If your alloy wheels look dull, pitted, or covered in white spots, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Alloy wheel corrosion is one of the most common problems we see, especially here in the UK. The great news? Most corroded alloys can be brought back to life through professional alloy refurbishment.
At Alloy Fix, we restore corroded alloy wheels every day. We’re here to explain what causes the damage and why our repair service might be your best option.
What Causes Alloy Wheel Corrosion?
Several factors contribute to corroded alloys:
Road Salt: Winter gritting is harsh on wheels. Road salt speeds up corrosion and creates those white, chalky deposits you often see.
Brake Dust: Every time you brake, tiny metal particles stick to your wheels. Mixed with moisture, brake dust creates perfect conditions for corrosion.
Weather and Wear: Rain, humidity, and general wear and tear all play a part. Coastal areas are particularly tough on wheels due to salt spray.
Poor Maintenance: When dirt and grime build up without regular cleaning, corrosion takes hold much faster.
Types of Corrosion We Fix
Our highly skilled technicians deal with different types of alloy wheel corrosion:
Surface Corrosion: This appears as a dull, grey film. It’s the easiest to fix as it only affects the outer layer.
Pitting: Small holes or cavities in the wheel surface. More serious than surface damage but still repairable in most cases.
Deep Corrosion: The most severe type, where significant material has been lost. Our state of the art equipment can often repair even these challenging cases.
Our Alloy Refurbishment Process
At Alloy Fix, we use proven techniques to restore your wheels:
Step 1: Assessment We thoroughly inspect your corroded alloy wheels to understand exactly what needs fixing. This helps us plan the best approach.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning Using specialist products, we remove all dirt, brake dust, and loose corrosion. This reveals the true extent of damage.
Step 3: Corrosion Removal We use graduated sanding techniques, starting with coarser grades and moving to finer ones. This removes all corrosion whilst preserving the wheel structure.
Step 4: Advanced Repairs For cracks or deep damage, we use professional welding techniques. Our expert team can repair structural issues safely.
Step 5: Protective Finishing We apply powder coating or diamond cut finishes using state of the art equipment. This creates superior protection against future corrosion.
Why Choose Refurbishment Over Replacement?
Professional alloy wheel refurbishments offer several advantages:
Cost Savings: Our repair service typically costs half the price of new wheels, sometimes even less.
Quick Turnaround: Most alloy wheel refurbishment services take just a few days, much faster than sourcing new wheels.
Better Protection: Our refinishing process often provides superior protection compared to original factory finishes.
Customisation: You can change colours or finishes during the refurbishment process.
What Makes Our Service Special?
3-Year Warranty: We’re the only company offering a 3-year warranty on powder coating and diamond cut work. This shows our confidence in quality.
Expert Team: Our highly skilled technicians fix 99% of all damage. We have years of experience with every type of corrosion.
Loan Wheels: We provide loan wheels so you can drive away the same day.
Quality Materials: We use only the best products and state of the art equipment for lasting results.
Protecting Your Investment
Once your alloys are repaired, keep them looking great:
Clean regularly with appropriate wheel cleaners
Rinse off road salt promptly after winter driving
Apply wheel sealant for extra protection
Have annual professional inspections
Regular maintenance prevents the wear and tear that leads to serious corrosion problems.
When Refurbishment Isn’t Possible
Whilst we can fix most corroded alloy wheels, some cases aren’t suitable:
Wheels where corrosion has compromised structural safety
Damage so extensive that repair costs exceed replacement value
Wheels with safety-critical issues that can’t be properly addressed
Our team always gives honest advice about whether your wheels can be safely restored.
The Professional Difference
Modern alloy wheel refurbishment isn’t just about appearance – it’s about understanding materials and protection. Research on metal alloys and corrosion prevention shows that proper corrosion removal and appropriate protective coatings are essential for long-lasting results.
Our alloy wheel refurbishment services use techniques that often exceed original manufacturer standards. The combination of thorough preparation and quality protective finishes means your restored wheels will look great and last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do alloy wheel refurbishments take?
Most work takes 3-5 days depending on damage extent. We provide loan wheels so you’re not without transport.
Are refurbished wheels as strong as new ones?
When professionally restored, wheels meet or exceed original safety standards. Our 3-year warranty demonstrates our confidence in structural integrity.
Can you prevent future corrosion?
Yes! Our protective finishes provide excellent resistance to road salt, brake dust, and weather damage. Regular cleaning and wheel sealant application help maintain protection.
The Bottom Line
Corroded alloys can definitely be refurbished in most cases. With proper techniques and quality materials, even heavily damaged wheels can be restored to excellent condition.
At Alloy Fix, we’ve successfully restored thousands of wheels that owners thought were beyond saving. Our alloy refurbishment service combines expertise with industry-leading warranties.
Don’t write off your corroded alloys just yet. Contact our team for honest advice about your options. Whether dealing with light surface damage or serious pitting, we have the skills to help restore your wheels to their former glory.
Alloy Fix offers top quality wheel refurbishments based in Romford Essex RM1 1DX, and Dartford Kent DA1 5BS, Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4SB providing expert alloy wheel repair services close to you. Fill in the form below to get a quote and book your slot at the nearest branch today!