Can damaged alloys fail an MOT?
Vehicle owners are required to put their vehicles through an MOT every single year. Therefore, when that time rolls around again, it shouldn’t come as a shock. When it comes to your vehicle’s MOT, it’s important to remember that every single detail matters, including your alloy wheels. Your wheels are vital in the safety, performance and driving experience that your vehicle delivers. If damaged, your vehicle could pose a safety risk on the road – meaning that your MOT tester has no choice but to hit your vehicle with a big red fail MOT certificate. But, if you’ve been asking yourself ‘Can damaged alloys fail an MOT?’ our comprehensive blog post has everything you need to know. From the types of alloy wheel damage your vehicle can suffer from, right through to the importance of alloy wheel maintenance.
Types of Alloy Wheel Damage
Before we explore alloy wheel damage and MOT implications, let’s look at the types of alloy wheel damage that your vehicle could suffer from. Please note, that if you spot any of these problems, you must get an expert to inspect and assess the damage as soon as possible to ensure your road safety.
- Cracked Alloy
A cracked alloy is the last thing any vehicle owner wants, but it is one of the most common types of alloy wheel damage. With an estimated 13 million cars on the road in the UK with kerbed wheels and an estimated 1.5 million potholes across the UK, it’s no wonder our alloys become easily cracked.
- Wheel Rash
Kerbing your vehicle will ‘rash’ your wheels, meaning that the protective coating will be compromised. Once the protective coating has been damaged, the bare alloy metal of your alloy wheels will be exposed to the elements, which could lead to rust.
- Bent Wheels
Bent wheels occur when tyres take the impact of potholes, kerbs, or other hazards or after an accident. If this happens, your wheel or rim will take the brunt of the impact instead, therefore taking structural damage such as bends.
- Alloy Wheel Peeling
Alloy wheel peeling could be caused by kerbing, underlying deterioration from low-quality materials, acidic wheel cleaners and even brake dust. Unfortunately, this problem can lead to corrosion which may lead to air escaping, loose tyres, punctures, rust and more.
Wheel damage is one of the main reasons for blowouts, mechanical issues, handling problems, increased fuel consumption and more. What’s more, driving on damaged wheels is dangerous and poses a risk of harm to yourself, passengers, and the public. If you spot any of the warning signs of wheel damage listed above, wheel repair or refurbishment is vital. If you’re unsure if your alloys are damaged, the safest option would be to take your vehicle to a specialist to inspect them for you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for more information.
Alloy Wheel Damage Checklist
Here’s a quick alloy wheel damage checklist for you to use to identify if your alloy wheels are damaged. If you notice any of these symptoms, your alloys should be looked at by experts.
- Your steering is vibrating and/or shaking.
- You’ve noticed handling problems when driving.
- There is visible damage to your alloy wheels.
- Your tyres are deflating, or tyre pressure has dropped.
- Increased fuel consumption.
If you continue to drive on alloys that need refurbishing, you are putting yourself, your vehicle, and others at risk. As well as making your car look good, alloy wheels provide additional structural integrity and can enhance your driving experience, which is why it’s so important to make sure that they are functioning as they should to avoid dangerous situations. Driving on damaged alloys is not advised and creates unnecessary risk.
Can damaged alloys fail an MOT?
An MOT test is an annual check to ensure that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. Each MOT test includes a list of standard tests and checks that are performed on every vehicle, including your wheels.
Damaged alloy wheels can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. Section 5.2.2 of the revised MOT Testing standards for class 3 – 7 vehicles states that a fractured wheel rim is a dangerous defect. If your MOT tester spots this on your MOT test, they will have to issue a fail certificate. If your alloy wheel has become damaged, cracked, or dislodged it will have an impact on the performance and safety of your vehicle and will therefore be flagged on an MOT test. It’s vital to make sure that your alloys are up to standard so that you, your passengers and other drivers are safe on the road.
Why is alloy wheel maintenance important?
Aside from ensuring a pass on your MOT, there are several other reasons why alloy wheel maintenance is key. Here’s why alloy wheel maintenance is so important…
- Better Driving Experience
Properly maintaining your alloy wheels sees vibrating, shaking and poor handling become things of the past. All vehicle owners seek a pleasant and comfortable driving experience, and alloy wheel maintenance is key in identifying and repairing any potential issues.
- Improved Road Safety
Damaged alloys can impact the tyre pressure, steering and performance of your car, which could lead to an accident or other dangerous situations. Ensuring that your alloy wheels are in optimal condition will significantly improve your safety on the road.
- Maintain Vehicle Aesthetics
Whether your pride and joy or a work vehicle, properly maintaining your vehicle’s alloys goes a long way in boosting its aesthetics. Keep your vehicle looking as good as new for every journey with regular alloy wheel maintenance.
- Economical Fuel Consumption
When your wheels aren’t functioning as they should, your engine has to work twice as hard to keep your vehicle moving, meaning that your fuel consumption will be higher and more costly. Alloy wheel maintenance ensures your vehicle is functioning optimally.
- Increase Vehicle Value
Whether you are selling your vehicle soon, in the future or have a financed vehicle, alloy wheel maintenance can significantly increase your vehicle’s value. Ensuring your alloys are in peak condition prolongs your wheel’s lifespan, enhances aesthetics and boosts performance.
How do you maintain alloy wheels?
Regular alloy wheel maintenance is key in ensuring that your vehicle passes its MOT. With 20+ years of experience, we at Alloy Logic are perfectly placed to advise on alloy wheel maintenance. Here are some of our top tips for maintaining your alloy wheels…
- Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your alloy wheels with a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge is key to alloy wheel maintenance. As well as making them gleam, cleaning your alloy wheels is essential in removing any brake dust, road debris and any dirt build-up that may be present.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
It is vital when cleaning your alloy wheels, that you use the correct cleaning materials for the job. The use of abrasive materials on your alloy wheels can cause damage that builds up over time, including the accidental removal of protective layers on your alloys.
- Protective Coating
A protective coating can make all the difference to the protection of your alloy wheels. Designed to create a protective barrier against contaminants, protective coatings such as high-quality wheel sealant or wax can stop wheel damage from occurring.
- Check Your Tyre Pressure
The right tyre pressure stops your tyres from wearing unevenly. If your tyres wear unevenly, you could face damage and wear to your alloy wheels. Moreover, tyres with low or inaccurate tyre pressures can be dangerous to drive on.
- Inspect For Damage
Sometimes, nothing can be better than simply visually inspecting your alloy wheels for damage. Often, cracks, bends, wear and tear and other damage can easily be identified by the naked eye and is a quick, easy and free way of spotting any problems.
During alloy wheel maintenance, you may spot damage to your alloy wheels. If this is the case, then we highly advise seeking the help of our specialists. We can undertake professional alloy wheel refurbishment to reinstate your alloy wheels’ former aesthetics and performance abilities.
In Conclusion
When it comes to your vehicle’s MOT, your alloy wheels should never be overlooked. Every detail counts towards achieving your MOT pass certificate and your alloy wheels are key to the safety, performance and driving experience of your vehicle. Damaged alloy wheels can be a contributing reason why your car may fail its MOT. If your alloys are damaged, cracked, or dislodged it will cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. Alloy wheel refurbishment can make sure that your vehicle will pass its MOT test. It’s vital to make sure that your alloys are up to standard so that you, your passengers and other drivers are safe on the road. By addressing alloy wheel damage as soon as possible, you will ensure a smooth pass certificate for your MOT, improved handling and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much alloy wheel damage is acceptable during an MOT?
Any vehicle or alloy wheel damage that compromises safety or roadworthiness can lead to an MOT failure.
Can minor scratches on alloy wheels cause an MOT failure?
Minor cosmetic scratches don’t typically lead to an MOT failure. However, we recommend addressing them to maintain overall wheel integrity.
How much do alloy wheel repairs cost?
The cost of alloy wheel repairs depends on the extent of the damage. Please don’t hesitate to contact Alloy Logic today for a tailored quote.
Can I repair alloy wheel damage myself?
We advise against repairing alloy wheel damage yourself. Contacting professionals ensures that the repairs or refurbishments are completed to high standards.
How often should I check my alloy wheels for damage?
We recommend regular inspections, especially before MOT tests. Any signs of alloy wheel damage should be addressed promptly.
How long does alloy wheel refurbishment take?
Depending on the level of damage and number of wheels, a smart repair can take anywhere between one and two hours.
How many times can an alloy wheel be refurbished?
An alloy wheel can typically be refurbished around two to three times. We recommend speaking to us about whether your alloys can be refurbished or not.
Alloy Logic’s Tips for Keeping You Safe On The Road
We at Alloy Logic are knowledgeable and skilled in all aspects of alloy wheels. Here are some of our top tips for avoiding alloy wheel damage to keep you safe on the road as well as ensuring that your alloy wheels don’t need replacing or refurbishing for a long time to come.
- Take care to avoid hitting kerbs and potholes on the road when driving.
- Consider installing an alloy wheel protector kit on your vehicle.
- Keep your alloys clean to avoid a build-up of grit, dust, and any other debris.
- Use proprietary wheel cleaners sparingly.
- Ensure your tyres are properly inflated.
- If damage occurs, make sure you inspect your alloys or have a professional assess them.
Whether you’re familiar with alloy wheels or you have had them newly installed on your vehicle, you must carry out important maintenance and repairs if you’ve spotted damage or any of the warning signs. If left unattended, damaged alloys can cause avoidable and costly further damage to your vehicle and will result in them needing to be replaced in their entirety. By properly maintaining your alloys, you are making sure that your vehicle is safe to be on the road meaning that you are protecting yourself, your vehicle and the general public against potentially dangerous situations.
If you’d like more advice about alloy wheel maintenance, then contact us today!
Experience
With close to ten years of specialised experience., the specialist technicians here at Alloy Logic are experienced and skilled in all areas of alloy wheel refurbishment. We use expert techniques and boast attention to detail to produce the best results.
Quality Methods
We use quality methods for our alloy wheel repair. This means that you can enjoy quality results that keep you safe and roadworthy during the winter and throughout the rest of the year.
Customer Satisfaction
We are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction and safety. When you come to us, you can enjoy an unrivalled experience that prioritises your satisfaction every single time you use our services.
