Finding a crack in your alloy wheel feels concerning. You might worry about expensive repairs or needing brand new wheels. Let’s examine the real costs and help you make the best choice for your budget and safety.

 

What Causes Damage to Alloy Wheels?

Damaged alloy wheels occur more frequently than expected. Main causes include hitting potholes hard, striking kerbs, or driving over sharp road debris. Older wheels sometimes develop stress cracks from years of use and exposure to road salts.

When you spot a cracked alloy wheel, act quickly. A damaged area compromises the structural integrity of the wheel, potentially causing tyre failure or loss of control whilst driving. This makes crack repair a serious safety matter, not just cosmetic.

 

Real Cost of Alloy Rim Crack Repair

Professional crack repair typically costs £80-£150 per wheel, depending on the damaged area size and location.

At Alloy Fix, we provide expert alloy wheel repair service with a one-year warranty. Our trained technicians use proper welding equipment and high-quality materials to prevent crack growth. The step-by-step process involves careful cleaning, welding, and then refinishing to match the original colour and texture.

Please note repairs take 2-3 days to fully cure properly. We offer loan wheels so you stay mobile whilst we repair yours.

 

New Alloy Wheel Costs

New alloy wheels range from £80 for basic models up to £400+ per wheel for premium or larger sizes. A complete set could cost £320 to £1,600 or more.

Cost factors include:

Wheel Size: Larger wheels (18-20 inches) cost significantly more than smaller ones.

Finish Type: Basic silver powder-coated wheels cost the least. Diamond cut alloy wheels with a machined finish cost much more, starting from £120 for smaller wheels.

Additional Costs: Tyre removal and refitting (£15-30 per wheel), wheel balancing, and new valve stems add £60-120 to total bills.

 

When Alloy Wheel Repair Makes Sense

Repairing alloy wheels works best when:

• Cracks are less than 50mm long
• Location is on the wheel back, not the face
• The wheel condition is otherwise good
• You want original equipment wheels
• Cost matters

Most alloy wheel damage repaired successfully when caught early. Professional repair maintains structural integrity and lasts for years with proper care.

 

When Replacement Makes Sense

Sometimes new wheels make better financial sense:

• Multiple wheels have cracks or damage
• Crack is very long or in a critical stress area
• Your kerbed alloy wheel has extensive other damage
• Wheels are very old or worn out
• You want a different style or size

 

Safety Considerations

Safety comes first. The UK Highway Code requires wheels to be properly maintained and defect-free. Any cracks need a professional assessment according to official MOT inspection guidelines.

Properly repaired areas meet all legal requirements and remain perfectly safe. However, DIY repairs or ignoring cracks can cause dangerous wheel failure whilst driving. A professional alloy wheel repair service ensures proper safety standards.

 

Cost Comparison Example

Consider a 17-inch alloy wheel with a small crack:

Repair Option: £120 for crack repair plus alloy wheel refurbishment. New Wheel Option: £200-300 new wheel plus £25 fitting = £225-325 total

Repair saves £100+ per wheel. For four wheels, you could save £400 or more.

However, if wheels are 10+ years old with other problems, new wheels might offer better long-term value.

 

Our Professional Approach

At Alloy Fix, we’ve completed thousands of alloy wheel repairs using specialist welding techniques and high-quality materials. Our alloy repairs service includes thorough assessment, professional welding, and complete refinishing to factory standards.

We offer a full one-year warranty on crack repair work, demonstrating our commitment to quality and safety. Our expert technicians honestly assess whether damaged alloy wheels can be safely repaired or if replacement works better.

Some customers prefer mobile alloy wheel repairs. Whilst mobile repairers handle minor cosmetic issues, structural crack repairs require specialist workshop equipment unavailable to mobile services. This ensures the highest safety standards for critical repairs.

 

Long-term Benefits

Quality crack repairs last for years, often for the wheel’s remaining life. This makes repair an excellent investment, especially for newer or premium wheels.

Repairing wheels rather than replacing them benefits the environment. Manufacturing new alloy wheels requires significant energy and raw materials. Repairing existing wheels reduces waste and carbon footprint.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does alloy rim crack repair take? A: Most crack repairs need 2-3 working days to fully cure. We provide loan wheels so you keep driving whilst we repair yours.

Q: Will the repaired area be visible? A: Our expert technicians refinish and repair areas to match the original wheel finish. Proper crack repairs appear virtually invisible.

Q: Is a repaired wheel as strong as the original? A: Yes, when repaired by professionals using correct welding techniques. Our repairs maintain full structural integrity with a one-year warranty.

 

Making Your Decision

Choose between repair and replacement based on your specific situation. If repair costs less than 60% of the new wheel price and your wheel is otherwise in good condition, repair usually makes financial sense.

Remember that safety matters most. Get a professional assessment of any cracks immediately – never risk driving on damaged alloy wheels.

At Alloy Fix, we provide honest advice and quality service. Our three-year warranty on powder coating and diamond cut work shows our commitment to excellence. Contact our team today to discuss options and restore your wheels to perfect condition safely and affordably.

For more information about our comprehensive wheel repair services, visit our alloy repairs page or contact our expert team for professional advice.