Bent and Cracked Alloy Wheels: Solutions and Fixes

    Photo by Elvis Bekmanis

    Alloy wheels are designed for performance, but they’re not invincible. Bends and cracks happen all the time on the road. But before you rush to replace your damaged alloys, you might be surprised at how well they can be fixed.

    Professional alloy wheel repair provides effective and affordable solutions for bent, cracked, and otherwise damaged wheels. Here’s a look at the available options to restore your alloys.

    Why Repair Alloy Wheels?

    Repairing damaged alloys has advantages over replacement:

    • Saves money – Repairs cost hundreds less than new wheels.
    • Preserves factory wheels – Maintains your car’s original styling.
    • Avoids downtime – Quick repairs versus waiting for replacements.
    • Retains performance – Minor bends have negligible effect.
    • Environmentally friendly – Repair extends wheel lifespan.

    With professional techniques, even severe damage can often be repaired to restore strength, balance and appearance.

    Types of Alloy Wheel Damage

    Here are common types of damage that alloy wheel repair can fix:

    • Bends – Caused by potholes, curbs and collisions. Even severe bends up to 2mm deviation can be corrected.
    • Cracks – Formed from impact damage. Cracks up to 60mm can be repaired.
    • Dents and gouges – Repairable with hammering techniques and epoxy fillers.
    • Scrapes and scuffs – Sanding and refinishing restores appearance.
    • Corrosion – Pitted surfaces can be smoothed and re-lacquered.
    • Leaky tires – Created by cracks and holes. Can be fixed without wheel replacement.

    Alloy Wheel Repair Techniques

    Highly skilled technicians have an arsenal of methods to repair alloy wheels:

    • Reshaping – Hydraulic pressure carefully straightens and reshapes bent wheels.
    • Metal welding – Cracks and holes are welded using specialized aluminum techniques.
    • Filling – Dents and gouges get filled with epoxy resin fillers.
    • Sanding – Damaged edge areas are smoothed using sanders.
    • Polishing – Restores shine to scraped or scuffed surfaces.
    • Repainting – Factory colors matched for an invisible repair.

    These methods restore both appearance and safety. The wheel is then rebalanced ensuring proper performance.

    When to Replace Alloy Wheels

    Though most damage is repairable, in some cases replacement is required:

    • Cracks or damage spanning a large area
    • Severe corrosion that weakened the wheel
    • Wheels bent extensively out of shape
    • Hairline cracks in load-bearing areas
    • Leaking air unrepairable by welding
    • Irreparable cosmetic damage

    For the above cases, a professional can advise if replacement is the wisest option.

    Choosing an Alloy Wheel Repair Shop

    For reliable, high-quality repairs, look for a shop that:

    • Employs specially trained technicians
    • Uses advanced repair methods and tools
    • Provides warranties on workmanship
    • Has experience fixing your wheel type
    • Offers alloy refinishing services
    • Has photos/examples of past repairs
    • Has strong customer reviews

    Shops experienced in SMART repairs can fix most damage quickly, often without removing or repainting the entire wheel.

    Get Your Damaged Alloys Repaired

    Don’t live with bent and cracked alloy wheels that detract from your car’s looks and handling. Professional repair offers an affordable way to fix most damage and get more life out of your factory or aftermarket alloys.

    The specialists at our shop excell in quickly restoring both form and function to damaged wheels. Contact us today to learn more about your options. We’ll get your alloys looking great and performing like new again.