Wheel Welding in San Antonio, TX
1,310 Google reviews · 3 locations, walk-ins welcome
Martinez Tire & Auto Center does wheel welding at our O'Connor Rd shop in San Antonio. A crack in the inner barrel or lip of an aluminum wheel can often be welded, sealed, and returned to service. We inspect the crack first and tell you honestly whether the wheel is a safe repair or should be replaced.
Wheel Welding
12040 O'Connor Rd
When welding makes sense
Aluminum alloy wheels can crack after a hard pothole hit, especially low profile setups where there is little tire sidewall to absorb the blow. The crack often starts on the inner barrel where you cannot see it, and the first sign is a tire that slowly loses air.
Whether a crack can be welded depends on where it is and how big it is:
- Short cracks in the inner barrel or lip are the best candidates
- Cracks in the spokes or near the hub or lug holes should not be welded
- Multiple cracks or a crack combined with a bad bend usually mean replacement
- Wheels that were previously welded in the same area are a concern
How it is done
The tire comes off, the crack is located and cleaned, and the wheel is checked for bends. A bent wheel is straightened before welding, because welding a wheel that is out of round just locks in the problem. After welding, the area is finished so the tire bead seals, and the wheel is tested for leaks before the tire goes back on and gets balanced.
Part of our wheel repair shop
Wheel welding is one of our wheel repair services at 12040 O'Connor Rd. If the finish is also damaged, wheel refinishing or powder coating can take care of it. If the wheel is not repairable, our wheel store can find a replacement.
Questions we hear
Is a welded wheel safe?
When the crack is in a repairable area and the weld is done properly, yes. We will not weld cracks in spokes or near the hub.
How do I know if my wheel is cracked?
A tire that keeps losing air with no puncture is a common sign. We can find a crack by inspecting the wheel with the tire off.
Can steel wheels be welded?
Call and describe the wheel and the damage. Commercial truck wheels should be replaced when cracked.
Wheel Welding at our 12040 O'Connor Rd location
This is the Martinez location that does it. Walk in, or call (210) 646-8911 first to check the wait. Hablamos español.