If you have a scuffed or buckled wheel, the first thing you want to know is how long you will be without your car. The short answer is that most alloy wheel refurbishment jobs take between 1 and 3 days. The exact time depends on the finish you choose and how much damage there is.

A small kerb scuff can often be sorted in a day, while a full set with a diamond cut finish may take a little longer. Below we break down the typical turnaround times, so you know what to expect before you book.

Standard turnaround by service

Different finishes take different amounts of time. This is because each one has its own steps, and some need longer in the oven to cure. Here is a simple guide to help you plan.

These are typical guides only. Your actual time may be shorter or longer, and we will always confirm it when you book.

What affects the timescale

A few things change how long a job takes:

• Finish type. A simple painted repair is quicker than a diamond cut finish, which needs precise machining on a lathe.
• Single wheel or full set. One wheel is faster than a set of four.
• Colour change. Switching to a new colour means extra prep and more coats.
• Damage severity. A light scuff is quick. A buckled or cracked wheel needs straightening or welding first, which adds time. Many buckles are caused by potholes, which you can report to your local council on the gov.uk website.
• Drying and curing. Powder coating is cured under heat, and the wheels must cool properly before the tyres go back on. This part cannot be rushed if you want a finish that lasts.

Same day or next day

Same day work is usually possible for a single scuff or kerb repair, especially if you book ahead. Larger jobs, such as full sets, colour changes and diamond cut finishes, normally need at least one to two days. This is because of the extra stages and the curing time. If you need your car back quickly, tell us when you book, and we will let you know what is realistic for your wheels.

Loan wheels mean you are not without a car

We know that leaving your car is not always an option. That is why Alloy Fix offers loan wheels, so you can drive away the same day and carry on as normal while we work on your set. When your wheels are ready, we simply swap them back. This means the turnaround time matters far less to your daily life, because you stay on the road the whole time.

Mobile van or workshop

You may have seen mobile alloy repair vans that come to your home. These can be handy for a very small scuff, but they cannot match a workshop for a full refurbishment. Our fully equipped workshop lets us strip, machine, coat and cure your wheels the right way, which gives a stronger, longer-lasting and better-looking result. Our powder coating and diamond cut services also come with a 3-year warranty, which is something a quick mobile touch-up cannot offer. You can find out more about our alloy refurbishment service and the finishes we provide.

What happens while you wait

It helps to know that your wheels are going through a careful set of steps, not just sitting around. In short, we remove the wheels and tyres, strip off the old coating, then sandblast the surface. Next, we inspect each wheel for cracks or buckles, repair any damage we find, apply the new finish and cure it in our ovens. Finally, we refit and balance your tyres so the wheels are ready to fit. You can see the full journey on our repair process page. If you are after that factory-style shine, you can also read about our diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment process.

Book your slot

Ready to get your wheels looking like new? Most jobs are back with you in 1 to 3 days, and with loan wheels you will not miss a beat. Get in touch with our friendly team to book a slot at one of our workshops in Romford, Dartford or Hemel Hempstead. We will give you a clear timescale and a price before we start, so there are no surprises.