Damaged Alloy Wheel Repairs in Tyne and Wear

Damage to an alloy wheel ranges from a light scuff to a crack that makes it unsafe. Looks can mislead, so the first step is always to work out which kind of damage you have.

This page is about assessing and repairing damage. Other pages cover specific finishes, refurbishment and straightening in more depth.

Types of damage

Alloy wheels can be damaged in several ways, and each leads to a different answer.

• Surface scuffs and scratches from kerbs or cleaning
• Deeper gouges where metal has been scraped away
• A bend or buckle that makes the wheel run out of true
• A crack in the rim, spoke or hub area
• Corrosion under lacquer or paint that has lifted

How we assess a wheel

We inspect the wheel closely and, with the tyre removed where needed, check the inner and outer rim for cracks, flat spots and distortion. A vibration at speed or a tyre that keeps losing air can be a clue that the wheel is bent or damaged.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we tell you plainly what the wheel needs. Cosmetic damage is one conversation. Structural damage is another.

Repair or replace

Cosmetic damage is often repairable by filling, sanding and refinishing. Bends may sometimes be corrected, depending on the severity and the wheel. Cracks are a serious concern, and a cracked wheel should generally not be driven on. Replacement is usually the safer route, and we will say so if that is what we find.

Repairability depends on the inspection, and we cannot promise a particular wheel can be saved.

What affects the result

Wheel design matters, as intricate or diamond-cut finishes are harder to restore invisibly. The depth of damage, the age of the wheel, and the finish all play a part. A perfect colour and finish match depends on the original coating.

If you notice a vibration, a tyre losing pressure or visible cracking, do not wait for it to get worse. Have it checked promptly, and avoid high speeds in the meantime.