Cracked or Porous Alloy Wheel? We Can Weld It
Kerbs, potholes and speed bumps can put deep cracks into an alloy wheel — and a crack rarely stays still. Left untreated it can cause a slow leak, sudden pressure loss, vibration and, in severe cases, wheel failure. At Mario's Wheel Repair we TIG-weld cracked and porous alloy wheels back to a safe, sealed, road-worthy condition across London & Essex.
This page covers our welding service. For the detail on safety, MOT and insurance, read our guide on whether welded alloy wheels are safe.
What We Weld
- Cracks in the rim, spokes or barrel (where safely repairable)
- Porous wheels causing slow air leaks
- Damage around the valve and bead seat
- Previous poor-quality welds re-done correctly
If a wheel is also bent or buckled, we can combine welding with wheel straightening — and any welding sits within our wider alloy wheel repair service.
Our TIG Welding Process
1. Inspection & safety assessment
We check the crack's position and the wheel's overall condition to confirm it is safe to weld rather than replace.
2. Preparation
The damaged area is cleaned back to sound metal and prepared for welding.
3. TIG welding
Compatible filler is fused into place using controlled heat and TIG technique — the precise method best suited to alloy.
4. Refinishing
The repair is dressed back and the wheel refinished so the fix is invisible.
5. Pressure test & balance
The wheel is pressure-tested for a perfect seal and balanced before it goes back on your car.
When Welding Isn't the Answer
Not every crack should be welded. Cracks across critical load-bearing areas, badly corroded wheels or wheels that have already been repaired multiple times may be unsafe to weld — in which case we will recommend refurbishment or replacement instead. We always give honest advice; your safety comes first.
Pricing
Alloy wheel welding is priced per wheel based on the crack size, its location and whether the wheel needs refinishing afterwards. See our prices page for guide pricing, or send photos for a fast, no-obligation quote.
Why Choose Mario's
- ✔ Specialist TIG welding for alloys
- ✔ Honest assessment — we won't weld a wheel that should be replaced
- ✔ Pressure-tested and balanced before return
- ✔ Welding, straightening and refinishing under one roof
- ✔ Trusted by drivers across London & Essex
Alloy Wheel Welding FAQs
Is it safe to weld an alloy wheel?
It can be, when the wheel is suitable and the weld is done by a qualified technician using the correct TIG process. The key question is not whether a wheel can be welded but whether it should be — based on the crack's position, the wheel's condition and post-repair safety checks. We assess every wheel and only weld where it is safe to do so.
Will a welded alloy wheel pass an MOT?
A correctly repaired wheel that is true, sealed and structurally sound is not automatically an MOT failure, but a visibly cracked, distorted or poorly repaired wheel can be. We repair to a road-worthy standard and advise honestly when a wheel should be replaced instead.
How long does alloy wheel welding take?
Most welding repairs are completed within 1 to 3 working days depending on the damage and whether the wheel also needs straightening or refinishing afterwards.
How much does alloy wheel welding cost?
Welding is priced per wheel based on the crack size, location and whether refinishing is needed. Send us photos for a fast, no-obligation quote, or see our prices page for guide pricing.
Book a Free Wheel Assessment
Bring your wheel to our Grays workshop or book a free inspection online through our Setmore booking system. Not sure if your wheel can be saved? Contact us with a few photos and we'll give you an honest answer.
