What is alloy wheel welding?

Alloy wheel welding is a specialist repair process used to fix cracks, fractures, or structural damage in alloy wheels. The process typically uses precision techniques such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding to fuse the damaged aluminium back together and restore the wheel’s structural integrity.

This type of repair is most commonly required when a wheel has developed a crack caused by pothole impacts, kerb strikes, or fatigue over time. During the repair, the damaged area is carefully inspected and prepared before the crack is welded and reinforced. After welding, the wheel is usually reshaped, smoothed, and refinished to restore both its strength and appearance.

However, not all wheels are suitable for welding repairs. A professional specialist will assess the location, length, and severity of the crack before recommending a repair. Wheels with multiple cracks, or cracks located on critical structural areas such as the spokes, are highly unlikely to be safely repaired and will often need to be replaced instead.

WheelTribe connects drivers with experienced alloy wheel repair specialists who can assess the damage and determine whether alloy wheel welding is a safe and viable repair option for your wheels.

How much does alloy wheel welding cost?

The cost of alloy wheel welding in the UK typically ranges from £50 to £120 per wheel, depending on the type and size of the wheel, the size of the crack, and the location of the area requiring welding.

For example, small single cracks can sometimes be repaired from around £50–£60 per wheel. Larger cracks or cracks located in more difficult areas of the wheel may increase the cost due to the additional time and preparation required.

The final price may also increase if the wheel needs additional work after welding, such as wheel straightening, repainting, powder coating, or diamond cutting to restore the finish.

If a wheel has multiple cracks, there may also be additional charges for each extra crack, as each damaged area needs to be individually prepared and welded.

How long does alloy wheel welding take?

Alloy wheel welding is usually a relatively quick repair, but the exact time required will depend on the size of the crack, the location of the damage, and whether any additional work is needed after the weld.

In many cases, the welding process itself can be completed in 30 minutes to around an hour per wheel once the wheel has been prepared. However, the total turnaround time may be longer if the wheel needs to be removed from the vehicle, the tyre taken off, or the damaged area prepared before welding.

If the wheel also requires additional repairs or refinishing—such as straightening, repainting, powder coating, or diamond cutting—the overall repair time can increase. In these cases, the wheel may need to remain with the specialist for several hours or up to a few days depending on the services being carried out.

When booking alloy wheel welding through WheelTribe you will see aplicable garage and mobile service turnaorund times for all the services you request. Your specialist will inspect the wheel before starting work to confirm the crack can be repaired safely and provide a clearer estimate of the repair time for your specific wheel and damage type so you can arrange collection.

Will I have to fully refurbish my alloy wheels after they've been welded?

Is alloy wheel welding only available from garages?

In most cases, alloy wheel welding is carried out by garage-based specialists. This is because the process requires specialist welding equipment, wheel inspection tools, and a controlled workshop environment to ensure the repair is completed safely and accurately.

When a wheel is welded, the damaged area must be carefully prepared, heated, and reinforced, and the wheel often needs to be checked for additional cracks or structural damage before and after the repair. Because of this, many welding services are performed in dedicated wheel repair workshops where technicians have access to the necessary machinery and safety equipment.

However, this does not mean the vehicle itself must always go to a garage. In many cases, drivers can simply remove the wheel and take it to a repair specialist, or arrange a collection and return service from a local alloy wheel repair company.

While mobile alloy wheel repair services are widely available in the UK for cosmetic damage such as scuffs, scratches, and repainting, structural repairs like welding are less commonly offered as mobile services due to the specialist equipment and safety checks involved.

Through WheelTribe, drivers can quickly see whether garage-based welding specialists are available nearby. If a mobile service is not suitable for the type of damage, WheelTribe will help connect you with local alloy wheel repair experts who can safely assess and repair cracked wheels.

What happens if my wheels cant be welded safely?

When booking any service, especially alloy wheel welding, through WheelTribe, your wheel will always be professionally inspected by a specialist before any repair work begins. This inspection ensures that the wheel can be repaired safely and welded to a professional standard.

If the technician determines that the wheel cannot be safely welded, you will first be informed of the issue and the reason the repair cannot proceed. This can sometimes happen if the wheel has multiple cracks, cracks in structural areas such as the spokes, or damage that is too severe to repair safely.

If your wheel is deemed unrepairable, the repair will not go ahead. WheelTribe will then issue a full refund for the service, giving you peace of mind when booking through the platform.

To help you get back on the road quickly, WheelTribe can also assist with sourcing a replacement wheel through our community of alloy wheel specialists, garages, and suppliers. In many cases, this may include locating refurbished OEM wheels or suitable replacements that match your vehicle and wheel specification.

How do I know if my wheel needs welding?

In many cases, drivers only discover that their wheels are cracked after a professional inspection. Most of our customers are informed about cracked wheels during MOT inspections, when a tyre technician is replacing tyres, or when mechanics are working on brakes, suspension, or other wheel-related components.

Sometimes cracks are clearly visible, particularly along the outer edge of the rim, and are often the result of heavy kerb impacts or hitting potholes. However, not all cracks are easy to spot.

Another common sign of a cracked wheel is slow or repeated air loss from a tyre. If a tyre continues to lose air without an obvious puncture, it may indicate a hidden crack or fracture in the alloy wheel, which could require alloy wheel welding to stop air escaping.

In many situations, cracks are hidden and only discovered during detailed inspections carried out before alloy wheel repair or refurbishment services begin. Specialists will carefully check the wheel for signs of structural damage, fractures, or hairline cracks before carrying out any work booked through WheelTibe.

If you have hidden crackes or freactures which can be repaired your wheel specialist will allways contact you to discuss any additional welding services required before they continue with your booked repair, refurbishment or customisation service.

Is alloy wheel welding worth it?