Alloy Wheel Repair in Poole

Alloy wheel repair in Poole and Bournemouth

Potholes, kerbs and speed bumps take their toll on alloy wheels. A hard knock can bend the rim (a buckle) or crack it, and either can leave you with a tyre that keeps losing air, a vibration through the steering wheel, or both. Replacement alloys are expensive, so before you buy a new one, let us take a look. We repair buckled and cracked alloy wheels for drivers across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Dorset, either at our Poole depot or by arranging the work with our mobile team.

Alloy wheel straightening

A buckled wheel is one that's been bent out of shape, usually on the inner edge of the rim where you can't easily see it. Signs of a buckle include:

• A vibration or wobble through the steering wheel, often at motorway speeds, that balancing doesn't cure
• A tyre that slowly loses pressure because it can't seal properly against the bent rim
• A visible flat spot or kink on the rim's edge

We straighten the wheel back to true and check it for runout, so it spins evenly again and the tyre can seal properly. Then we refit and balance it.

Alloy wheel crack repair

Cracks usually start at the rim edge after a heavy impact, and they often show up as a slow puncture that never seems to go away. Where a crack is in a repairable area, we weld the crack to stop air escaping and restore the wheel's integrity, then finish the area and pressure test the wheel before refitting.

When a wheel can't be repaired

Not every damaged alloy is safe to repair. We won't repair a wheel where:

• The crack is in a spoke or near the centre of the wheel
• There are multiple or very long cracks
• The wheel has been previously repaired and has failed again
• The buckle is so severe that the metal has been badly stretched

If your wheel falls into one of these categories, we'll tell you straight and help you find a replacement. Your safety comes first.

Repairing your wheel and tyre together

A damaged wheel often means a damaged tyre too. If the tyre has been cut, bulged or driven on while flat, we can supply and fit a new tyre at the same time. If you also have a slow puncture in the tread, we can check whether a puncture repair will do. To stop future kerb damage, ask about AlloyGator wheel protectors.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to repair a cracked alloy wheel?

When the crack is in a suitable area and the repair is done properly, yes. Cracks in spokes or near the centre of the wheel aren't repairable, and we'll always tell you if a wheel isn't safe.

How do I know if my wheel is buckled?

The most common signs are a steering wheel vibration that balancing doesn't fix, and a tyre that keeps losing pressure. We can check the wheel for you.

Is repairing cheaper than replacing the wheel?

In most cases, repairing a buckled or cracked alloy costs considerably less than a new wheel, particularly for manufacturer alloys.

Can you repair cosmetic kerb scuffs?

This page covers structural repairs, meaning straightening and crack welding. To prevent kerb scuffs in the first place, AlloyGator wheel protectors are a popular option.

How do I get my wheel looked at?

Call 0800 7311 260 and tell us what's happening. We'll advise on the best way to get the wheel assessed.