Choose a Cracked Car, Can It Be Repaired?

Selecting a cracked wheel is often only realized when the tire slowly loses air or the steering feels vibrated. Many car owners then ask the workshop technician: can it still be repaired, or should it be replaced immediately? The answer depends on the location and extent of the crack. Here’s a complete explanation, friends.

Can a Cracked Car Wheel Be Repaired?

Yes, but not all. Small cracks in certain parts of the wheel can generally still be handled by a wheel repair shop using welding techniques, such as argon welding. Before welding, the wheel is usually pressed first to restore its round shape and prevent the crack from widening. After that, the wheel is tidied up and rebalanced.

However, repairs do not guarantee that the wheel will be as strong as its original condition. The welded joint remains a more vulnerable point compared to the intact parts of the wheel. Therefore, repairs are only appropriate for cracks that do not affect the main structural parts.

Causes of Cracked Car Wheels

Cracks in wheels almost always start from pressure or impact. Some of the most common causes include:

• Hitting a pothole while driving fast.
• Bumping into the curb while parking, turning, or avoiding other vehicles.
• Overloading that increases the load on the wheel and tire.
• Insufficient tire pressure, making the wheel more susceptible to direct impacts.
• Accidents or collisions, even those that seem minor.
• Material fatigue on wheels that have been used for a long time or have been previously repaired.

Is a Cracked Wheel Safe to Use?

Generally, it is not safe. The wheel supports the weight of the car and serves as a connection between the tires and the vehicle. Small cracks can widen due to vibrations and loads while driving, especially on rough roads or at high speeds.

Potential risks when using a cracked wheel:

• Repeated slow leaks or sudden loss of air in the tire.
• Vibrating steering and unstable handling.
• The wheel breaking while driving, which could lead to loss of control.

If you find a crack, it is best to stop using it and have it checked at a workshop immediately. If you must drive temporarily, choose a low speed and the shortest distance possible to the workshop.

How to Determine the Level of Damage to the Wheel

Visual inspection can be a first step, but the final decision should come from a wheel technician. Some signs to look out for include:

1. Visible cracks on the lip of the wheel, the body of the wheel, or around the bolt holes.
2. Tires frequently deflating slowly without clear causes like nails or puncture patches.
3. Steering or body vibrating at certain speeds, especially after the wheel hits something.
4. The shape of the wheel is no longer round (bent) as seen when the wheel is rotated.
5. Old welds or patches that show cracks again.

To ensure, workshops usually check the wheel on a special machine while examining its roundness and the condition of its structural parts.

When Can a Wheel Still Be Repaired and When Should It Be Replaced?

The location of the crack determines everything.

Still has a chance to be repaired
It is generally recommended to replace the wheel when your budget allows, but it can be temporarily postponed if:

• The crack is only on the lip of the wheel.
• Light cracks on the body of the wheel that do not penetrate and do not widen.
• Wheels that are only bent without deep cracks.

Should be replaced:

• Cracks in the spokes or ribs of the wheel, as this area bears the main load.
• Cracks around the bolt holes or bolt seats, as this affects the tightness of the wheels.
• Wheels that are broken with missing fragments.
• Wheels that have been previously welded and then cracked again.
• Cracks that penetrate to the inside causing the tire to continue leaking.

If the workshop refuses to repair, it does not mean they are unable. The refusal is usually because the repair results cannot be guaranteed to be safe and optimal.

What is the Estimated Cost of Repairing a Cracked Wheel?

Repair costs are influenced by the size of the wheel, type of material, level of damage, and location of the workshop. Generally, the estimated cost starts from 150,000 Rupiah, please check here for more details.

How to Prevent Wheel Cracking

• Reduce speed when passing through potholes or uneven surfaces.
• Maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Avoid exceeding the vehicle's load capacity.
• Pay attention to the distance when parallel parking to avoid the wheel hitting