Many moons ago, I had a buckled alloy on a Ford Focus. I noticed a slight vibration and took it in. The garage said if I didn't want to change the wheel, it would be ok to drive on. Not dangerous etc. They balanced it out as best they could to reduce the vibration.

A friend at work has one on her car now and the garage have told her not to use the wheel. So, what is the general consensus and opinions here guys?

Cheers LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Simple , wheels are round, not round with a flat spot . Any half decent tyre place can true an alloy rim for about £30 if they have the right machine. If the rim should crack during the operation, then they have done you a favour and found a potential weak spot. Driving on a damaged rim at the best could be an MOT advisory and worst case an accident waiting to happen. 2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

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The garage claim it cannot be repaired but that reeks of a sales pitch to flog a new wheel. Could be just me being suspicious though  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I see many, many slightly buckled alloys when balancing wheels - I even have a couple on my Evoque. As long as it's not excessive and causes the tyre to run out of shape, it's not a problem. I've never seen one buckled on the outer flange, always the inner one and my theory is that it's caused by cars taking those single speed cushions at speed and catching both inner wheel flanges. Obviously, the lower the profile the tyre, the more chance of damaging the rim. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
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Interesting. She's got a Fiat Punto and it's on 15" alloys so not low profile by any means. I recommended that she try other garages that offer buckled wheel repair and get a 2nd opinion. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey