Curb Rash – The most common type of damage we see that occurs when an alloy wheel comes into contact with a curb. It causes scratches, scuffs, and even takes small chunks of metal from the surface.

Cracks – Cracks in an alloy wheel can be caused by harsh impact damage, such as driving over a pothole, or by stress from driving at high speeds for extended periods of time. The latter is more likely to happen to stock or inferior alloy wheels.

Bent Rims – Bent rims occur when an alloy wheel is bent out of shape due to impact or stress. This will cause problems with the wheel balance and alignment, and can then also lead to more damage.

The severity of the damage will determine the method of repair that is required to your alloys. For example, small scuffs and surface scratches can often be repaired with a simple refinishing process, while cracks and bent rims will more than often require extensive repairs.

Straightening – This involves us using special equipment to reshape a bent alloy or steel rim back to its original form. This is a common method for repairing bent rims and can be done by most professional repair facilities.

Filling – This involves using a special filler material to fill in scratches, scuffs, and other minor damage. The filler is then sanded and painted to match the rest of the wheel.

Refinishing – This involves sanding and painting the damaged area to restore your alloy wheels back to their original finish. This method is often used for minor damage such as surface scratches and scuffs.

Each method of repair has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best option will depend on the type and severity of the damage. For example, straightening is a good option for repairing bent rims, but may not be appropriate for repairing cracks. It is always best to get consultation from an expert to give you the right option for your specific repair criteria.

Let’s go over a few pro’s and con’s.

Cost savings –  Carrying out the repair yourself can be much less expensive than taking your car to a professional.

Flexibility – Carrying out the repairs yourself can allow you to work on your own schedule and at your own pace.

Satisfaction – Completing the repair successfully by yourself can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.

However, there are also some disadvantages to doing the repair yourself:

Lacking experience – If you don’t have experience or expertise with alloy wheel repair and restoration, you may not be able to complete the repair safely or effectively.

Not using specialised equipment – Repairing alloy wheels requires specialised equipment that may not be readily available to the general public.

Potential warranty issues – If you do the repair yourself, you may risk voiding the manufacturer’s warranty on your alloy wheels.

Taking your alloy wheels to a professional repair shop has its own advantages:

Expertise – A good and honest professional repair facility has the experience and expertise to repair your alloy wheels effectively in a safe environment.

Specialised equipment –  Professional repair shops have access to industrial level specialised machinery required to repair and refurbish your alloy wheels.

Protecting your warranty – Taking your car to a professional repair shop will not void the warranty on your alloy wheels, so you can have that piece of mind.

There are a few factors to take into consideration when costing the repairs to an alloy wheel or set of alloy wheels:

Type of damage – As we mentioned above, the severity of the damage occured will determine the method of repair required. The more extensive the repair, the more time it will take, therefore the cost will be higher.

Location – The cost of alloy wheel repair services can vary greatly depending on your location. In general, the cost of alloy wheel repair will be higher in urban areas where there is a higher demand for this type of service. We are based in Derby, however we have wheels sent to us from around the UK as we have a great reputation on delivering our services at an extremely high quality at a great cost.

Repair methods – The cost of your alloy wheel repair will depend on the method of repair used. For example, a simple refinishing job will cost less than straightening an out of shape, bent rim.

Do It Yourself vs. Using a  Professional – Carrying out the repair yourself can be less expensive than taking your car to a professional facility. However, as mentioned earlier, there are several disadvantages to carrying out the repair yourself, so it is important to weigh up the cost savings against any potential risks.

A general estimate, the cost of alloy wheel repair and refurbishment can range from £50 to £300 or more, depending on the type and severity of the damage, and the methods of repair used.

To prevent alloy wheel damage, it is important to always maintain your wheels properly. Here are some handy tips for keeping your alloy wheels in tip top condition:

1. Avoid driving over potholes, curbs, and other road hazards.
2. Take care when parking near a curb, don’t rush and keep a reasonable distance from the curb. Perhaps if you are in a tight situation, dip your side mirrors to get a visual advantage of the position of the wheel in relation to the curb.
3. Keep your tires properly inflated to the correct Psi value, as underinflated tires can cause stress on the wheels. Think of your tyres as the first layer of protection from the road.
4. Going to extra step, have your alloys regularly balanced, this can help to distribute stress evenly and prevent avoidable damage.
5. Protect your rims with a rim edge protector, you can see an example of this at your local Halfords.
6. Using these tips, you can help prevent damage to your alloy wheels and keep your them looking like new for years to come.