Where to Replace Your BMW’s Cracked Alloy Wheels in Carrollton

Lighter than steel and stronger in most cases, alloy wheels help to give you more granular control of your BMW while adding a little style and mileage efficiency in the bargain. While they’re pretty tough, nothing is indestructible, and so today we’re going to talk about alloy wheels and what to do when they crack.

We’ll cover how they can end up cracked in the first place, as well as whether or not it’s safe to drive on them, and whether they may be repaired or if you’ll have to replace them.

How Do Strong Alloy Wheels Get Cracked in the First Place?

Alloy wheels can take a beating, but they can still end up cracked if the right conditions are met. Below are some examples of how those tough alloy wheels can end up with cracks:

• Manufacturing issues – Sometimes you can get a great deal on alloy wheels, but then end up with a little more than you bargained for. Typically made from aluminum and magnesium, if the alloy mix for your wheels isn’t done to exacting standards then cracking becomes a very real possibility down the line.
• Corrosion factors – Road salts and dust made from all kinds of toxic things get swirled around on those busy roads and highways and spend a lot of time in contact with your wheels. While it takes time, eventually this will take its toll, and weaken the metal slowly but surely.
• Rough riding – Potholes and speed bumps… they sometimes get you, even if you’re keeping a sharp eye on the road like you should be. Those impacts don’t feel as bad as they are, thanks to your BMW’s superior suspension, but they still jar and pound at your wheels and cracks may form or you could even break the wheels! Never assume those potholes and speed bumps are harmless – they’re definitely not!
• Incorrect tire pressure – Your BMW owner’s manual will have the ideal PSI, but for most BMW’s you’ll want the pressure to be at 32 PSI. Too much can be a nightmare for your tires, and too little puts extra force on your alloy wheels – Either way, ‘something’s gotta break’, so be sure to protect yourself by using the exact recommended PSI for your tires to protect both them and your wheels.

Can You Drive on Cracked Alloy Wheels?

While you might be able to get your vehicle home, we really can’t recommend driving on cracked alloy wheels. Even if your path home is almost glass-smooth, that’s no guarantee that compromised alloy wheels aren’t going to break once they’ve been damaged.

Look at this way to put it into proper perspective: Not counting your passengers, the average BMW is going to weigh between 4500 to 5000 pounds. That’s simply too much weight to trust them with – especially considering your own safety.

If you notice that your alloy wheels are cracked, then don’t wait – Get your BMW picked up and brought into the shop before things get worse.

Repair May Be Possible – Just Be Sure to go With BMW Experts

If you’re worried that you’re going to have to replace the wheels completely, then it might interest you to know that in some cases repair is going to be possible; it really depends on what kind of damage you are dealing with.

Your best bet is to get your vehicle in for an inspection with someone who knows BMW. If you’re lucky enough to live in the Carrollton or Dallas TX areas then we’ve got good news.

Ultimate Bimmer Service is your premier option for BMW full service preventative maintenance and repairs. At Ultimate Bimmer Service, we’ve been providing expert care for BMW since 30+ years! That means that you’re going to have over 30 years of experience on your side and there’s a big difference in ‘knowing a little about BMW’ versus ‘knowing your exact model and potential issues’.

Give us a call or bring your BMW into one of our shops and see what kind of difference 3 decades in the business makes – Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll get the best customer experience around.