OK, I hit the pot hole of the century today (live in Chicago).

The rim dented a tad.

I have 18 inch GP rims, and they are a pain to get, and quite expensive. What does a dented rim mean other than a cosmetic issue that doesn't really show unless I point it out to someone?

I am new to this, so forgive the dumb question ...

Thanks!

 

Several issues-

The pothole can:
Damage your tire- a potentially big problem if the integrity of the tire sidewall is compromised and increases the chance of tire blowout or failure.
Damage your suspension or alignment- check for damage and avoid potholes, do realignment if there are signs of uneven tire wear or as a routine every two years or when changing to new tires.
Damage to your rim- even hidden damage is possible so that the tire doesn't seat well and you tend to loose air pressure easily, you can also get cracks where you cannot see them or otherwise weaken the metal and increase chance for cracks or wheel failure in the future or with heavy (track) use.

Often times you can get the rim checked, tire dismounted and repaired. Call around in your area for alloy wheel repair specialist. Usually pretty good. Be extra careful about potholes. Larger rims often require stiff sidewall lower profile tires that are very hard on rims when hitting potholes or curbs.

See also
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=129057

 

ive heard anywhere from 50 bucks to 150 bucks to have a dinged cast rim to be fixed. I have a dussey of a bend in one of my rims, but havnt taken to get it fixed yet. but you should be able to have it fixed without to much trouble.

 

if there is no vibration, no hairline cracks, no bulging on the tire sidewall,
and no leak, i suppose it's fine to use.

but i would atleast get them repaired...
www.fixrim.com (ArlingtonHts, IL)
www.wheelcollision.com (PA)

 

I have nearly instantly become a believer in the tyre/wheel insurance offered at purchase. I just got my car back yesterday with an invoice total of nearly $950.00 and I only had to pay $145! They had to replace two tires and repair two S-lites. I wondered about the repair, but I posted here and got good answers, so I'll give it a go. The insurance did not pay for alignment or moving right front to left rear, so as to put two newest tyres on the front. I hit a pothole at about 60 on the interstate (I-70). I would have your SA check the car over, and if the repair place is reputable, let them repair any damage to the wheel(s). Best of luck with this.

 

A Mini dealer or a tire shop with the proper equipment can check the radial runout of the wheel (with tire mounted) to see if it is within specifications.