Is a cracked alloy wheel dangerous?
Yes, it can be. A crack weakens the wheel and can grow or let air escape, so you should not drive on a cracked alloy wheel until it has been checked.
Why a crack is a safety risk
An alloy wheel carries the weight of the car and takes every bump in the road. A crack is a break in that structure, and it can lengthen with each knock and turn of the wheel. A crack can also let air out of the tyre slowly or suddenly. Low pressure affects how the car steers and brakes, so the wheel and tyre should both be inspected.
Signs your wheel may be cracked
A crack can hide under dirt or paint, so clean the wheel and look at the inside of the rim as well as the face. A suspicious mark is worth a photo even if you are not sure.
What to do next
If the crack came from a pothole, read how to claim for pothole damage before you throw anything away.
Stop and check the tyre
Stop and check the tyre pressure and the wheel in a safe place.
Photograph the wheel face, the
Photograph the wheel face, the whole wheel and the inside of the rim.
Send the photos to us
Send the photos to us by WhatsApp, the quote form or email.
We tell you whether it
We tell you whether it looks repairable and what the repair involves, within 24 hours.
Can a cracked alloy be repaired
Sometimes. A single crack in the rim edge is often a candidate for welding, while cracks in the spokes or hub area usually mean replacement. Our guide to repairing a cracked alloy wheel covers what decides it, and the cracked alloy wheel repair page explains the work. Crack repair is workshop work, because our mobile service covers minor scuffs, kerb damage and paint chips only. Free loan wheels are available subject to stock, so call to check for your make.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive with a cracked alloy wheel?
We advise against it. A cracked wheel can fail or leak air, so get it checked first, and if you must move the car, go slowly and cover as short a distance as possible.
How long can you drive on a cracked alloy wheel?
There is no safe distance we can give, since it depends on the crack and how the wheel is loaded. Treat it as unsafe until it has been inspected.
Is a hairline crack in an alloy wheel dangerous?
It can be. Hairline cracks often run further than they look, and they can grow, so have the wheel checked before you drive on it.
Will a cracked wheel fail an MOT?
It can. An MOT includes a check of the wheels for serious damage, and a cracked wheel can be a fail. The tester makes the call on the day, so have any crack looked at before your test, and book the repair or replacement first.
Is a cracked alloy wheel worth fixing?
If the wheel can be repaired safely, repair keeps your original wheel and finish. If it cannot, replacement is the safe answer, and we will say so.
Get a free photo quote
Send photos of the crack and the wheel for a free quote within 24 hours, or call us to book a time to bring the wheel in. Or call us on 0207 060 3666 Unit 1, 38 Crown Road, Enfield, EN1 1TH · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Sat 8am-1pm
Contact
Get a free photo quote
Phone
020 7060 3666
WhatsApp
+447512308716
Address
Unit 1, 38 Crown Road
Enfield
EN1 1TH
Enfield
EN1 1TH