Welded Cracked Rims: Are They Still Safe to Use? Here's What the Expert Says

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Hitting potholes often leaves problems that are not immediately apparent, one of which is cracked rims. This condition leaves many car owners in a dilemma: whether to repair or replace them with new ones.

The owner of Ping Wheels, Anantyo Herlambang, says that cracked rims can actually be repaired through a welding process. However, the repair will not restore the rim to its original condition.

He says that rims that have been welded can still be used, but their strength is reduced, making them potentially more likely to crack again in the future, especially if they hit another pothole.

Tyo explains that a rim that has cracked before has already experienced significant stress. The weld area becomes a more vulnerable area compared to other parts, so vehicle owners need to be more careful when driving.

In addition, Anantyo says that insufficient tire pressure is a major factor in rims being easily damaged when hitting potholes. Underinflated tires cause impacts to not be absorbed optimally and are directly transmitted to the rim.

“Low tire pressure and hitting potholes too hard are the main causes of rims being easily damaged,” he said.

Therefore, regularly checking tire pressure and slowing down when driving on uneven roads are simple preventative measures. If the cracks are severe or in a critical area, replacing the rim remains the safest option for driving safety.

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