A Complete Guide to Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheel Repairs
Diamond-cut alloy wheels are hugely popular among vehicle enthusiasts seeking a high-performance and aesthetically pleasing wheel type. However, with millions of potholes on UK roads, the accidental clipping of a kerb and more unfortunate accidents, they aren’t immune to damage and wear and tear. But how do you repair diamond-cut alloy wheels? Welcome to Alloy Logic’s Complete Guide to Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheel repairs. Established over 20 years ago, the specialist technicians at Alloy Logic are highly skilled in all areas of diamond-cut alloy wheel installation, maintenance, repairs and replacement. We have the knowledge and expertise to repair your diamond-cut wheels if they become damaged. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about diamond-cut alloy wheels including what they are, the benefits they offer and how to repair them.
What are diamond-cut wheels?
Before we go any further, let’s explore what diamond-cut wheels are. Diamond-cut wheels are a unique selling point for many vehicles and are popular additions that many vehicle owners add to their cars. A ‘diamond-cut’ is a specialised finish applied to alloy wheels to make them more aesthetically pleasing and gives the appearance of precision-finished, chrome alloys. To make diamond-cut alloy wheels, the alloy wheel is placed on a lathe and the entire painted surface of the wheel is machined off until a shiny alloy finish remains. When completed by professionals such as the qualified technicians at Alloy Logic, diamond-cut alloy wheels have a dual-tone finish with the bared metal having small grooves and a high lustre which is lacquered over to prevent corrosion.
What are the benefits of diamond-cut alloy wheels?
- Enhanced Aesthetics
Diamond-cut alloy wheels are a popular choice among many vehicle owners as they add a superior appearance to any vehicle. They add style to any vehicle with a sleek and shiny finish that stands out on the road.
- Boost Vehicle Performance
Diamond-cut wheels go a long way in enhancing your car’s performance including better handling, and protection against high-impact shocks and, as they are less weighty than other types of wheels, they contribute towards a lower fuel economy for your car.
- Long Lasting
Unmatched in their performance ability and appearance, alloy wheels are a great choice and could last between 5-10 years if properly looked after. We recommend regular inspections to ensure that your alloys last for as long as possible.
- Resistant to Corrosion
Diamond-cut wheels are known to be resistant to corrosion. This is because the diamond-cutting process removes the surface material and exposes fresh metal which is less likely to corrode, even in adverse weather conditions.
- Improved Heat Management
Diamond-cut alloy wheels boast improved heat dissipation when compared to painted or powder-coated wheels. This means that they can help maintain the quality of your brakes and brake components.
- Complete Customisation
Diamond-cut alloy wheels boast complete customisation and are available in a range of finishes, colours and designs. So whether you prefer a classic and sleek silver finish or want to make a statement with a bold colour, diamond-cut alloys deliver.
- Add Value to Your Vehicle
Due to these benefits, upgrading to diamond-cut alloy wheels can add to the resale value of your vehicle. With elevated aesthetics and advanced performance advantages, diamond-cut alloy wheels are a desirable feature.
The Causes of Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheel Damage
Here at Alloy Logic, we have completed repairs on diamond-cut alloy wheels, caused by an extensive range of issues. If you fail to address alloy wheel damage, the problems could escalate and cause blowouts, mechanical issues, handling problems and increased fuel consumption. Here are some of the reasons why you may need your diamond-cut wheels repaired…
- Kerbing
Kerbing is the most common reason why diamond-cut wheels become damaged and there are an estimated 13 million cars on the road in the UK with kerbed wheels. High-impact collisions with kerbs will leave scratches and chips in your wheels and, as well as impacting the appearance of your car, can cause irreversible damage and depreciate its value.
- Potholes
Potholes are probably the second most common reason for diamond-cut wheel damage. Hitting a pothole at speed can cause dents and cracks to your alloys and can cause punctures, If you feel you may have hit a pothole too fast or hard, we recommend finding a safe place to stop to investigate the damage.
- Corrosion
While alloy wheels technically don’t rust, they can be prone to corrosion over time, particularly if scratches are left untreated. Scratched alloy wheels remove and damage the protective finish which is designed to prevent corrosion, if scratched or damaged they can then be susceptible to corrosion over time.
- Cleaning Materials
When cleaning your alloys, you must use the correct cleaning materials for the job. The use of abrasive materials on your diamond-cut alloy wheels can cause damage that builds up over time, including the accidental removal of protective layers on your alloys. If you’re unsure, speak to alloy wheel specialists who can provide recommendations you can trust.
Signs Your Alloys Need Repairs
- Vibrating & Shaking
Vibrating and shaking in your steering column, or even of the entire vehicle are sure signs that your alloy wheels are damaged. We advise immediate alloy wheel repairs to restore a smooth ride.
- Handling Problems
Handling problems are dangerous and can seriously impact your comfort as you drive. They are also one of the biggest red flags for notifying you of diamond-cut alloy wheel damage. If you notice that your car isn’t handling the way that it used to, it’s time to get it repaired.
- Visible Damage
One of the best ways of spotting diamond-cut alloy wheel damage is simply by taking a look at your wheels. Whether you’ve clipped a kerb or suspect damage is present, you should thoroughly inspect your wheels for signs of damage.
- Deflating Tyres
If your tyres are deflating and tyre pressure is frequently dropping, you may need diamond-cut alloy wheel repair. If not immediately repaired, deflating tyres could cause serious blowouts or punctures.
- Increased Fuel Consumption
If you’re filling up more regularly, this could be a sign that your alloy wheels are damaged. When alloys aren’t functioning correctly, your engine has to work twice as hard to keep your vehicle moving, meaning that your fuel consumption will be higher and more costly.
How do I repair my diamond-cut alloy wheels?
If you’ve kerbed your car or have spotted unwanted corrosion, there are several techniques used to repair damaged diamond-cut alloy wheels. While it is possible to attempt repairs yourself, we recommend coming to specialists such as us at Alloy Logic as the process requires an expert technique and attention to detail to produce the best results. At Alloy Logic, we employ two main techniques to repair your diamond-cut alloy wheels: with a lathe and smart repair.
Lathe Repair on Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels
What is a lathe repair on a diamond-cut wheel?
We at Alloy Logic were the first company in East Anglia to have a state-of-the-art lathe capable of repairing diamond-cut alloy wheels without removing the tyres. This process involves damaged wheels being put into our lathe where a very precise layer is shaved away to remove the affected area to leave a diamond-cut finish, that is then finished using a specially developed lacquer to protect the wheel.
Smart Repair on Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels
What is a smart repair on a diamond-cut wheel?
Before mobile diamond-cutting, we developed a process to replicate the diamond-cut finish using smart repair techniques which could be completed as a mobile service. The process itself consists of repairing only the damaged area by working out the grades and polishing the metal to give the same effect as the diamond-cut finish. We then blend chrome paint through the repaired area and finish with lacquer to protect the wheel.
Which option is best?
Most diamond-cut alloy wheels only allow for one or two cuts or treatments on the lathe per wheel, so if the damage to the wheels is minor, a smart repair is often the better option to preserve the lifespan of your wheels. If the damage is minor edge damage, a smart repair is also usually the best option, however, if the wheel is suffering from corrosion or extensive damage, we’d recommend a full re-cut. The repairs needed can also be dependent on the wheel design and where the damage is. Whilst a full cut is the only way to achieve a 100% repair rate, our techniques used in a smart repair are barely noticeable in comparison. We can offer both smart repairs and full diamond-cutting as a mobile service and can recommend which service is the best for your wheel, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheel Repairs Frequently Asked Questions
How much does smart repair on diamond-cut alloy wheels cost?
Smart repair on diamond-cut alloy wheels is often more cost-effective and cheaper than a full-cut treatment. The average cost of alloy wheel repair varies depending on several factors and we recommend getting in touch for a quote tailored to you. However, please see the below price guide for alloy wheel repairs and replacements.
| Item | Price range – low | Price range – high | Average UK cost |
| Single wheel repair (up to 20”) | £54 | £106 | £80 |
| Single wheel repair (21” +) | £60 | £120 | £90 |
| Set of 4 alloy wheels (up to 20”) | £216 | £384 | £300 |
| Set of 4 alloy wheels (21” +) | £250 | £430 | £340 |
(Taken from Checkatrade’s Alloy wheel refurbishment cost guide)
Will smart repair on diamond-cut alloy wheels last?
Yes absolutely, unlike our competitors all our work comes with a 12-month warranty and the products we use purpose-designed high-quality direct-to-metal lacquers on all our diamond-cut wheels and repairs.
How long does a smart repair take?
Depending on the level of damage and number of wheels, a smart repair can take anywhere between one and two hours.
Will damaged alloys fail an MOT?
In short, yes, damaged alloy wheels can be a contributing reason why your car may fail its MOT. If your alloy wheel has become damaged, cracked, or dislodged it will have an impact on the performance and safety of your vehicle and will therefore be flagged on an MOT test. It’s vital to make sure that your alloys are up to standard so that you, your passengers and other drivers are safe on the road.
Repair your diamond-cut alloy wheels today!
Understanding what diamond-cut alloy wheels are and the benefits they provide to vehicle aesthetics and performance should be enough to ensure you remain on top of repairs when needed. Alloy wheel repairs are an effective way of ensuring that you have a smooth and safe ride, that your vehicle is handling as it should and that it looks good while doing so. In this blog, we’ve explored the importance of diamond-cut alloy wheel repairs and have looked at Lathe Repairs and Smart Repairs for diamond-cut alloy wheels. At Alloy Logic, we use these two methods for alloy wheel repair to restore your diamond-cut alloy wheels to their former glory and shine. Whether you’re dealing with minor scuffs or more impactful damage, investing in proper maintenance and repair will enhance the visual impact of your vehicle and will contribute to its overall safety and performance on the road.
With over 20 years of experience, we at Alloy Logic are knowledgeable and skilled in all areas of diamond-cut alloy wheel installation, maintenance, replacement and repairs. If left to worsen, damaged diamond-cut alloy wheels can cause avoidable and costly further damage to your vehicle and will result in them needing to be replaced in their entirety. By properly maintaining your alloys, you are making sure that your vehicle is safe to be on the road meaning that you are protecting yourself, your vehicle and the general public against potentially dangerous situations.
If you’d like more advice about diamond-cut alloy wheel repair, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for our trusted advice and recommendations.
