Have you noticed that one of your tyres keeps losing pressure, even though there doesn’t appear to be a puncture?
The problem could be a cracked or damaged alloy wheel.
At Mobile Tyre Company, we regularly come across alloy wheels that have been damaged by potholes, kerbs and road debris. While some damage may be obvious, cracks can sometimes be difficult to spot without removing and inspecting the tyre.
What Causes Alloy Wheels to Crack?
Alloy wheels can suffer damage from a heavy impact, particularly when hitting a pothole at speed.
Common causes include:
* Pothole impacts
* Hitting kerbs
* Road debris
* Heavy impacts at speed
* Low-profile tyres offering less protection for the wheel
A cracked alloy can cause a number of problems, including a slow loss of tyre pressure, vibration or an ongoing “slow puncture” that never seems to go away.
Can a Cracked Alloy Wheel Be Repaired?
In some cases, yes.
Professional alloy wheel specialists can assess a damaged wheel and determine whether it is suitable for repair. Depending on the location and severity of the crack, specialist repair techniques can sometimes restore the wheel to a safe, usable condition.
However, not every cracked alloy wheel should be repaired.
The location and extent of the damage are important. If the structural integrity of the wheel has been seriously compromised, replacement may be the safest option.
That’s why cracked alloy wheels should always be assessed by a competent professional rather than simply repaired without a proper inspection.
Cracked Alloy Causing a Slow Puncture?
One of the most common signs of a damaged alloy wheel is a tyre that repeatedly loses pressure.
You may have checked the tyre for a nail or screw and found nothing, yet the pressure continues to drop.
The cause could be:
* A cracked alloy wheel
* A bent rim
* Damage around the bead area
* A damaged or leaking valve
* Corrosion around the wheel bead
If you’ve recently hit a pothole and subsequently developed a slow puncture, it’s worth having the tyre and wheel properly inspected.
Can Driving on a Cracked Alloy Be Dangerous?
Potentially, yes.
A damaged alloy wheel can affect the way the tyre holds air and, depending on the severity and location of the damage, could compromise the wheel’s structural integrity.
If you suspect your alloy wheel is cracked, don’t ignore it. Have it inspected by a professional and follow their advice on whether it should be repaired or replaced.
Alloy Wheel Repair in Ipswich and Suffolk
If you’re based in Ipswich, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and you’re experiencing a recurring slow puncture, we can inspect the tyre and wheel to help identify the cause.
As a mobile tyre fitting company, Mobile Tyre Company comes to your home or workplace, making it convenient to have your tyres inspected without having to take your vehicle to a traditional tyre centre.
If we identify damage that requires specialist alloy wheel repair, we can advise you on the appropriate next step.
Don’t Keep Topping Up the Same Tyre
If you’re constantly putting air into the same tyre, there could be an underlying problem that needs addressing.
A cracked alloy isn’t always immediately visible, particularly while the tyre remains fitted to the wheel.
If you have a suspected cracked alloy wheel or a tyre that keeps losing pressure, contact Mobile Tyre Company in Ipswich and Suffolk for professional advice.
Mobile Tyre Company
Mobile tyre fitting across Ipswich and Suffolk
Tyres • Punctures • TPMS • Wheel & Tyre Inspection
Get in touch today if you’re experiencing a recurring slow puncture or suspect your alloy wheel may have been damaged