Will bent rim cause tire run flat?

Question

Hey guys, I just sent my 350Z to Nissan dealership thinking my tire ran flat. However, they just called and told me that my tire is actually fine, it's the bent rim that forcing the air out of tire.

Now I'm a noob when it comes to car's parts and stuff, but how can a bent rim force air out of tire which is not popped and the valve is absolutely sealed?

I just don't feel like spending extra money on replacing the rim that has no problem. But if what Nissan told me was true, I'm thinking about replacing all my rims and tires with aftermarket ones.

So my second question is any good places to buy aftermarket rims in Calgary? or Canada is fine.

Thanks in advance guys.

Answer 1

Car tires do not have inner tubes.  So if the rim is bent, the bead of the tire does not seal against the rim and air leaks out.

A rim could bet bent from hitting a curb, hitting a pothole without enough air in the tires (air pressure decreases with temperature, winter), or driving with a flat tire.  Car & Driver magazine based in Michigan sometimes has problems with cars with very low profile tires bending rims on potholes.

Answer 2

Yes, a bent rim where the tire bead fits can cause an air leak.   For rims or tires, try www.tirerack.com   www.discounttires.com    www.tiresdirect.com   or www.mrtire.com   or  www.newstalgiawheel.com