Alloy wheels. They look so sharp when you first get them, all shiny and stylish. But it doesn’t take long before they get a little dull and beat up from wear and tear. You might start wondering if it’s even possible to bring back that showroom shine to alloy wheels that have seen better days. The good news is, yes you can! Alloy wheel repair is completely doable.
What are Alloy Wheels?
Alloys are made from a blend of different metals like aluminium, nickel, magnesium, and sometimes small amounts of zinc, copper, or silicon. They are lighter than steel wheels, which improves acceleration and fuel economy.
The Pros and Cons of Alloy Wheels
Alloys have a lot going for them, but they aren’t perfect. Check out this handy table of their main pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | More expensive than steel wheels |
| Stylish designs | Easier to damage |
| Better brake cooling | Harder to repair than steel wheels |
| Increased acceleration |
As you can see, alloy wheels have really nice aesthetics and performance capabilities. But they do cost more than steel and their softer metal means they can get damaged more easily from things like curbs and potholes. The bigger downside is many people think that damage means the wheel is toast. But that’s not necessarily true!
What Kinds of Damage Can They Have?
Alloy wheels can suffer different types of damage, from minor to severe. Here are some main issues alloy wheels often face:
- Scratches and scrapes
- Cracks and dents
- Corrosion from brake dust and chemicals
- Warping or wobbling from hitting potholes
So you may be wondering…with that kind of damage, can they be saved?
Can Alloy Wheels Be Repaired?
The short answer is yes! From scratches to cracks to corrosion, skilled technicians have repair processes to restore alloy wheels. Let’s look at exactly what alloy wheel repair entails.
The Alloy Wheel Repair Process
Alloy wheel repair follows a specific series of steps to rejuvenate your rims:
- Evaluation – The wheel is examined for the type and extent of damage. The technician determines if it can be fixed or not.
- Straightening – Dents and warping are mechanically hammered out. Precision equipment restores the original wheel shape.
- Filling – Deep scratches and scrapes are filled in and levelled out with epoxy fillers.
- Sanding – The filled areas are sanded smooth. This preps the surface for painting.
- Priming – A primer coat is applied to the surface to help the paint adhere properly.
- Painting – Your wheels get a fresh new coat of durable alloy wheel paint.
- Finishing – A clear coat sealant is added last to give a gloss showroom shine.
It’s truly amazing what can be achieved from a seemingly battered old alloy wheel! With some skill and technology, they can often look good as new again.
What Are the Benefits of Alloy Wheel Repair?
Saving your alloys through repair has three big benefits:
- Cost Savings – Replacing your set of alloy wheels gets really expensive. Repair is a fraction of the price.
- Convenience – Finding a full matching set of replacement alloy rims can be tough and require you to special order. Getting your existing wheels repaired is much easier.
- Environmental Impact – Repairing versus replacing reduces landfill waste and saves precious resources needed to manufacture new alloys. It’s a greener choice overall.
As you can see, repairing salvageable alloy wheels just makes smart financial and environmental sense. It keeps good quality wheels out of the junk pile while saving you money at the same time.
What Should You Know Before Repairing Your Wheels?
While alloy wheel repair has a lot going for it, there are still a few important things to keep in mind:
- There is a limit – At a certain point, a wheel may be too severely damaged to safely repair. Replacement is the only option if the structural integrity is compromised.
- Quality counts – Not all alloy wheel repairs are equal. Go to reputable, experienced repair shops to ensure a lasting fix.
- Get an evaluation – Have a professional assess the damage first before you commit to repairs. Sometimes replacement ends up being the more cost-effective route after all.
As long as you keep realistic expectations on repairs, you can bring back your old alloys to excellent shape. Just involve the experts to guide you.
Give Your Alloys New Life!
Before you shell out for expensive new wheels, consider alloy wheel repair. See what can be done to fix scratches, scrapes, cracks, and corrosion damage. With some expertise and elbow grease, you can have them looking new again. At Wheelworx, we can help you restore your alloy wheels to their original look. Get in touch with our team today!
