When you discover damage to your alloy wheels, you face a big decision. Should you repair them or buy new ones? This guide covers everything you need to know about alloy wheel repair costs, when DIY makes sense, how to choose between workshop and mobile services, and what to look for in a professional repair company.
At Alloy Fix, we have restored thousands of wheels to factory condition. We know that most wheel damage can be fixed safely and affordably. Let us help you make the right choice for your situation.
Understanding Alloy Wheel Damage
Before deciding on repair or replacement, you need to understand what kind of damage you have. Different types of damage need different solutions.
Scratches and scuffs are the most common problems. These happen when you scrape a kerb or hit something in a tight space. They look bad but usually do not affect safety.
Cracks are more serious. A cracked alloy wheel compromises structural integrity and safety. According to the UK Government MOT inspection manual, wheels must be free from fractures and welding defects. A badly distorted or damaged wheel is classified as a dangerous defect and will fail your MOT.
Buckled wheels happen when you hit a pothole hard. The wheel bends out of shape, causing vibrations while driving and affecting vehicle handling. This can be dangerous and cause loss of control.
Corrosion builds up over time from road salt, brake dust, and weather exposure. Left untreated, it can weaken the metal and spread across the wheel surface.
Several factors cause wheel damage. Hitting potholes creates sudden impact forces. Temperature changes make metal expand and contract. Road salts cause corrosion. Poor wheel alignment creates uneven pressure. The extent of damage determines whether repair is possible.
The cost of alloy wheel repair depends on the type of damage and the finish on your wheels. Here is what you can typically expect to pay in the UK:
Damage Type
Typical Cost Per Wheel
Minor scratches and scuffs
£60 – £80
Standard refurbishment
£80 – £120
Diamond cut refurbishment
£100 – £150
Buckle straightening
£50 – £80
Crack repair and welding
£80 – £150
Full powder coating
£80 – £120
These prices are for professional workshop repairs. Several factors affect your final bill.
What Affects Repair Costs
Damage severity: Simple scuffs from kerbing are cheapest to fix. Buckled wheels need hydraulic straightening on specialist equipment. Cracks require expert welding and careful inspection.
Wheel size: Bigger wheels cost more. A 15-inch wheel is quicker to work on than a 22-inch wheel from a Range Rover. Larger wheels also use more materials during refinishing.
Wheel finish: Standard painted alloys are cheapest to repair. Diamond cut alloys cost more because they need machining on a lathe before applying protective lacquer. This process needs specialist equipment that not every garage has.
Multi-wheel discounts: Most repair specialists offer discounts when you repair all four wheels at once. The setup time stays the same whether they do one wheel or four.
Repair vs Replacement: The Numbers
A brand new alloy wheel costs anywhere from £150 to over £1,000, depending on your car. A complete set could cost £320 to £1,600 or more for standard wheels. Premium or larger wheels cost significantly more.
But the wheel price is just the start. Hidden costs include tyre removal and refitting (£15-30 per wheel), wheel balancing, and new valve stems. These extras add £60-120 to your total replacement bill.
Professional repair typically costs a fraction of replacement prices. Even a full diamond cut refurbishment is usually cheaper than buying a new wheel. With Alloy Fix, customers often save 60-80% compared to buying new wheels.
Here is a real example. A cracked 18-inch diamond cut wheel might cost £120 for crack repair plus refurbishment. A new wheel would cost £200-300 plus £25 fitting, totalling £225-325. Repair saves £100+ per wheel. For four wheels, you could save £400 or more.
Local Pricing in London and Essex
Prices can vary by location. In London and Essex, competition between repair shops keeps prices reasonable. Getting quotes from multiple providers helps you find the best value.
Our workshops in Romford, Dartford, and Hemel Hempstead serve customers across London, Essex, Kent, and Hertfordshire. We offer free, no-obligation quotes so you know exactly what repairs will cost before committing.
For detailed pricing information, view our current prices or contact our team for a personalised quote.
Should you try fixing your wheels yourself or hire professionals? The answer depends on the damage type and your expectations.
When DIY Might Work
You can buy alloy wheel repair kits for £15 to £50. These include sandpaper, filler, primer, paint, and clear coat. They claim to fix minor damage at home.
DIY kits have some benefits. They are cheap. You work whenever you want. For tiny scratches that barely show, they might do the job.
DIY could work if you have shallow scratches that only affect the surface. You need to be happy with imperfect colour matching. Think of it as a temporary fix rather than a proper restoration.
The Problems with DIY Repair
DIY kits have serious limits. They only work on shallow scratches. Colour matching is usually poor, especially on diamond cut alloys or metallic finishes. The repairs often fail within months.
Getting the exact colour is very hard. Even small differences show up, especially in sunlight. Professional specialists have proper colour-matching tools that DIY kits cannot match.
Diamond cut wheels cannot be properly restored without specialist lathe equipment. Touch-up paints and polishing compounds simply cannot recreate that machined finish. Any DIY attempts usually make the damage more visible.
These kits cannot fix structural damage like buckles or cracks. The work is harder than it looks. You need to clean the damaged area properly, apply thin layers of filler and paint carefully, and try to get a smooth finish. Without experience, you can make things worse.
There are also safety risks. Alloy wheel repair involves handling heavy tools and equipment. Without proper knowledge, you might distort the wheel or affect its balance. This can lead to serious road accidents.
When You Need Professional Repair
Any damage affecting structural integrity needs expert help straight away. Buckles and cracks are safety issues that can cause accidents.
Choose professional repairs when you want a finish that matches properly. When you need repairs that last years, not months. When you have diamond cut alloys or special finishes. When multiple wheels are damaged. When you want to keep your car’s value.
Professional technicians strip wheels back to bare metal, fix damage, and apply factory-grade finishes. According to the Health and Safety Executive, proper powder coating needs specialist equipment and controlled conditions.
At Alloy Fix, all our powder coating and diamond cutting work includes a three-year warranty. This guarantee shows our confidence in professional results that DIY simply cannot match.
When searching for alloy repairs, you will find two main options. You can visit a workshop or book a mobile service that comes to you. Both have their place, but they suit different situations.
What Workshop Repair Offers
A workshop service means taking your car to a dedicated centre. Here, repair specialists use state-of-the-art equipment to fix your wheels. Workshops handle all types of damage, including scratches, buckles, cracks, and full refurbishment.
Your wheels go through a thorough process. Technicians strip old paint, fix structural damage, and apply fresh coatings. This controlled environment delivers better results and longer-lasting finishes.
Workshop facilities include CNC lathes for diamond cut work, powder coating booths with proper ovens, and hydraulic straightening gear. These machines cost thousands of pounds and cannot fit in a mobile van.
What Mobile Repair Offers
A mobile service sends a technician to your home or workplace. They arrive in a van with basic tools. Mobile repair works well for minor scratches or kerb marks and can be done in a few hours.
Mobile repair makes sense for quick cosmetic fixes. If you have a small scratch before selling your car, a mobile service sorts it fast. They are handy if you cannot reach a workshop easily.
The Key Differences
Factor
Workshop
Mobile
Damage types handled
All types including structural
Minor cosmetic only
Diamond cut repair
Yes, with CNC lathes
No, equipment too large
Powder coating
Yes, with oven curing
No, needs proper facilities
Buckle and crack repair
Yes, specialist equipment
No
Finish durability
Years
Months
Warranty
Typically 1-3 years
Limited or none
Remember that mobile repairs paint over damage rather than fixing underlying problems. For structural issues, this approach will not work.
Why Workshop Often Saves Money Long-term
A workshop service often saves money over time. Longer-lasting results mean proper refurbishment keeps wheels looking good for years. Mobile touch-ups may need redoing within months.
Comprehensive service means repair specialists fix everything in one visit. Buckles and scratches get sorted together. Professional warranty gives peace of mind.
Top workshops also offer loan wheels so you keep driving during repair work. At Alloy Fix, we fit loan wheels so you can drive away the same day while we work on yours.
Making the Right Choice
For minor scratches, mobile repair can work. But for anything serious, workshop repair delivers better results. The finish quality, service range, and warranty protection make it the smarter choice.
Before booking any service, ask about damage types covered, diamond cut availability, warranty terms, and loan wheels. Your answers will guide the right decision.
Choosing the Right Alloy Wheel Repair Company
Not all repair shops offer the same quality. Knowing what to look for helps you avoid poor service and wasted money.
What to Look For
Specialist equipment: A proper repair centre should have CNC lathes for diamond cut work, powder coating booths with curing ovens, and hydraulic presses for buckle repairs. Ask what machinery they use.
Experienced technicians: The best results come from trained professionals who understand different wheel types and finishes. Ask about their training and how long they have been in business.
Strong warranty: A good warranty shows the company believes in its work. Quality services offer at least 12 months. The best offer three years on certain repairs. No warranty is a warning sign.
Positive reviews: Check Google, Trustpilot, and social media. Look for comments about finish quality, how long repairs last, and customer service. Hundreds of five-star reviews from real people is a good sign.
Transparent pricing: Get written quotes from multiple providers. Compare what each price includes. Good companies are upfront about costs with no hidden fees.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before committing to any repair service, ask these questions:
What types of damage can you repair?
Can you handle diamond cut alloys?
What warranty do you offer?
Do you provide loan wheels?
How long will repairs take?
What is your full process from start to finish?
A reputable company will answer these questions clearly and honestly. They will tell you if a wheel cannot be safely repaired rather than attempting a risky fix.
Why Customers Choose Alloy Fix
At Alloy Fix, we have built our reputation on quality work and honest service. Here is what sets us apart.
3-year warranty: We are the only company offering a unique three-year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut services. We can offer this because we use specialist repair processes and high-quality materials.
Loan wheels available: Leaving your car may not always be an option. We offer loan wheels so you can drive away the same day while we work on yours.
Expert technicians: Our team has restored thousands of wheels to factory condition. They handle everything from minor scuffs to serious structural repairs.
99% success rate: Our expert team repairs up to 99% of all buckles and welds. We fix wheels that other companies say cannot be repaired.
State-of-the-art facilities: Our workshops in Romford, Dartford, and Hemel Hempstead have all the specialist equipment needed for professional results.
Hundreds of 5-star reviews: Our many satisfied customers have left glowing reviews about our quality and service. Check our reviews to see why so many trust Alloy Fix.
Knowing when to act helps prevent small problems becoming expensive repairs. Look out for these warning signs.
Visible damage: Scratches, scuffs, dents, or chips that you can see. Even small marks can expose metal to corrosion if left untreated.
Cracks: Any visible cracks, no matter how small, need immediate professional inspection. Run your fingers along the wheel to feel for irregularities or sharp edges. Our cracked wheel repair specialists can assess the damage and advise on the best solution.
Vibrations while driving: Unusual vibrations, especially at higher speeds, often indicate a buckled wheel or balance problem.
Air leaking from tyres: If a tyre keeps losing pressure without a puncture, the wheel rim may be damaged.
Steering difficulties: The wheel looking bent or handling feeling off can signal structural damage.
Corrosion or peeling lacquer: Bubbling, flaking, or discoloured areas show the protective coating has failed.
Do not wait until damage becomes a serious problem. Early treatment is always easier and cheaper than major repairs.
Why Repair Is Often the Better Choice
For most types of damage, professional repair offers clear advantages over buying new wheels.
Cost savings: Repair typically costs 60-75% less than replacement while giving similar quality and longevity. With our industry-leading warranty, you get peace of mind at a fraction of replacement cost.
Maintain vehicle value: Properly repaired wheels look as good as new. This helps maintain your car’s resale value and shows potential buyers the vehicle has been well cared for.
Environmental benefits: Repairing wheels rather than replacing them benefits the environment. Manufacturing new alloy wheels requires significant energy and raw materials. Repairing existing wheels reduces waste and carbon footprint.
Original appearance: Expert technicians can match the exact colour, finish, and texture of your original wheels. This ensures repairs blend seamlessly with the rest of your vehicle.
Speed and convenience: Most repairs are completed within a few days. With loan wheels, you stay mobile while we work on yours. Replacement often takes longer due to sourcing and fitting.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Sometimes wheels are too damaged for safe repair. We will always give you honest advice about what is best for your situation.
Replacement might be better when:
There is severe structural damage that cannot be safely repaired
Wheels are very old with multiple problems throughout
Cracks are too large or in critical locations
The repair cost exceeds 60% of replacement cost
Our technicians honestly assess whether damaged wheels can be safely repaired or if replacement works better. Safety always comes first. If there is any doubt about whether wheels are safe after repair, replacement is the only choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does alloy wheel repair take?
Most standard repairs take 1-2 working days. Diamond cut finishes may take 2-3 days due to precision work. Crack repairs need 2-3 days to fully cure. We offer loan wheels so you keep driving while we work on yours.
Will the repaired area be visible?
Our expert technicians refinish and repair areas to match the original wheel finish. Proper repairs appear virtually invisible.
Is a repaired wheel as strong as the original?
Yes, when repaired by professionals using correct techniques. Our repairs maintain full structural integrity. Crack repairs come with a one-year warranty. Powder coating and diamond cut work comes with our unique three-year warranty.
Can all wheel damage be repaired?
Most damage can be fixed by skilled technicians. We successfully repair 99% of all buckles and welds. However, very severe cracks, major structural damage, or wheels with safety concerns may need replacement. A professional inspection determines what is safe.
Do repaired wheels pass the MOT?
Yes, properly repaired wheels meet MOT standards. Professional repairs restore structural integrity and safety. Quality repair shops ensure work meets all legal requirements.
Is it worth repairing old wheels?
Generally yes, if the wheels are otherwise in good condition. Quality repairs last for years, often for the wheel’s remaining life. However, if wheels are 10+ years old with multiple problems, new wheels might offer better long-term value.
Do not let damaged wheels reduce your car’s value or put your safety at risk. Whether you have minor scratches or serious structural damage, Alloy Fix can help.
Contact our friendly team today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote. We serve customers across London, Essex, Kent, and Hertfordshire from our three convenient workshop locations.
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
With our industry-leading warranty and expert techniques, choosing Alloy Fix gives you peace of mind and wheels that look and perform like new. All at a fraction of replacement cost.
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!
