Posted on: 19 Apr, 2024
A nicked alloy wheel can damage your vehicle's resale value. Don't rush to replace them—wheel refurbishment in London might be the answer. But, how are alloy wheels refurbished?
Taking care of your car (or any other vehicle!) means keeping your alloy wheels looking great.
Sometimes, your wheels might get worn or damaged. When that happens, they might need some care to look shiny and new again! If you’re considering getting a pro to fix them, we are here to tell you everything you need to know.
Today, Splash N Drip answers the questions of how are alloy wheels refurbished, how to tailor them to your taste and vehicle, and the ins and outs of keeping them in mint condition with expert repair and refurbishment.
Let’s Start With The “What” & “Why”
So, what is alloy wheel refurbishment? Refurbishment involves repairing and servicing a vehicle's alloy wheels to make them as good as new.
Alloy wheels are crafted from a blend of metals, including aluminium and occasionally magnesium or nickel, to create a sturdier and lighter composition than single metals. This mix enhances heat dissipation and offers a superior aesthetic appeal. Unlike standard steel wheels, alloys can be tailored to match your vehicle's unique style.
Opting to refurbish your alloy wheels is a smart move to address any wear and tear they’ve encountered. Alloy wheel refurbishment London can restore their original lustre, whether it’s a scratch from a tight parking spot or corrosion creeping in. More often than not, refurbishing your alloys is more wallet-friendly than purchasing new ones, making it a practical choice for car maintenance.
Can you get alloy wheels repaired?
Accidents often damage alloy wheels. High kerbs, potholes, and bumpy or loose road surfaces can easily harm alloy wheels and often cause scuffs, dents, or chips that a professional should fix.
Keeping your alloy wheels in good shape protects the car’s look and helps to keep its value. It also saves money as it makes buying new wheels less needed.
The most common alloy wheel repairs are fixing dents, chips, and cracks—these are called repairs as they can affect how well the alloy wheels work and make them unsafe to drive. Scuffs, scratches, and scrapes are usually called refurbishments, as they help keep the alloy wheels looking good.
How Are Alloy Wheels Refurbished?
The alloy wheel refurbishment process consists of the following steps:
- 1. Clean the wheels to see what needs fixing
- 2. Cover the tyre with tape to keep it safe (the tyre stays on the car for small fixes, but for big jobs, it comes off)
- 3. Smooth out any rough spots or fill in any dents. If there’s a crack, we try to weld it shut
- 4. Prime the alloy and then paint it, wrap it, or powder coat it,
- 5. Finish with a special coat to keep rust away and stop more damage
That’s it! Your wheels will look as good as new.
Now, you may consider DIY alloy wheel refurbishment as it looks cheaper. However, DIY can cause issues, especially with an expensive vehicle. Let’s just leave it to the experts!
How Much Is Alloy Wheel Refurbishment In The UK?
The cost to fix up alloy wheels changes based on a few things. The bigger the wheel, the more you might pay. If your wheel has a fancy design, it could cost more too.
Usually, wheels with special cuts or extra parts are pricier to fix than plain ones. The price also depends on who fixes it and how much work they must do. A quick fix will cost less than a big repair.
So, if your wheels need fixing, it’s smart to ask a few places how much they’ll charge.
Alloy Wheels vs Diamond Cut
A diamond-cut alloy wheel removes the top layer of metal using a CNC machine, the lathe. The lathe removes old paint and a thin alloy layer to make it shiny. Diamond-cut alloys are very bright, look nice, and often appear on more expensive vehicles.
Read more about mobile diamond cut alloy wheel repair
The problem with this method is that scuffs and cracks are much harder and more costly to fix, as you can only remove so many layers from the alloy. This process must also be done with special equipment and takes more time and work than normal alloy wheel refurbishment.
Normal alloy wheels are usually cheaper, simpler to fix, and more changeable. However, they don't have diamond-cut alloys' fancy, shiny look.
Is It Time For Alloy Wheel Refurbishment?
Usually, the alloy wheels are removed from the car when fixed, and the tyres are removed from the alloy wheels while the work is ongoing.
Alloy wheels can be fixed in many situations, but sometimes it will be impossible to fix the wheel. For example, you might not be able to fix the wheel if it has a lot of rust on your alloy wheel or if the wheel has been fixed before by welding.
Splash N Drip Is The Best Place To Get Alloy Wheel Repairs in London!
We are a leading alloy wheel refurbishment company in London, well-known for our wide variety of mobile car valeting services, including car cleaning and sanitation services, meticulous valeting, and machine polishing. We can make your wheels look as good as new and answer your questions on “how are alloy wheels refurbished?”
Contact our team today if you are considering alloy wheels, considering your customisation options, or need a repair.