When your alloy wheels get damaged, you face a big decision. Should you get them refurbished or buy new ones? The answer depends on several things, but one fact is clear: making the right choice can save you hundreds of pounds whilst keeping you safe on the road.
Every driver will face this situation at some point. Whether it is a kerb scrape whilst parking, hitting a pothole, or general wear and tear, wheel damage is part of car ownership. The good news? Most damage does not require expensive replacement. Professional alloy wheel refurbishment can restore your wheels to like-new condition for a fraction of the cost.
At Alloy Fix, we have successfully restored thousands of wheels to factory condition. We are the UK’s number 1 alloy repairer and the only company to offer a 3-year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut wheels. This guide will help you understand exactly when to refurbish, when to replace, and how to get the best value for your money.
Cost Comparison: Refurbishment vs Replacement
Let us start with what matters most to many drivers: the cost.
Alloy wheel refurbishment typically costs between £60 and £130 per wheel. New wheels can cost anywhere from £150 to over £500 per wheel, depending on size, brand, and finish. For a complete set of four wheels, you are looking at £240 to £520 for refurbishment versus £600 to £2,000 for replacement.
Service
Cost Per Wheel
Full Set of 4
Savings vs New
Standard Powder Coating
£60-£80
£240-£320
60-75%
Diamond Cut Refurbishment
£100-£130
£400-£520
50-70%
New Mid-Range Wheels
£150-£300
£600-£1,200
–
New Premium Wheels
£300-£500+
£1,200-£2,000+
–
This means alloy wheel refurbishment can save you between 60 and 75 per cent compared to buying new wheels. These savings become even more significant when you consider that quality refurbishment work comes with warranties. At Alloy Fix, we offer a 3-year guarantee on all our work.
Hidden Costs of Buying New Wheels
When thinking about replacement, many people only look at the basic wheel price. But the real cost of new wheels includes several hidden extras that quickly add up:
The basic wheel costs between £150 and £500 or more per wheel. Then you need tyre fitting and balancing at £15 to £30 per wheel. New valve replacement adds another £5 to £10 per wheel. Disposal of old damaged wheels costs £10 to £20. You might also face colour matching issues if you are replacing only one wheel.
These extras can add £120 to £240 to your total replacement bill. Compare this to alloy wheel refurbishment, where the quoted price typically includes everything: repair, refinishing, and professional completion.
Safety and Durability: Are Refurbished Wheels as Strong as New?
Many car owners wonder whether refurbished alloy wheels provide the same strength and reliability as brand new ones. It is a valid concern, especially when you are deciding between repair and replacement.
The short answer is yes. Properly refurbished alloy wheels can be just as strong as new ones. Here is why.
How Professional Refurbishment Maintains Wheel Strength
Alloy wheels combine aluminium with other metals to create a material that is both lightweight and durable. When we refurbish wheels at Alloy Fix, two key factors protect their structural integrity.
First, temperature control during powder coating is crucial. Research shows that excessive heat can alter the metal’s microstructure, potentially compromising strength. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures precise temperature control. This preserves the wheel’s original properties whilst creating a durable, attractive finish.
Second, material considerations matter for diamond cutting. Diamond cutting creates that distinctive, mirror-like finish many car enthusiasts love. The process involves removing a thin layer of aluminium using precision CNC lathes. Our expert technicians carefully assess each wheel to ensure enough material remains to maintain structural integrity.
It is worth noting that the UK MOT inspection manual sets strict standards for wheel condition. Any fracture or welding defect on a wheel is classified as a dangerous defect. This is why professional assessment and repair is so important. At Alloy Fix, we ensure every refurbished wheel meets or exceeds these safety standards.
Initial Assessment: Our technicians examine the damaged area to determine the best repair approach.
Thorough Cleaning: We remove all dirt, brake dust, and old finish.
Repair Work: We fix any buckles, cracks, or other damage.
Surface Preparation: The wheel is prepared for its new finish.
Powder Coating: We apply high-quality coatings using state-of-the-art equipment.
Diamond Cutting: For diamond-cut finishes, we use precision CNC machinery.
Final Inspection: Every wheel undergoes rigorous quality checks.
What sets Alloy Fix apart is our commitment to quality throughout this process. Our 3-year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut wheels is a testament to our confidence in our repairs. This is longer than many new wheel warranties.
Quality Materials Make the Difference
Quality alloy wheel refurbishment uses the same materials and techniques as original manufacturing. Powder coating, for example, creates a finish that is often more durable than the original factory coating. The powder coating process involves applying a dry powder electrostatically and then curing it under heat. This creates a hard, protective surface that is highly resistant to chips, scratches, and fading.
Understanding Different Types of Wheel Damage
Before deciding between alloy wheel refurbishment and replacement, you need to understand what type of damage you are dealing with. At Alloy Fix, we see three main types of damage.
Minor Surface Damage
This includes light scratches, scuffs, and kerb damage on your wheels. These cosmetic issues do not affect your wheel’s strength but can make your car look tired and reduce its value. Most surface damage can be completely fixed with standard alloy wheel refurbishment techniques.
Cost to refurbish: £60-£80 per wheel Verdict: Refurbishment is the clear winner
Moderate Damage
A buckled wheel refers to one that has become warped or deformed, usually due to hitting something hard. This type of damage can cause vibrations whilst driving and affect vehicle handling. The damaged area might not be visible to the naked eye, but you will feel it when driving.
At Alloy Fix, we can straighten bent wheels in most cases. Our alloy wheel repair team fixes up to 99 per cent of all buckles and welds. Even badly damaged wheels can often be saved.
Cost to refurbish: £80-£120 per wheel Verdict: Professional assessment needed, but usually repairable
Severe Damage
A cracked wheel has developed a fracture or split in its structure. Cracks are serious safety issues that can lead to tyre failure if not addressed properly. When the damaged area includes structural cracks, professional assessment is essential.
Many cracks can be professionally repaired through specialist welding. Our expert repair technicians can fix most cracks safely. However, wheels with extensive cracking or multiple fracture points typically require replacement.
Cost to repair: £80+ for crack welding Verdict: Depends on crack severity and location
Cosmetic damage: Scratches, scuffs, kerb rash, and minor dents respond brilliantly to refurbishment. The diamond cut process removes a thin layer of metal and creates a stunning, like-new finish.
Single colour changes: Want to change the colour of your wheels? Refurbishment lets you customise your wheels at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.
Corrosion and peeling lacquer: We remove corrosion and apply protective coatings that can actually be more durable than the original finish.
Buckled wheels: Our specialist equipment can straighten most bent wheels, restoring both appearance and performance.
Maintaining original wheels: Original manufacturer wheels are designed specifically for your car. Refurbishing them means you keep the exact fit and look your car was designed for.
Whilst alloy wheel refurbishment fixes most problems, there are times when buying new wheels is the only safe option.
Major Structural Problems
If your wheels have multiple cracks or severe damage to the main structure, replacement is essential. A damaged area that affects the wheel’s strength cannot always be safely repaired. Aluminium wheels are not as bendy as steel ones, so they may break if you try to reshape them too much.
Very Old or Heavily Corroded Wheels
Sometimes wheels are so old or rusty that refurbishment is not worth it. If the damaged area covers most of the wheel surface, or if there is deep corrosion throughout, replacement might cost less overall.
Matching Problems
If you need to replace just one wheel and cannot find an exact match, you might need to buy a pair or even a full set. This is especially true for older or unusual wheel designs.
Repeated Diamond Cutting
It is important to note that each diamond cutting procedure removes some material. Wheels can only undergo this process a limited number of times before becoming too thin. Our technicians will honestly advise you if your wheels have reached this limit.
Longevity and Value: What Lasts Longer?
One common worry about alloy wheel refurbishment is whether it lasts as long as buying new wheels. The answer depends on the quality of work, but professional refurbishment can match or exceed the lifespan of new wheels.
Why Quality Refurbishment Lasts
At Alloy Fix, we use the same quality materials and equipment as the original manufacturers. Our powder coating process creates a finish that is highly resistant to chips, scratches, and fading. Our diamond cut process uses precision CNC machinery for factory-quality results.
The 3-year warranty we offer shows our confidence in the longevity of our work. In fact, a professional refurbishment can actually enhance the durability of your wheels. Advanced techniques and coatings offer better protection against the elements, reducing the likelihood of future damage.
Impact on Vehicle Resale Value
Well-maintained wheels can significantly boost your car’s resale value. Market trends indicate that cars with professionally refurbished alloy wheels tend to fetch higher prices. Buyers see clean, unmarked wheels as a sign that the entire vehicle has been well cared for.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing to refurbish rather than replace is also better for the environment. The refurbishment process uses fewer resources and generates less waste. When wheels are refurbished instead of being discarded, it reduces landfill waste and the demand for new raw materials.
Real-World Cost Comparison Examples
Let us look at some real examples to show the savings from alloy wheel refurbishment.
Example 1: Minor Kerb Damage
Alloy wheel refurbishment: £75 per wheel
New wheel (mid-range): £200 per wheel plus £25 fitting
Savings: £150 per wheel
Example 2: Four-Wheel Diamond Cut Refurbishment
Alloy wheel refurbishment: £115 x 4 = £460
New diamond cut wheels: £300 x 4 = £1,200 plus £100 fitting
Savings: £840 total
Example 3: Cracked Wheel Repair
Alloy wheel refurbishment (welding plus refinish): £120
New wheel: £250 plus £25 fitting
Savings: £155
These examples show typical savings, but your costs might be different depending on your specific wheels and the extent of the damage.
Making the Right Decision
The choice between alloy wheel refurbishment and replacement comes down to three main things: cost, safety, and how you want your car to look.
For Minor Damage
If your wheels have scratches, scuffs, or small damaged areas, refurbishment is almost always your best choice. These problems can be completely fixed for much less money than buying new.
For Medium Damage
Bent or buckled wheels need expert assessment. Our alloy repair team fixes up to 99 per cent of all buckles and welds, so even badly damaged wheels can often be saved. The damaged area might look terrible, but it can usually be repaired.
For Serious Damage
Safety comes first, always. If there is any doubt about whether your wheels are safe after repair, replacement is the only choice. We will always give you honest advice about what is safe.
Why Choose Alloy Fix?
At Alloy Fix, we make alloy wheel refurbishment the obvious choice by offering:
3-Year Warranty: We guarantee all our refurbishment work for three years. No other company offers this level of confidence.
Expert Assessment: We will honestly tell you if alloy wheel refurbishment is safe and cost-effective for your situation. If replacement is safer, we will recommend that instead.
Loan Wheels Available: You can keep driving whilst we work on your wheels. We provide temporary wheels so you are not stuck without transport.
Professional Equipment: We use the same quality materials and equipment as the original manufacturers. Each damaged area gets professional treatment using industry-standard techniques.
Three Convenient Locations: Visit us in Romford, Dartford, or Hemel Hempstead. Our workshops are fully equipped to handle any alloy repair challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does alloy wheel refurbishment take?
Most alloy wheel refurbishment jobs take 2-3 working days. Diamond cut wheels may take slightly longer because the precision machining requires extra time and care.
Will my refurbished wheels look as good as new ones?
Yes, when done properly. Professional alloy wheel refurbishment can make your wheels look identical to new. Our 3-year warranty shows how confident we are in the finish quality.
Is alloy wheel refurbishment safe for all damage types?
No. Major structural damage like big cracks or severe bending may need replacement for safety reasons. We always check each wheel individually to make sure any repair is completely safe.
How often should I refurbish my alloy wheels?
Most wheels benefit from refurbishment every 2-3 years, depending on driving conditions. Regular maintenance helps prevent serious damage and preserves appearance.
Can all wheel damage be repaired?
Whilst we can repair most damage, extremely severe structural issues may require replacement. Our technicians will honestly advise you about the safest option for your specific situation.
Contact Alloy Fix Today
The numbers are clear: alloy wheel refurbishment typically costs 60-75 per cent less than replacement whilst giving you similar quality and longevity. For most damage types, refurbishment is the smart financial choice that also helps the environment.
But safety always comes first. If you are not sure about how bad the damage is, get it professionally checked. At Alloy Fix, we give honest advice about whether refurbishment is right for your situation.
Do not automatically think you need expensive new wheels when you notice damage. Professional alloy wheel refurbishment might be all you need to get your wheels looking perfect again, whilst keeping money in your pocket.
Romford Store Alloy Fix Ltd, Unit 4 Brooklands Approach, Romford, RM1 1DX 01708 728438
Dartford Store Alloy Fix Ltd, Riverside Industrial Estate, Unit i4, Riverside Way, Dartford DA1 5BS 01322 617458
Hemel Hempstead Store Alloy Fix Ltd, Unit 3-5 Duxons Turn, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4SB 01322 617458
For more information about our professional wheel services and to see examples of our work, visit our alloy refurbishment page.
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!
