Even the slightest buckle on your alloy can be dangerous, and although you may not be able to physically see it, the vibrations it causes can affect your driving.
If your alloys become buckled, you can get them repaired and refurbished through Alloy Wheel Repair.
Can buckled alloys be repaired?
Yes, buckled alloy wheels can be repaired, but you will need to visit a reputable garage who have experience fixing buckled wheels.
Alloy wheel straightening is one of the most common jobs in garages and it can generally be fixed on the same day, depending on the extent of the damage.
Is a buckled alloy wheel an MOT failure?
Yes, badly damaged, buckled wheels will result in an MOT failure.
This is because the mechanic will likely determine that the alloy structure has been compromised.
How to repair a buckled alloy wheel
With every buckled alloy, a close inspection will be conducted to determine the extent of the damage. Mechanics will then repair the alloy following the steps below:
- Examine the wheel.
Once the vehicle has been dropped off or collected, the tyre and alloy will be removed to examine the area of damage. The mechanics will check the alloys for stress fractures, buckles or cracks, and let you know if they are beyond repair or not safe to drive on.
If the alloy can be fixed, the next step is to strip the weights from the wheels and mark them using tyre pressure sensors to guarantee the right replacement.
- Conduct the straightening process.
The next step is to begin straightening the alloy wheel using specialist hydraulic equipment.
- Quality check.
To ensure quality control, your mechanic will check each alloy carefully to ensure the buckle has gone and the original shape is restored.
- Further refurbishment.
If you have booked your alloys in for further refurbishment, this will take place after the quality checks. This can include finishes such as powder coating or customisation.
- Further inspection and protection.
After any finishes have been applied, the alloys will be given a protective lacquer to protect the alloys long term. The final process before inspection involves baking the alloys and then hanging to dry.
- Wheels are refitted and balanced.
The last thing your mechanic will do is refit the alloys to the tyres, and then balance the wheels. After this, your vehicle will be ready to be collected.
Does a buckled alloy have to be replaced with a new one?
No, if your alloy is buckled, it does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced with a new one.
When you take your vehicle to be examined by a mechanic, they will establish the amount of damage to your alloy. If the damage is too much to be fixed, then they may advise you that the best course of action to take is to replace the alloy.
How long does it take to fix a buckled rim?
Repairing a buckled alloy will usually take around 40 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. This can vary hugely though.
Repairing buckled alloys are usually same day services, meaning that you can get back on the road in virtually no time at all.
How much does it cost to repair a buckled alloy wheel?
The cost of buckled alloy wheel repair will depend on the extent in which the wheel has been buckled, and if there are any other signs of damage.
Prices may include the cost of removing and refitting the tyre, plus the actual buckle repair.
Is it safe to repair a buckled alloy wheel?
Yes, it is safe to repair a buckled alloy. In fact, it is actually safer to repair a buckled alloy than to continue driving on it.Â
As we’ve mentioned, in some circumstances you may need to replace your alloy, but your mechanic will always guide you on the safest options for you.
Can you repair multiple buckles on an alloy wheel?
Yes, it is possible to repair multiple buckles on a singular alloy, but it will depend on the severity and placement of the buckles.
Your mechanic will always assess the damage before they guarantee that it can be fixed.
Will the strength of an alloy wheel be reduced after a repair?
After your buckled alloy wheel is repaired, the strength of it should not be compromised.
However, further damage on a recently repaired alloy could affect its strength, so it’s important you drive carefully on uneven or damaged road surfaces to avoid further alloy damage.