Examine the wheel closely: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or scratches. Bent alloy wheels may appear warped or have uneven surfaces.

Check the tire bead: Inspect the area where the tire meets the rim, looking for any signs of unevenness or separation.

Inspect the wheel hub: Check for any damage or distortion around the hub, where the wheel mounts to the axle.

Spin the wheel: Rotate the wheel slowly while observing its movement. A bent alloy wheel may wobble or appear to be out of balance.

Use a flathead screwdriver: Place a flathead screwdriver against the lip of the wheel and slowly rotate the wheel. If the screwdriver touches the wheel at uneven intervals, it indicates a bent alloy wheel.

Check for tire rub: Inspect the tire’s sidewall for signs of rubbing against the fender or suspension components. This could indicate a bent alloy wheel that is causing the tire to misalign.

Here is where you can spot the most common signs of bent or buckled wheels and this may include:

Vibrations: Pay attention to any vibrations felt in the steering wheel, seat, or throughout the vehicle. Vibrations are a common symptom of bent alloy wheels. Vibrations in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle at certain speeds may indicate a bent alloy wheel.

Pulling or drifting: If the vehicle tends to pull to one side while driving, it could indicate a bent alloy wheel affecting the vehicle’s balance. Similarly, this could indicate a wheel that requires balancing or wheel straightening.

Uneven tire wear: Check for uneven wear on the tires, especially if it is concentrated on one side. Excessive wear on one side or patchy tyre wear could indicate a bent alloy wheel.