Used Alloy Wheels
Alloy wheels carry the weight of the car, hold the tyres, and set how the car looks. A kerbed or cracked wheel can be more than cosmetic — a bend in the rim can shake the car at speed and wear the tyre unevenly. This page explains what to check on a used alloy wheel, and how to enquire about one.
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768What an alloy wheel does
An alloy wheel is the metal rim the tyre sits on, bolted to the hub. It carries the weight of the car, takes the forces of braking and cornering, and lets the brakes cool through its spokes. Alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels, which is why most cars have them.
Wheels are matched to the car by size, offset and bolt pattern — the number of studs and the circle they sit on. A wheel with the wrong offset or bolt pattern will not fit, even if the diameter is right, so the numbers matter more than the look.
Signs a wheel may need replacing
Wheel damage is usually visible, but a bend can hide behind a straight-looking face. A wheel that shakes the car at speed is telling you something is wrong, even if it looks fine.
- A crack in the rim, or a chunk missing from the edge
- A bend that makes the car shake or vibrate at speed
- Kerb damage deep enough to reach the metal underneath
- Corrosion around the valve or the bead seat that lets air out
- A wheel that will not balance, or keeps losing air
What to check before buying a used alloy wheel
Wheels are matched to the car by size, offset and bolt pattern, so the numbers stamped on the back of the wheel are the first check. Then look the wheel over for cracks, bends and corrosion.
- The size, offset and bolt pattern match your car
- The rim is straight, with no cracks or bends
- There is no heavy corrosion around the valve or bead seat
- The centre bore matches your car's hub
- The wheel balances true, or your tyre fitter has confirmed it will
How to enquire about a used alloy wheel
Give the registration, make, model and year of your car, and the size of the wheel you need — the diameter and width are stamped on the tyre and on the back of the wheel. The size is what pins down the right wheel.
Ask through the parts enquiry form, or by calling 07961 404768. Say whether you need one wheel or a set, and whether you need the tyre with it, so the right wheel can be checked first.
Frequently asked questions
What is wheel offset?
Offset is how far the wheel's mounting face sits from its centre line, and it decides where the wheel sits in the arch. The wrong offset can make the wheel rub the suspension or stick out past the body. The number is stamped on the back of the wheel, usually as ET followed by a number.
What is a bolt pattern?
The bolt pattern is the number of studs and the circle they sit on — written as 5x112, for example, meaning five studs on a 112-millimetre circle. A wheel with the wrong bolt pattern will not bolt to your car at all, so it is one of the first things to check.
Can a cracked alloy wheel be repaired?
Small kerb damage can often be repaired and refinished, but a cracked wheel is a safety part and should be checked by a wheel specialist. A crack in the rim can spread under load, and a wheel that has been welded needs a professional view before it is trusted.
Why does my car shake at speed?
A shake at speed is often a wheel that is bent, out of balance, or has a damaged tyre. It can also be a worn suspension part. Have the wheels checked and balanced first — if a wheel will not balance, it is usually bent and needs replacing.
What should I ask about a used alloy wheel?
Ask for the part number, the size and the bolt pattern of the wheel, and whether it matches your car. Wheels are matched by size and pattern, not by appearance, so all three matter. Give the registration when you enquire, and the size is checked against it.
Related pages
Looking for a used alloy wheel?
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768Autos Craft Ltd · 295 Cherrywood Rd, Birmingham B9 4UU, United Kingdom · Open 24 hours