Imagine driving along a road, enjoying the smooth ride, when suddenly you hit an unexpected pothole. Your car jerks, the ride becomes bumpy, and you feel a pang of worry. That’s a bit like letting damage to your alloy wheels go unchecked. Alloy wheel refurbishment is like a spa treatment for your wheels, buffing away the scratches, dents, and corrosion, restoring their original shine and function. But how do you identify when your wheels need this treatment? And what does the process involve? Let’s navigate these questions together.
Key Takeaways
– Alloy wheel refurbishment is a process of repairing and respraying wheels to restore their original lustre and structural integrity.
– Refurbishment can extend the lifespan of wheels, improve vehicle performance, and boost resale value.
– Signs your wheels need refurbishment include visible scratches, dents, corrosion, rust, peeling or fading paint, and vibration while driving.
– The refurbishment process involves wheel inspection, cleaning, stripping old paint, repairing damages, and applying primer, paint, and lacquer.
– Most kerb damage, corrosion and peeling lacquer can be put right, but bent and cracked wheels must be checked by a technician before any repair.
– Choosing a reputable provider with experience, a range of services, positive customer reviews, and a warranty for their work is crucial.
What Are Alloy Wheels?
Alloy wheels are made from a mix of metals, usually aluminium, and sometimes magnesium. They are lighter than steel wheels, which helps with handling and braking, and they can be shaped into far more detailed designs. Most alloy wheels are cast, which means molten metal is poured into a mould. Forged wheels are pressed into shape under huge pressure, which makes them denser and stronger, but they cost more to make.
Alloy wheels do not go red and rusty like steel. Instead, when their protective coating is damaged, the metal underneath corrodes and leaves white, chalky marks. This is why keeping the paint and lacquer in good condition matters so much.
Choosing the Right Alloy Wheels for Your Car
If you are buying new alloys rather than refurbishing your current set, check these points first:
– Size and fitment: The wheel must be the right diameter, width and offset for your car, and it must clear your brakes.
– Load rating: The wheel must be rated to carry the weight of your vehicle.
– Correct fittings: Make sure the wheels come with the right bolts or nuts for your car, and buy from a reputable seller.
– Style: Popular designs include multi-spoke, mesh, split-spoke and concave wheels. Larger wheels tend to look more modern, while smaller wheels give a softer ride.
– Colour and finish: Silver and black are the most common choices, but bolder colours are available.
If you like your current wheels but not their colour, you may not need new ones at all. Powder coating can give your existing wheels a fresh colour and a tough new finish.
Understanding Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
Often, you mightn’t fully appreciate the importance of alloy wheel refurbishment until you’re faced with severe wheel damage or noticeable performance issues. Understanding the refurbishment process and benefits can save you not just money, but also potential safety risks.
Alloy wheel refurbishment is a thorough process that revitalizes your car’s wheels. It involves the repair of scratches, dents, and corrosion, followed by a respray to restore the original lustre. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining the structural integrity of your wheels.
Refurbishment benefits are manifold. First, it extends the lifespan of your wheels, reducing the frequency of costly wheel replacements. Second, it boosts your vehicle’s resale value as refurbished wheels enhance the overall appearance of your car. Lastly, it improves your vehicle’s performance by ensuring the wheels are in excellent condition.
However, you can also explore alloy alternatives. Steel wheels, for instance, are cheaper and more durable but lack the aesthetic appeal of alloy wheels. Composite wheels, on the other hand, offer a balance between cost, durability, and aesthetics. Understanding these alternatives helps you make an informed decision if refurbishment isn’t feasible.
The Importance of Wheel Refurbishment
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, wheel refurbishment plays an essential role in maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance. It’s not just about making your car look good; it’s about ensuring you’re safe on the road.
Let’s explore the Refurbishment Benefits:
– Safety Improvements: Damaged wheels can affect your vehicle’s handling and braking. Refurbishment rectifies this, ensuring excellent performance.
– Longevity: Refurbishment extends the lifespan of your wheels, saving you money on replacements in the long run.
– Fuel Efficiency: A smoothly running wheel system can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, saving you at the pump.
– Vehicle Value: Well-maintained wheels can increase your vehicle’s resale value.
The Process of Refurbishing Alloy Wheels
To understand the value of refurbished alloy wheels, you need to familiarize yourself with the process, which involves several detailed steps. The refurbishment techniques employed by professionals can vary, but they generally include the following.
First, the wheel is removed from the vehicle and inspected thoroughly for any damage. Then, it’s cleaned to remove any grime or brake dust that might interfere with the refurbishment. The next step involves stripping the wheel of its old paint or coating, which is usually done with a chemical solution or by sanding.
Then, any damage like scuffs, scratches, or dents are repaired using various tools and techniques. Once the wheel is smooth and free of imperfections, it’s time to apply the primer. This creates a base for the paint to stick to, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
The wheel is then painted and lacquered to give it a shiny, new look. Finally, it’s cured in an oven to harden the paint and lacquer, then cooled and inspected once more before being mounted back on the vehicle.
The refurbishment benefits are numerous, from enhancing your vehicle’s appearance to extending the lifespan of your wheels. It’s a cost-effective solution that can save you a significant amount in the long run.
How a Full Workshop Refurbishment Works
A full refurbishment rebuilds the finish from bare metal, so it lasts far longer than a quick touch-up. At Alloy Fix, the main stages are:
– Tyre off: The tyre is removed so the whole wheel, including the rim edge, can be worked on.
– Strip: The wheel is chemically dipped to take off all the old paint, lacquer and grime.
– Blast: The bare metal is blasted to remove corrosion and give the new coating a clean surface to grip.
– Inspect and repair: The technician checks for cracks, buckles and kerb damage and repairs anything that needs it.
– Coat and cure: The new colour is applied and baked hard in an oven, then a fresh lacquer goes on and is cured.
– Refit: The tyre is refitted and the wheel is balanced, ready to go back on the car.
You can see each stage in more detail on our process page.
Repair Techniques for Different Types of Damage
No two damaged wheels are the same, so the technique depends on what the technician finds:
– Scratches and kerb marks: The damaged area is sanded smooth, deeper gouges are filled and shaped to match the wheel, then the wheel is refinished. See our kerb damage repair service.
– Bent or buckled wheels: Specialist equipment is used to carefully press the wheel back into shape, and the wheel is checked to make sure it runs true. Read more about buckled wheel repair and wheel straightening.
– Dents in the rim: Small dents in the rim can often be worked out with rim dent repair.
– Cracks: Some cracks can be welded and finished smooth. Whether a crack can be repaired depends on where it is and how big it is, so the technician always assesses it first. See cracked wheel repair.
Choosing a Finish
The two main finishes are powder coating and diamond cutting. Powder coating covers the whole wheel in a tough, even colour that is baked on. Diamond cutting uses a lathe to shave a very thin layer off the face of the wheel, leaving a bright, machined shine that is then sealed with lacquer. Not every wheel is suitable for diamond cutting, so ask the workshop which finish suits your wheels.
Signs Your Wheels Need Refurbishment
Recognizing the tell-tale signs that your alloy wheels need refurbishment is key to maintaining both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. A diligent damage assessment can reveal refurbishment indicators.
Now, you might ask, ‘What exactly should I look out for?’ Here are the most important signs that indicate your wheels are due for a refurb:
– Visible Scratches or Dents: These are clear signs of damage that can compromise the integrity of your wheels and diminish their appearance.
– Corrosion: If you notice rust or oxidation, it’s time for refurbishment. These can gradually eat away at the wheel’s material, potentially causing serious damage.
– Peeling or Fading Paint: This doesn’t just affect the look of your wheels. It can also expose them to the elements, leading to corrosion.
– Vibration while Driving: If your car vibrates more than usual, it could mean your wheels are out of balance, indicating possible alloy damage.
– Pulling to One Side or Uneven Tyre Wear: These can point to a bent wheel as well as an alignment problem.
– Tyres Losing Air: A tyre that keeps going down can be caused by a crack, a dent or corrosion where the tyre seals against the rim.
If your wheels show any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Addressing these issues through refurbishment can prevent further damage and save you from more costly repairs down the road. Remember, your wheels aren’t just about style. They’re essential to your vehicle’s safety and performance. For a fuller checklist, see how to tell if your alloy wheels need repair.
Common Types of Alloy Wheel Damage
Kerb Damage
Kerb damage is the most common problem we see. It happens when the wheel scrapes a kerb while parking or turning, leaving scratches, scuffs and sometimes small chunks missing from the rim edge. It looks bad, but it usually does not affect how the wheel works, and it can normally be fully restored.
Bent or Buckled Wheels
Hitting a deep pothole or a high kerb at speed can bend a wheel. Unlike kerb marks, this can change how the car drives, causing vibration, steering problems or uneven tyre wear. Many bent wheels can be straightened, but a technician needs to check that it is safe to do so.
Cracked Wheels
Cracks range from fine hairline marks to large breaks. A cracked wheel can be unsafe and may lose air suddenly, so it should be inspected as soon as possible. Small cracks are easy to miss under a layer of brake dust, which is one more reason to keep your wheels clean.
Corrosion
Corrosion starts when chips or scratches let water and road salt reach the bare metal. It shows up as white marks or bubbling under the paint. Early corrosion can be stripped away and the wheel recoated. Our guide on how to repair corroded alloy wheels explains more.
Lacquer Peeling
Lacquer, or clear coat, is the thin see-through layer that gives a wheel its shine and keeps out water, salt and brake dust. When it starts to lift, flake or go cloudy, that shield is broken and the damage usually spreads. The main causes are:
– Sunlight slowly breaking the lacquer down until it fades and flakes
– Heat from the brakes making the lacquer expand and shrink until it cracks
– Water or road salt getting underneath and corroding the metal, which pushes the lacquer up
– Strong acid wheel cleaners eating into the coating
– Kerb scrapes and stone chips letting water in
– A poor earlier refurb where the wheel was not cleaned and prepared properly
You cannot simply spray new lacquer over the top. New lacquer will not grip a surface that is already lifting, and sealing over corrosion just traps the moisture inside, so it soon bubbles up again. The old lacquer has to be stripped off completely, any corrosion treated, and the finish rebuilt.
Diamond cut wheels are especially prone to this. Their shiny face is bare aluminium protected only by lacquer, so one small chip lets water straight onto the metal. You will often see cloudy white spots or worm-like marks spreading under the clear coat. To fix it, the face has to be re-cut on a lathe and lacquered again.
When a Wheel Cannot Be Repaired
Not every damaged wheel can be safely refurbished. Severe bends, large or multiple cracks, a lot of missing metal, or deep corrosion in critical areas such as the bead seat (where the tyre seals against the rim) can mean replacement is the safer choice. A good technician will tell you honestly if a repair is not safe.
What Causes Alloy Wheel Damage?
Most wheel damage comes from everyday driving. Knowing the causes helps you avoid them:
– Kerbs: Tight parking spaces and city streets are the biggest source of scuffs. Rim protectors can help shield the edge of the wheel.
– Potholes and poor roads: A hard impact can bend or crack a wheel. Slow down for bad road surfaces where it is safe to do so.
– Road salt and wet weather: Winter salt gets into chips and scratches and speeds up corrosion.
– Brake dust: Brake dust contains tiny metal particles. If it is left on the wheel, it can stain and eat into the finish.
– Low tyre pressure: An under-inflated tyre cushions the wheel less, so more of each impact goes into the rim.
– Over-tightened wheel nuts: Too much force can damage the wheel and the studs. Wheels should be tightened with a torque wrench to the correct setting. See our torque settings guide.
Cost and Turnaround of Refurbishment
Understanding the cost and timing of alloy wheel refurbishment is important when planning this maintenance task. Prices depend on the size of your wheels, how much damage there is, and the finish you choose. For example, a set of diamond cut wheels needs an extra machining stage, and a colour change needs extra preparation. You can see current prices on our price list.
It’s also worth considering the value of the service. A cheaper price mightn’t always mean the best quality, and a poorly prepared refurb can start peeling again far sooner than one done properly.
How long the work takes depends on the job. A single kerbed wheel is quicker than a full set, and a buckled or cracked wheel needs straightening or welding before it can be refinished. The coating also has to be properly cured and cooled before the tyre goes back on, and that stage cannot be rushed. Ask the workshop for an estimate when you book. At Alloy Fix, loan wheels are available, so you can drive away the same day while your own wheels are being worked on.
What to Expect When You Bring Your Wheels In
If you have never had your wheels refurbished before, here is what normally happens:
– Assessment: A technician looks at each wheel for kerb damage, bends, cracks and corrosion, and tells you what can be done.
– Your options: They explain the choices, such as a repair, a full refurbishment, a change of colour or a diamond cut finish.
– A clear quote: You are told the price before any work starts.
– Loan wheels: If you need your car, loan wheels can be fitted so you can drive away the same day.
– Final checks: When the work is done, the finish is checked, the tyres are refitted and the wheels are balanced before they go back on your car.
You can book at any of our three workshops:
– Romford: Unit 4, Brooklands Approach, Romford, RM1 1DX. Call 01708 728438.
– Dartford: Unit i4, Riverside Way, Riverside Industrial Estate, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5BS. Call 01322 617458.
– Hemel Hempstead: Unit 3 to 5, Duxons Turn, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4SB. Call 01442 914376.
How Often Should Alloy Wheels Be Refurbished?
There is no fixed timetable. Some wheels go many years without needing work, while others need attention after one bad parking manoeuvre. How often you need a refurb depends on:
– How much you drive, and where. City driving means more kerbs, while rural roads bring more potholes and grit.
– The time of year. Winter salt and grit attack the finish, and potholes are often worst after winter.
– Your finish. Diamond cut wheels have a thinner layer of protection and can show corrosion sooner.
– How well the wheels are cleaned and looked after.
The best approach is to check your wheels each time you wash the car. Look for chips, scuffs, cloudy patches or white marks, and get small problems sorted early. A chip that lets water in today can become peeling lacquer and corrosion later, and that means a bigger job.
Risks of Ignoring Wheel Refurbishment
While budget and time constraints may often come into play, ignoring the need for alloy wheel refurbishment can land you in a heap of additional problems. This negligence not only impacts your vehicle performance but also introduces numerous safety hazards.
Firstly, consider the repercussions on your vehicle’s suspension system. Damaged alloy wheels may not distribute weight evenly, causing undue stress on your suspension. This can lead to quicker wear and tear, requiring expensive repairs.
Secondly, let’s look at the safety hazards. Damaged wheels can lead to a loss of tyre pressure or even tyre blowouts, both of which pose serious risks while driving.
– Uneven tyre wear can cause unstable driving and control issues
– A flat tyre or blowout at high speed can lead to accidents
– Reduced braking efficiency due to misaligned wheels
– Increased fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance
Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid With Refurbished Wheels
A fresh finish can last a long time if you look after it. These are the most common mistakes that shorten its life:
– Using harsh or acidic cleaners: Strong acid wheel cleaners and household products can weaken the lacquer. Use a pH-neutral wheel cleaner or a mild car shampoo instead.
– Scrubbing too hard: Metal brushes and scouring pads leave fine scratches. Use a soft brush or microfibre cloth and gentle pressure.
– Cleaning hot wheels: Let the wheels cool after a drive. Cold water on a hot wheel can harm the finish, and cleaner can dry onto the surface.
– Not rinsing properly: Leftover cleaner can keep working on the finish, so rinse every part of the wheel.
– Leaving brake dust and salt on: Wash your wheels regularly, and more often in winter to get road salt off.
– Ignoring small chips: Get chips and scuffs looked at quickly, before water creeps under the lacquer.
– Wrong tyre pressure: Check your tyres regularly and keep them at the pressure shown in your handbook or on the door frame.
For extra protection, a ceramic coating can make brake dust and dirt easier to wash off.
Choosing a Refurbishment Service Provider
When selecting a service provider for your alloy wheel refurbishment, you’ll want to weigh factors like experience, reputation, cost, and the range of services offered. Provider selection isn’t a task to take lightly. Instead, conduct a detailed assessment to make sure you’re choosing the best fit for your needs.
Start by evaluating the potential provider’s experience with your type of wheel and finish. An experienced team can often provide a more thorough and high-quality service. Next, look at their reputation. Reviews, photos of past work and a visit to the workshop can give you a good sense of the quality of their work and customer service.
Cost is another important consideration. You’ll want to get quotes from multiple providers to make sure you’re getting a fair price. However, be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. They often indicate subpar service.
Also, consider the range of services the provider offers. Some providers may only handle specific wheel materials or styles. Make sure your chosen provider can accommodate your specific wheel refurbishment needs.
Lastly, don’t forget about warranty considerations. A provider offering a warranty demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and provides you with a safety net should anything go wrong after the refurbishment. Alloy Fix is the only company to offer a 3 year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut wheels, and crack repairs come with a 1 year warranty.
Common Myths About Alloy Wheel Repair
Myth: Damaged alloy wheels cannot be repaired
Kerb damage, scratches, corrosion and peeling lacquer can usually be put right, and many bent wheels can be straightened. Cracks are different: whether one can be repaired depends on where it is and how big it is, and a technician must assess it first.
Myth: You can always see where a wheel was repaired
When a wheel is stripped and refinished as a whole, the new coating covers the entire wheel evenly, so there is no patch to spot. Visible repairs usually come from small touch-ups that try to blend new paint into an old finish.
Myth: A DIY kit does the same job
A kit may hide a light scuff for a while, but it cannot strip the wheel, treat corrosion, straighten a bend or bake on a hard-wearing finish. Shop-bought spray lacquer is also thinner than a workshop coating. A home repair that goes wrong can end up costing more to fix.
Myth: Refurbishment means going without your car
Loan wheels mean you can drive away the same day while your own wheels are being refurbished.
Myth: All wheel damage is the same
A scratch, a bend and a crack each need a different repair. Treating structural damage as if it were only cosmetic can leave a wheel unsafe, which is why every wheel should be properly inspected before work starts.
Conclusion
So, don’t overlook your car’s wheels.
Eliminating scratches, dents, and corrosion through alloy wheel refurbishment not only boosts your car’s aesthetics, but also its efficiency and safety.
Keep in mind, timely wheel refurbishment can greatly extend the lifespan of your wheels.
Choose a reliable service provider, look after the new finish, and your wheels can keep looking good and rolling smoothly. To get your wheels checked, find your nearest workshop with our workshop locator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refurbish alloy wheels at home?
You can buy DIY kits, but they are only suitable for very light scuffs. A home repair cannot strip the whole wheel, treat corrosion, straighten a bend or bake on a hard-wearing finish, so the results rarely last. Bent or cracked wheels should always be checked by a professional.
How long does alloy wheel refurbishment take?
It depends on the job. A single kerbed wheel is quicker than a full set, and buckled or cracked wheels, diamond cut finishes and colour changes all add extra stages. Ask the workshop for an estimate when you book. Loan wheels are available, so you can drive away the same day.
How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost?
Prices depend on the size of your wheels, how much damage there is and the finish you choose. You can see current prices on our price list.
Can every damaged alloy wheel be repaired?
No. Kerb damage, corrosion and peeling lacquer can usually be fixed, and many bent wheels can be straightened. Whether a crack can be repaired depends on where it is and how big it is, so a technician assesses it first. Wheels with severe structural damage may need replacing.
How often should alloy wheels be refurbished?
There is no set timetable. It depends on how and where you drive, the time of year and how well the wheels are looked after. Check your wheels whenever you wash the car and get chips, scuffs or white corrosion marks sorted early, before they spread.
Will refurbishing my alloy wheels affect my car insurance?
Refurbishing your wheels to their original look shouldn’t affect your insurance, but policies vary, so always check with your insurer.
