheels

 

Some advantages of opting for straightened alloy wheels rather than replacing them are as follows:

 

Environmental impact: There is no doubt that opting for repaired wheels or reusing wheels can be more environmentally friendly than opting for producing new ones. This is because it helps in reducing wastage and also the use of raw materials. 

 

Cost-effectiveness: There is no doubt that straightened wheels are less expensive than buying new wheels for your car, especially wheels that are custom-designed. 

 

Time saving: Straightening alloy wheels is also a time-saving process that can be completed within a day or even less time. On the other hand, ordering and replacing a new wheel might be a bit more time-consuming process. 

 

Conclusion

 

Can alloy wheels be straightened? This is one of the primary questions that might occur in your mind if you are repairing the dent on your vehicle’s wheel for the very first time. Moreover, there is no doubt that the straightening of the wheel is a cost-effective method instead of replacement. To get your wheel straightened properly, it is important that you go to a professional like Wheel Straightening Preston who can successfully complete the whole process.