How Much Does It Cost To Refurbish Alloy Wheels Uk

Is alloy wheel refurbishment worth it?

Is it Worth Refurbishing Alloy Wheels? – If you have a car with alloy wheels, it’s worth considering whether or not to refurbish them. It all depends on the condition of your alloy wheels and what you want them to look like. Refurbishing can be a great idea if you want your alloys to look as good as possible but don’t have time for regular polishes and waxes.

Is it worth refurbishing alloy wheels before selling?

The Wheel Issue: Why You Should Refurbish Your Alloys We’ve all had that moment where we cringe at the sound of our alloys scraping the side of the kerb. With your fingers crossed (and hoping it isn’t as bad as it sounds) you look at the damage but it doesn’t look good.

After getting a little bit annoyed at yourself, it does make you think: that kerb came out of nowhere! But it also makes you wonder why do alloys seem to damage so easily? Well, that’s because alloy wheels are made to be soft for a more dynamic ride as well as to keep your brakes cool. Made from aluminium as opposed to steel, they are able to bend around corners, allowing you to manoeuvre and brake more easily – and don’t forget they also make your car look immense! It’s not all about looks The aesthetic quality of alloy wheels is pretty key to making your car look great (which makes it even more painful when you scratch them!) and if you are looking to sell your vehicle, it can put a lot of buyers off.

Why? Because they see it as another expense they’re going to have to afford as well as a new car. So if you are thinking about selling your car that has scratched alloys, you might want to get them fixed up. This way you don’t have to worry about potential buyers ‘umming’ and ‘ahing’ about purchasing your car.

However neglecting your alloy wheels can also have some more damaging problems than just your image. If they aren’t cleaned or checked regularly then brake dust and erosion can build up. This can cause you to lose control of your car and if corrosion gets into your tyres, you could risk deflation – and nobody wants that! What do you need to look out for? Scratching your alloys on a kerb isn’t too damaging to your overall driving feel.

However, it does make your car look like a banger. Driving over deep potholes on the other hand, can cause your alloys to crack, shatter or bend the wheel out of alignment, resulting in a whole new tyre having to be fitted. Although, you shouldn’t just wait until you’ve had a run in with the kerb before getting your alloys checked.

If you haven’t had a look at your wheels in a couple of years, it might be best to get them looked at by an expert. Even washing your alloys when your car is still warm or when it’s in direct sunlight can cause cracks! Why use an expert? Even just knowing that a professional is repairing your car can make you feel at ease.

You can sit back and relax, knowing that your car is going to be fixed up in no time. By using a specialist you can ensure your alloys get the right treatment – whether that means a quick touch up or a new wheel. So, even if they look brand new, they also feel brand new for a smoother drive and most importantly, a safer drive.

It’s Wheely Easy! At Bumps and Scuffs, we’ll take a look at the damage and tell it to you straight, so you don’t get ripped off. Many of the leading Tyre and Exhaust centers refer their customers to us so why not come direct? This way your car is in safe hands and the job will be taken care of properly and efficiently, leaving a little extra money in your pocket too.

With our starting prices from £60 for an alloy wheel refurbishment, if you scuff them again you know you can trust our services to deliver you good quality wheels and not have to spend a fortune. We also provide a quick and easy service, as we know how inconvenient things can be without a car.

How long does it take to refurbish 4 alloys?

4 alloy wheels can be fully refurbished in 2-4 hours from off to back on. It all depends on the condition of the alloy wheels, the finish you want and also the time of year.

What is the life expectancy of alloy wheels?

# 5) How long should alloy wheels last? – Alloys generally last 3-4 years as is the case with most of them, As compared to steel wheels, alloys have a lower lifespan. This is due to the fact that steel wheels are more rugged and have more durability despite the fact that alloys have more tensile strength.

How many times can you refurb an alloy?

How many times can you refurbish an alloy wheel? – How many times your wheel can be refurbished will depend on its condition. As a rule of thumb, an alloy wheel can be refurbished around two to three times, though the technician working on the car will be best placed to tell you whether the alloys can be refurbished or not.

How hard is it to refurb alloys?

WhoCanFixMyCar has created this simple guide to help you understand more about the different ways alloy wheels can be refurbished and repaired If your alloy wheels have seen better days, it might be worth considering whether to refurbish them. It’s possible to do this at home, but each wheel can take up to four hours to finish, and if you don’t have the right tools then the outcome is likely to be poor.

Why are alloy wheels so expensive?

Alloy Wheels: Thumbs Down 👎 – Alloy-wheels are expensive

Price : Expensive to buy, expensive to repair and expensive to manufacture. Alloy wheels are quite expensive due to its elaborate production procedure. To buy an alloy wheel you will have to pay 50% more than you would for a steel wheel. It is because of this, car manufacturers do not feature alloy wheels in their lower-end budget cars (cutting costsduh!). Rigidity : Unfortunately, alloy wheels are not as strong as steel. They are prone to cracks, dents and curb rashes. And because of this, even the slightest damage on the wheels can tarnish the overall look of the car. Repairability : That’s a tough one for alloy wheels. Repairing an alloy wheel is tasking and expensive. Unlike, steel wheels, alloys have to be subjected to complex procedures to bring them back to shape.

Do alloy wheels go bad?

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Winter takes its toll on your car’s wheels, so if you wan them to last, keep them in tip-top shape Published Oct 18, 2018 • Last updated 4 years ago • 3 minute read Used winter tires are a good way to save a few bucks, as long as you know what to look for. Photo by Braeden Jones / Postmedia Wheels allow auto designers to dress up otherwise drab rides, they let engineers experiment with and improve handling, and when done right, they’re adored by consumers from any end of the enthusiast spectrum.

Lighter, stronger and prettier, especially in alloy form, wheels can be great — until they expire. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Wait. No automaker publishes an expiry date for wheels, do they? Not officially, but potholes, road salt and Canadian winters in general their toll — and sometimes, the evidence isn’t obvious.

Good tire technicians will check things out during seasonal change-overs, but an easy visual inspection can let you know where your rims are in their lifespan and provide the benefit of time when considering replacement and shopping for alternative sources.

Having a set of dedicated winter wheels and tires can substantially prolong the life of your summer setup by limiting their exposure to salt, moisture and temperature extremes. You should always include this accelerated depreciation factor in when considering your winter setup. In addition to saving your summer alloys, a winter set can reduce the risk of damage to tires and rims that can happen during installation.

But even hardy steel wheels are prone to corrosion. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Finish pitting and peeling is the first sign of alloy wheel degradation. Many may think this is only a cosmetic problem, but when the clearcoat’s finish surface is broken, it will allow the metal to corrode quicker.

Are repaired alloys safe?

If it was done by an expert repair company, the wheels should be fine. But if it wasn’t, there could be problems with stress cracks occurring on the wheel and the tyres could deflate.

Can you refurb rusty alloys?

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Home Blog, SMART Repair Blog Is it worth refurbing corroded Alloy wheels?

We recently sent an email to all our customers telling them about our new website, as a small company we strive to give excellent customer service. We had lots of positive feedback but out of the 10,000 emails that went out we had two responses that came back that weren’t so positive.

Both emails were to do with alloy wheel refurbishments. Both refurbishments involved corroded alloys. Now we repair a lot of corroded and kerbed alloys on a weekly basis. One set of alloys had been refurbished over 3 years ago and another set 18 months ago. Now when some one calls us and asks about our repairs we believe in honesty is the best policy, we won’t try and over sell you, we don’t need to do this as a company as we are lucky enough to always have plenty of work.

So here is my advise on corroded alloys, due to our climate and weather conditions, inevitably alloys do eventually corrode, which eventually lead to air loss. Now replacing alloys can be a costly exercise and refurbishing is always an alternative to replacing and normally a lot cheaper.

If your alloys are starting to corrode then our advise would be get them refurbished ASAP. Don’t leave them, the corrosion will slowly eat into the alloy and spread and get deeper and deeper and it is at this point that the refurbishment process may not last for a very long time. When we refurbish your alloys we sand them down and try to sand away all the corrosion BUT there is always the possibility that it has eaten so far into the alloy that eventually it will come back.

The longer you leave the corrosion the more likely it will come back. If you get them refurbished at the early stages of corrosion appearing you have more of a chance of delaying the inevitable. No one can give a guarantee against corrosion. As a company we try and do as much as we can to ensure our repairers have all the tools to enable them to give the best possible repair for corroded alloys.

• But again there is no knowing how long they will last for.
• If you are able to be with out your alloys, then we would recommend using a static centre that will strip down your alloys and do a complete refurb on them.
• This service can not be guaranteed either.
• So do you buy a new set of alloys or refurbish your existing ones? Even new alloys can corrode after a few years.

And a refurbishment will not last forever either. I know how you can definitely stop your alloys from corroding, a move to a hot climate where there is not as much rain!

Can cracked alloys be refurbished?

Do I need to fix it? – As mentioned above, if your alloy is badly cracked and you find that air is leaking from it, you’ll need some assistance from an alloy repair specialist. Cracked alloys can very quickly escalate into a complete blowout which is obviously something you’ll be keen to avoid.

Can Kerbed alloys be repaired?

Kerbing damage is one of the easiest things that can occur to your car. Thankfully, you can fix it at home – if you’re patient enough. – If the kerb damage isn’t too bad, repairing it yourself isn’t as tricky as you think. Motor factors will sell you over-the-counter kits, which contain sand paper, filler, primer and paint.

• Using these are a little bit of a dark art, but it’s all in the preparation.
• Sanding down the area takes time – especially to ensure the lines of the wheel are met – but do it right and you could easily save yourself some money.
• After sanding down the area, you’ll need to fill the gap that is left, usually using a putty that is supplied as part of the kit.

Once filled, you need to leave this cure. However once this has been applied, only half of the work has been done. The trickiest bit comes next. You’ll need to carefully sand down the putty back to mimic the lip of the wheel – and this is much harder than it sounds. Once you’re happy with the work, you’ll have to apply a layer of undercoat. This will not only give a good base for the paint but will also highlight any scratches or dents that you might have missed, which means you can individually fill them in before painting.

• This may take a few attempts, but if you’re hoping for a showroom finish then you’ll need to do it.
• When everything’s dry, it’s time to paint.
• This is best done in several layers, taking plenty of time with each one and allowing it to dry before reapplying.
• If you go too thickly with the paint, there’s a good chance that it will run and you’ll have to start the process again.

If you’re happy with the way the paint looks, you can allow it to dry and finish with a coat of lacquer, which will give a factory-fresh appearance. Once repaired, a set of dent-free alloy wheels not only improve the look of your car, but the value of it too. However, if a kerb is just too bad, it might be time to call in those who know best. This will be the right choice if the wheel has been bent, or if there’s some corrosion on it too. Most places will charge around £50 to fix the damage, though this will, of course, go up if the affected area is quite large, or if the gouge in the alloy is quite deep.

Can you repair alloys yourself?

DIY repairs: How to repair alloy wheels yourself – Everyone kerbs a wheel at some time. It’s possible to repair light damage with an over-the counter alloy wheel repair kit comprising sand papers, a filler, primer and paint. You may want to apply a lacquer on top, depending on the wheel’s finish.

1. Such kits demand a combination of patience, care and skill on the user’s part.
2. Photographer and YouTuber Matt Richardson bought four cheap-but-tatty used alloy wheels on eBay in order to make it easier to switch to cold weather tyres in winter.
3. The wheels were quite badly marked and needed repairing, but since the whole idea was to save money, he was keen to do the job himself.

Here, he explains the process:

How many times can you repair alloy wheels?

How many times can you refurbish an alloy wheel? – Generally speaking, alloy wheels should only be refurbished two to three times. However, this may vary depending on the overall condition. Wheels will need to be treated and assessed on a wheel by wheel basis, since each wheel may have their own problems.

Are alloy wheels OK in winter?

Should You Invest in a Set of Winter Rims? Since winter tire changes are now mandatory in Quebec, light vehicle owners have to ride on winter tires: from December 1 to March 15. It’s the law! Of course, there it’s an additional cost. But it is a question of safety, after all.

On the other hand, also changing your vehicle’s wheels altogether for the cold season is a personal choice motivated by other reasons, such as practicality, maintenance, and aesthetics. It also depends on your budget. So, should you invest in winter wheels or not? If you plan on keeping your vehicle for several years (at least four or more), you may want to consider investing in a separate set of winter wheels because of the long-term savings in seasonal tire mounting/demounting costs.

“The initial cost may seem high, but you’ll see the savings over the coming seasons,” claims OK Tires. Photo: Jean-François Guay Of course, the trip to the garage will be much faster if you have a second set of rims with tires already mounted on them.

• You can even do the job yourself at home and save even more time and money.
• Before you make the decision to invest in winter wheels, you should also consider whether steel or alloy wheels are right for you.
• Steel wheels are stronger and more economical, while alloy wheels look better and are available in a variety of designs.

That said, not all alloy wheels are winter-proof. They require a special coating to minimize damage from salt and other road debris. By the way, steel wheels may rust, but the corrosion remains on the surface and does not usually affect the strength or stability of the wheel.

Wheel covers can be installed over them to give the vehicle more style without paying the high price of alloy wheels. One final tip: regardless of the wheels and tires, they should always be checked for balance, wear, and air pressure. Changing wheels is also a good time to do preventive maintenance on the vehicle.

If there is a problem with the wheel alignment, it should be addressed immediately to avoid major damage and to ensure a safe and comfortable drive. : Should You Invest in a Set of Winter Rims?

Do alloy wheels rust in winter?

Unlike durable steel wheels, the aluminium version is more prone to corrosion. This means that: in winter, alloy wheels can oxidise on the flange. The flange is the curved edge of the wheel rim. Without adequate coating, small bubbles will quickly develop.

Are alloy wheels worth the money?

Advantages of Using Alloy Wheels – 1. Reliable Vehicle performance Alloy wheels are easier to control than steel wheels because they are lighter. In addition, since it reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, one can maneuver the car in a more stable manner. Less weight means:

• Less strain on vehicle suspension, which results in better acceleration, steering, and braking
• Less fuel consumption
• Longer tire life and less car maintenance
• Comfortable ride

In other words, the reduced weight of alloy wheels car compared to its traditional counterparts make it faster and more convenient to stop and start the vehicle with less energy. It also consumes less fuel to change speed or brake on the road.2. Better Heat Conduction and Dissipation Driving with hot tires is unsafe, so having alloy wheel mean you are assured that it can conduct and effectively dissipate heat on critical vehicle parts like brakes.

This feature keeps the car safe because it prevents overheating and overusing brakes.3. Aesthetic Style Alloy wheels are more stylish because they are more ductile. So, expect more choices when it comes to spoke designs and sizes ranging from 14-inch wheels to 28 inches. Automakers allow custom alloys wheels so you can add another level of control to your vehicle.

On the other hand, the usual rim size of steel wheels is 16-inch. They cannot be installed on vehicles designed for alloy wheels. Die-cast alloy wheels can accommodate different aesthetic finishes due to mold preparation. However, unlike steel wheels which were produced through welding, it cannot produce a variety of attractive spokes.

Are refurbished wheels as good as new?

The problem with reconditioning. – A remanufactured wheel can be as good as a new one. In fact, it can be better than most new ones, since a skilled mechanic may be able to achieve an even better material composition than some ‘official’ manufacturers.

• That said, you can’t tell a great remanufactured alloy wheel from a badly engineered one just by looking at it.
• They may both look excellent despite glaring disparities in terms of their qualities.
• This is why almost every single car brand strongly advises against mounting these wheels on your car.
• In fact, Ford even suggests that they “may change the shape or size of the wheel and cause steering or suspension problems, creating loss of control, leading to rollover and death or injury to those riding in a vehicle.” Many other major makes have issued similar statements.

We, too, do not recommend you use these wheels unless you’re an absolute expert and can tell the good from the bad.

Is it worth upgrading to alloy wheels?

Q6. Can We Change Steel Wheels to Alloy Wheels? – Ans. Yes, steel wheels can be replaced with alloy wheels with the same tires. The upgrade will improve performance and add style to your vehicle. Additional benefits include a smoother ride, quicker acceleration and better braking.

What are the benefits of alloy wheel refurbishment?

Key Takeaways. Getting your alloy wheel repaired is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your wheel. It restores the performance of your vehicle and helps you avoid any further damage to your car. A car that has wheels looking brand new will add more value while you are selling it.

What are the benefits of alloy wheel refurbishment?

Key Takeaways. Getting your alloy wheel repaired is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your wheel. It restores the performance of your vehicle and helps you avoid any further damage to your car. A car that has wheels looking brand new will add more value while you are selling it.

Are refurbished wheels good?

5 Tips To Buy Refurbished Wheels! Refurbished wheels are great options to consider when you don’t want to invest double the money in getting new ones. These look just like new and are long-lasting too. They are especially repaired and given a new look after being damaged in an accident during the first few months of manufacturing.

Is it worth upgrading to alloy wheels?

Q6. Can We Change Steel Wheels to Alloy Wheels? – Ans. Yes, steel wheels can be replaced with alloy wheels with the same tires. The upgrade will improve performance and add style to your vehicle. Additional benefits include a smoother ride, quicker acceleration and better braking.

Are alloy wheels worth the money?

Advantages of Using Alloy Wheels – 1. Reliable Vehicle performance Alloy wheels are easier to control than steel wheels because they are lighter. In addition, since it reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, one can maneuver the car in a more stable manner. Less weight means:

• Less strain on vehicle suspension, which results in better acceleration, steering, and braking
• Less fuel consumption
• Longer tire life and less car maintenance
• Comfortable ride

In other words, the reduced weight of alloy wheels car compared to its traditional counterparts make it faster and more convenient to stop and start the vehicle with less energy. It also consumes less fuel to change speed or brake on the road.2. Better Heat Conduction and Dissipation Driving with hot tires is unsafe, so having alloy wheel mean you are assured that it can conduct and effectively dissipate heat on critical vehicle parts like brakes.

• This feature keeps the car safe because it prevents overheating and overusing brakes.3.
• Aesthetic Style Alloy wheels are more stylish because they are more ductile.
• So, expect more choices when it comes to spoke designs and sizes ranging from 14-inch wheels to 28 inches.
• Automakers allow custom alloys wheels so you can add another level of control to your vehicle.

On the other hand, the usual rim size of steel wheels is 16-inch. They cannot be installed on vehicles designed for alloy wheels. Die-cast alloy wheels can accommodate different aesthetic finishes due to mold preparation. However, unlike steel wheels which were produced through welding, it cannot produce a variety of attractive spokes.


Skye Skinner