How much is it to repair a buckled wheel?

With alloy wheels getting bigger, cars getting heavier, and road conditions seeming to get worse, it’s no surprise that more and more drivers are finding alloy wheel damage an increasingly common occurrence. Thankfully, buckled car wheels can be repaired, but what is that likely to cost?

How much does it cost to repair a buckled wheel?

Minor dents in your alloy wheels can be repaired for around £70 to £100 each, depending on the severity and location of the damage. In many cases, further damage to the same wheel can be repaired at the same time. 

More severe dents or buckles could cost more, or may not even be possible to fix, meaning you could need a new alloy. Dealership prices can range from £250 to £700+, depending on the size and type of wheel. 

Have your wheels repaired through Bumper. Pay for car repairs with Bumper's car repair finance at thousands of approved garages and dealerships.

How much is alloy wheel crack repair?

If your alloy wheel has a crack in it following an impact with a large pothole or kerb, repairing it can cost between £60 and £180, depending on the size of the crack and wheel. 

Be sure to use a reputable repair centre for alloy wheel crack repair. Not all alloy wheel cracks can be repaired; if the damage is very bad, the wheel should be replaced entirely.

Can dented alloy wheels be repaired?

Yes, although they require more care than steel wheels to repair, alloy wheels can be repaired. To ensure the material does not fracture, repairers often heat up the metal first. 

In many cases, dented alloy wheels need to be repaired on a specialist machine that accurately balances the wheel between operations, making the end result perfectly balanced and unlikely to cause any vibrations when driving.

Can I drive on a buckled or dented alloy wheel?

You should not drive on a damaged alloy wheel, due to the unknown risk of tyre and wheel integrity. The best course of action is to replace the damaged wheel with the spare (if your car has one) whilst you get it repaired. 

Not only does a buckled wheel pose an immediate danger, but it can also damage or cause excessive wear to other components, such as wheel bearings and track rod ends. 

How to prevent alloy wheel damage

In many cases, it’s not possible to prevent wheel damage, especially if a pothole is obscured by a puddle or is unavoidable in the road. However, taking some precautions can reduce your overall risk.

• Drive cautiously on unknown roads that look to be in poor condition
• Avoid mounting kerbs when parking
• Ensure your tyres are properly inflated

Repair your alloy wheels with Bumper

As well as mechanical repairs, many of Bumper’s approved garages can also repair alloy wheels. This means you can be back on the road with no concerns of wheel damage, all with zero-per cent financing. Find your nearest garage here.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.