Our Guide to Alloy Repairs on Finance Cars
With over 20 years of experience, we at Alloy Logic are knowledgeable and skilled in all areas of alloy wheel installation, maintenance, and repairs. Alloy wheels are a fantastic addition to your car and can be added to most new car models, including a wide selection of finance cars – so that from the moment you leave the forecourt, your new car is as high-performing and attractive as it can be. Once you spent your hard-earned cash on setting up a new finance agreement for your new car, you may be concerned about the potential damage that could occur from roads, kerbs, general wear and tear and other drivers – and you’d be right to have this on your mind.
Why do I need to get my alloys repaired on my finance car?
When you lease a car with the aim of returning it at the end of your financial agreement, the company you brought it from will look to resell the car once you’ve returned it. Of course, the value at which they can sell it is largely dependent on the state of the vehicle and, aside from the value decreasing through things such as age and mileage, several aspects may stop them from receiving the maximum profit they desire, such as damage to your alloy wheels. If you return a car where you haven’t properly maintained and repaired your alloy wheels when they have incurred damage, the car company will have to charge you to rectify them – a charge which could see you paying out for repairs that are similar to the retail price of a new wheel. We have seen a few companies allow very minor damage and fair wear and tear to pass without charge, and if there is no damage the company will receive maximum payment on the resale and avoid spending money themselves. Whatever stage of your financial agreement you’re at, if you’ve noticed any warning signs that your alloys are damaged or have actively clipped a kerb or similar, it’s cost-effective for both you and the car dealership to have your alloys inspected and repaired by experts ahead of your final inspection.
What are the warning signs of damaged alloys?
The effects of damage to your alloy wheels can be costly and highly dangerous if not addressed properly and will likely lead to blowouts, mechanical issues, handling problems and increased fuel consumption. All of these will severely impact how much the car dealership can value your car at, which is why it’s vital to address any alloy wheel problems as soon as you notice them. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, there are several warning signs to keep an eye out for. Here are the main signs that your alloys are damaged and require repairs, it also helps to look for companies to carry out your repairs who are approved in main dealerships and accident repair centres such as us at Alloy Logic.
Shaking or vibrating when steering
If you’ve spotted that your steering column or seating is shaking or vibrating when driving, this means that your tyres are making uneven contact with the surface of the road and that your wheels could be buckled. It’s vital that you get your alloys looked over as this puts you at risk of blow-outs, poor steering and a lack of control over your vehicle, all of which are dangerous and would be costly for the car dealership to rectify.
Poor handling
A symptom of damaged alloys is that the car will be difficult to handle when driving. If you’re struggling to steer your car or notice that it isn’t steering as you’re used to, you should take it as a sign that your alloys are damaged and the safety of your vehicle is compromised. Damaged alloys can significantly impact the tyre pressure, steering and performance of your car, which could lead to an accident or other dangerous situations to arise, not ideal if you’re planning to hand your car back once your agreement ends.
There may be visible damage
Whether you’ve clipped a kerb, have hit a pothole at speed or have spotted some visible damage to your alloys, there could be underlying problems that extend beyond the superficial. As well as having to pay out for cosmetic damage, if you overlook your alloy repairs you may have to spend more money getting mechanical damage fixed in the future. Either that or the car company will get the work done and will charge you for the privilege.
Your tyre deflates
If your tyre is constantly deflating, this should be a sure-fire warning sign that something is going wrong. Alloy wheels are designed to fit flush against your tyre, and particularly in financed cars, there should be no issues with tyres deflating. If this is happening, you likely have a problem with your alloys that needs to be addressed immediately.
Increased fuel consumption
Increased fuel consumption is a red flag that there may be problems with your alloys. When alloy wheels are damaged, your engine has to work twice as hard to keep your wheels spinning, meaning that your fuel consumption will be higher and more costly. Not only this, but your engine will age faster and quicker damage may occur meaning that the dealership may lose some resell value.
Journeys take longer
Alloy damage will likely increase the length of your journey as your car will struggle to reach higher speeds in shorter amounts of time. This is a problem for car companies as the vehicle will be working harder, which will put pressure on the mechanics of the car – thus making it harder to sell for a higher price.
As well as giving your car aesthetic appeal, alloy wheels provide an extra level of structural integrity, and protection and can enhance your driving experience, which is why it’s so important to make sure that they are functioning as they should. You must have had alloy specialists look over your wheels before you return your car to the dealership to make sure that you’re not paying out unnecessarily and to guarantee that you can return your vehicle with ease.
If you’d like more advice or would like us to repair the alloy wheels on your finance car, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch today for our trusted advice and recommendations.
