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2306 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 365-4145
Are you seeing the unusual cracks on the alloy wheels of your BMW? If yes, then you have to do something about it immediately to ensure your safety on the road. Damaged or cracked alloy wheels not only appear unpleasant to the eye but may lead to other problems like a tire blowout if not fixed. Fortunately, there are ways of fixing cracked alloy wheels depending on how serious the cracks are. But how do we tell which wheels can be repaired and which ones need a replacement? Let’s start by knowing the common causes before we proceed to repair methods.
Main Reasons For Cracked Alloy Wheels In BMW
- Road Conditions: Cracks on the alloy wheels may be as a result of potholes, uneven road surfaces as well as speed humps. Bumps on roads can exert much pressure on the wheel, which causes it to crack when one is overspeeding.
- Over-Tightened Lug Nuts: Sometimes, excessive tightening of the lug nuts may result in the formation of some cracks around the lug hole on the alloy wheels. This problem can be prevented by applying the right amount of torque when tightening the nuts.
- Corrosion: Alloy wheels do not rust; however, they are vulnerable to corrosion caused by factors such as salt and moisture. In the long run, this erodes the resilience of the metal material and causes it to be vulnerable to cracking.
How to Repair a Cracked Alloy Wheel
- Determine the Severity of the Crack: In most situations, a crack that is not large enough to threaten the stability of the wheel can be fixed by a BMW specialist. If the crack is big or penetrates deeper into the wheel structure, or if the crack is in critical parts of the structure, then replacement is the best solution. It is not safe to operate a vehicle on a severely cracked wheel as it may worsen and even cause an accident.
- Welding the Crack: For small cracks, the most common repair technique is welding. A professional welder may use equipment to heat the affected area and join the crack back together.
- Refinishing the Wheel: After welding, the area is normally polished to make the wheel smooth and balanced. This includes grinding the welded area, touch-up painting the wheel, and applying a clear coat on the wheel to give it that new appearance.
- Wheel Replacement: If the crack can not be closed by welding then it is advisable to replace the wheel. This might be a little costly in the first instance, but it guarantees the safety of your BMW and its proper working. Allow a professional mechanic to assist you in finding a replacement wheel that fits and suits the vehicle to increase its performance.
- Balancing and Alignment: Once a cracked wheel has been repaired or replaced, it is proper to balance the wheels and check out for alignment. This will guarantee that your BMW doesn’t ride rough while at the same time, there will be no undue stress on the tires or the suspension system. You can have a professional mechanic do this for you to ensure you are all set, mechanically, to go.
- Prevent Future Damage: Be cautious while driving on bumpy terrains and over potholes in the future and be more careful while parking beside the sidewalks. It is also recommended that you always check your tire pressure because low pressure will lead to wheels being easily damaged. Also, make sure that your lug nuts are screwed to the right tension to avoid straining the wheels unnecessarily.
Count on Cerrone’s European for BMW Alloy Wheel Repairs in Redwood City
At Cerrone’s European, we have the skills 
to identify BMW alloy wheel issues, whether they are cracks or any other issue. If you have seen signs of wheel damage then it is advisable not to wait for the problem to be compounded. Our professional technicians can inspect the level of damage and come up with the right solutions to enable you to travel safely again. We are happy to serve drivers from Redwood City, CA, and its neighboring areas. Whether you want to fix a small crack or do a wheel replacement, we are here to help. Call for an appointment with us today!