Cracked Wheel
Repairs
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- 3-year warranty on powder coating and diamond cut
- 3 workshops: Romford, Dartford, Hemel
Alloy Fix
Professional CrackedWheel Repair
A cracked wheel is more than a cosmetic problem. It puts you and your family at risk every time you drive. At Alloy Fix, we are the UK's leading wheel repair specialist for cracked rims and damaged alloy wheels.
Our expert technicians have repaired thousands of cracked alloy wheels using advanced alloy welding techniques. We restore aluminium rims to full strength and safety. Every rim repair comes with a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
Whether you have hairline fractures or visible cracks, our alloy wheel repair service gets you back on the road safely.
Get your exact price online in a few clicks.Pick your branch, tell us about your wheels and see the price before you book.
Get your price and bookBefore and after
Real wheels, real results
- Before
A cracked rim on our welding bench. - After
The crack welded, ready to be refinished.
Repairs and refinishing
What We Can Fix
Cosmetic damage
- Paint repairs to damaged alloy wheels
- Minor defects on alloy wheel spokes and rims
- Diamond cut alloy wheels
- Specialist finishes
Structural damage
- Structural damage to alloy wheels
- Damage that has buckled or distorted the wheel
- Severe kerbing
- Rusting
Know what needs fixing?The booking calculator shows your price before you book.
Get your price and bookWhat Causes Cracked Wheels?
Cracked wheels happen more often than you might think. Understanding the causes helps you spot problems early.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Pothole Impact | Hitting a deep pothole at speed is the most common cause of wheel cracks |
| Kerb Damage | Clipping or scraping kerbs puts stress on your wheel rim |
| Road Debris | Running over objects creates sudden impact damage |
| Age and Fatigue | Years of constant use weakens the metal structure |
| Temperature Changes | Repeated heating and cooling creates stress fractures |
| Overloading | Carrying too much weight puts excessive pressure on wheels |
Low-profile tyres offer less protection against impacts. Premium vehicles with larger rims are particularly vulnerable. BMW, Audi, and Porsche owners often discover hairline cracks during routine inspections.
Warning Signs Your Alloy Wheel May Be Cracked
Spot these symptoms early and avoid dangerous situations on the road. Knowing when you need rim repair can save you from costly damage.
Slow Puncture
Does your tyre keep losing pressure? A cracked rim lets air escape gradually. You might not notice at first, but this is often the first sign your alloy wheel needs attention.
Vibrations Through the Steering Wheel
Unusual vibrations can indicate cracked rims or wheel damage. If your steering feels different, get your alloy wheels inspected immediately by a wheel repair specialist.
Visible Damage
Walk around your car and check each alloy wheel carefully. Look for hairline cracks, splits, or any lines on the rim surface. Check both the inner and outer edges of your aluminium rims.
Clicking or Ticking Sounds
Strange noises when driving slowly or turning corners can signal cracked rims. Metal rubbing against metal creates distinctive sounds that indicate your alloy wheel needs repair.
Uneven Tyre Wear
Cracked rims affect how your wheel sits on the road. This causes tyres to wear unevenly across the surface and signals the need for professional rim repair.
Can Cracked Alloy Wheels Be Repaired?
Many cracked alloy wheels can be repaired safely, but not every crack can. Whether a repair is possible depends on where the crack is and how big it is. Our technicians always assess the wheel first and will tell you plainly if it can be repaired or if replacement is the safer option.
A repair is more likely to be possible when:
- the crack is small and has been caught early
- it is on the rim or inner barrel of the wheel rather than in a spoke
- the rest of the wheel is in good condition
A repair may not be safe when:
- the crack is very long
- it is in a spoke, near the centre of the wheel or in another high-stress area
- the wheel has several cracks or other serious damage
Every crack repair we carry out comes with a 1 year warranty.
Step by step
How We Repair a Cracked Rim
Step 1: Inspection
we check the crack closely to make sure it can be repaired safely.
Step 2: Preparation
we clean the area and remove old paint, dirt and corrosion so the weld can bond to clean metal.
Step 3: Welding
we fill the crack and rebuild the metal, keeping the heat under control so the wheel does not warp.
Step 4: Shaping and testing
we shape the weld to match the rim, then check that the wheel runs true and balances correctly.
Step 5: Finishing
we refinish the wheel to match its original look. You can read more on our process page.
Repair a Cracked Rim or Buy a New One?
For most cracks that can be repaired safely, repair is the better value choice. You keep your original wheel, so it matches the rest of the set, and you avoid the extra costs that come with a new wheel, such as tyre fitting, balancing and new valves. Repair also creates less waste than making a new wheel.
Replacement can make more sense when:
- the crack is too long or in a high-stress area to repair safely
- several wheels are cracked or badly damaged
- the wheel is very old or worn and has other problems
- you want a different style or size of wheel anyway
The cost of a crack repair depends on the size of the wheel, the size and position of the crack, and whether you want the wheel refinished at the same time. You can see current prices on our price list. If you are weighing up repair against other options, our guide to alloy wheel repair costs explains what affects the price.
Why You Should Not Try to Repair a Crack at Home
Home repair kits with filler, sandpaper and paint are made for shallow cosmetic marks. They are not suitable for cracks, and using them on one carries real risks:
- Filler does not restore strength. It only hides the crack. The crack can keep growing underneath, out of sight, until the wheel or tyre fails.
- Welding is a specialist job. Aluminium needs the right equipment and careful heat control. A poor weld can look fixed but still break, and too much heat can warp or weaken the wheel.
- The wheel is not tested. Without checking that the wheel runs true and balances correctly, you cannot be sure it is safe to drive on.
- No warranty. A DIY crack repair is not covered by any warranty.
If you are not sure whether your wheel is cracked, our guide on how to tell if your alloy wheels need repair can help, but the safest option is always to have it checked by a technician.
Alloy Wheel Cracked or Broken? What to Do
- Stop as soon as it is safe. Pull over away from traffic. A crack can spread without warning.
- Check the wheel and tyre. Look for splits in the metal, missing pieces, and any cuts, bulges or loss of pressure in the tyre. Check the other wheels too, as a hard impact can damage more than one.
- Do not keep driving on a badly damaged wheel. If the wheel is clearly broken or the tyre is losing air, fit your spare wheel if you have one, or call your breakdown provider rather than driving on.
- Take photos. Clear pictures from a few angles help our technicians understand the damage, and are useful if you plan to make an insurance claim.
- Get it assessed. Contact your nearest branch using our store locator. Loan wheels are offered so you can drive away the same day while we work on yours.
Why Choose Alloy Fix?
800+ Five-Star Reviews
Alloy Fix has 800+ five-star reviews. Read what our customers say before you book.
Loan Wheels Available
Need your car whilst we work on your cracked rims? We offer loan wheels so you can drive away the same day.
1-Year Warranty on Crack Repairs
We stand behind our alloy welding work. Every cracked wheel repair comes with a full 1-year warranty.
Expert Technicians
Our skilled welders specialise in alloy wheel crack repair. They know exactly how to restore structural integrity.
3 Workshops
3 workshops: Romford, Dartford, Hemel Hempstead. Book at the one nearest to you.
Finished wheels
Recent work from our workshops
Want a finish like these?Get your price for repairs, diamond cut or powder coating in a few clicks.
Get your price and bookOur 3 workshops
Quote & Book
Fill the details in the best you can and book an appointment at our Romford, Dartford or Hemel Hempstead branch.
Essex and east London
Romford
Unit 4, Brooklands Approach, Romford RM1 1DX
Book at Romford Romford workshopOr call 01708 728438
Nearby: Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham, Dagenham, Harold Hill, Gidea Park, Elm Park, Collier Row, Brentwood
Kent and south-east London
Dartford
Unit i4, Riverside Industrial Estate, Riverside Way, Dartford DA1 5BS
Book at Dartford Dartford workshopOr call 01322 617458
Nearby: Swanscombe, Greenhithe, Bluewater, Longfield, Castle Hill, Hawley, Bean, Kent
Hertfordshire
Hemel Hempstead
Unit 3 to 5, Duxons Turn, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4SB
Book at Hemel Hempstead Hemel Hempstead workshopOr call 01442 914376
Nearby: Watford, St Albans, Luton, Hertfordshire
Not sure which branch is closest? See every area we cover or use our store locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cracked rims be repaired?
Yes, most cracked rims can be professionally repaired with expert alloy welding. Our wheel repair specialist team uses TIG welding to restore full structural strength to your alloy wheel. However, some cracks are too severe for safe rim repair. We always inspect first and give honest advice.
Is it safe to drive on a cracked alloy wheel?
No. Never drive on cracked rims, no matter how small the crack appears. Cracks spread quickly and can cause complete alloy wheel failure whilst driving. This leads to tyre blowouts and loss of control. Seek wheel repair immediately.
How much does cracked wheel repair cost?
Costs for rim repair depend on the severity and location of the crack in your alloy wheel. Contact us for a free assessment and quote. Alloy welding and wheel repair is almost always cheaper than buying replacement aluminium rims.
How long does alloy wheel repair take?
Most cracked wheel repair and alloy welding is completed within one day. Complex damage to aluminium rims may take 2-3 days. We offer loan wheels so you're never without transport during rim repair.
Will a welded alloy wheel pass an MOT?
Yes. When alloy welding is done correctly by a professional wheel repair specialist, repaired aluminium rims are perfectly roadworthy and will pass MOT inspection. Our rim repairs meet all safety standards.
Do you offer a warranty on cracked rim repairs?
Yes. All our cracked wheel repair and alloy welding work comes with a 1-year warranty. We're confident in our rim repair work and stand behind every alloy wheel we fix.
Can you repair diamond cut alloy wheels that are cracked?
Absolutely. We repair the cracked rims first using alloy welding, then restore the diamond cut finish using our CNC lathe. Your alloy wheel will look factory fresh after our wheel repair service.
What areas do you cover for alloy wheel repair?
We serve London, Essex, Kent, and Hertfordshire from our three workshops in Romford, Dartford, and Hemel Hempstead. Use our store locator to find your nearest wheel repair specialist branch.
Is it cheaper to repair a cracked rim or buy a new wheel?
Where a crack can be repaired safely, repair is usually much cheaper than buying a new wheel, which also needs tyre fitting and balancing. Prices depend on wheel size, the damage and the finish, so please see our price list for current prices.
Can I repair a crack in an alloy wheel myself?
No. Home repair kits are only for shallow scratches. Filler hides a crack but does not restore strength, so the crack can keep growing. A crack needs to be welded and tested by a professional, and a DIY repair is not covered by any warranty.
Will the repaired area be visible?
After welding, the wheel is refinished to match its original look, so the repaired area blends in with the rest of the wheel. Our technicians will explain what to expect for your wheel before any work starts.
Why are some cracks hard to see?
Many cracks are thin hairlines on the inside of the wheel, in the inner barrel, where you cannot easily see them while the wheel is on the car. A slow puncture is often the first sign. Our technicians check both the inner and outer parts of the wheel.