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What Happens in the Alloy Wheel Repair Process.

By May 18, 2023October 15th, 2024No Comments

What Happens in the Alloy Wheel Repair Process

Alloy wheels, in addition to improving the aesthetics of your car, go a long way in enhancing its performance including better handling, more resilience against high-impact shocks and boosting the economy of your vehicle. Unmatched in their ability and appearance, alloy wheels are a smart choice and could last for up to 10 years if properly looked after. However, whether through age, road conditions or general wear and tear, they may require repairs throughout their lifespan.

With 20+ years of experience, the specialist technicians here at Alloy Logic are skilled in all areas of alloy wheel repair. Using expert techniques and high attention to detail, we can produce the best results. So, what happens in the alloy wheel repair process? Here’s everything you need to know…

Why would I need my alloy wheels repaired in the first place?

There are so many reasons why alloy wheel repair may be required for your vehicle. If any of the below occur to your vehicle, it’s essential that you get your alloy wheels looked at by specialists. Failure to do so can be incredibly dangerous, leading to blowouts, mechanical issues, handling problems, increased fuel consumption and more. So if you’ve been wondering ‘Why do I need alloy wheel repair?’ here’s why…

  • KerbingAcross the UK, there are currently an estimated 13 million cars on the road in the UK with kerbed wheels. As you may have experienced, hitting a kerb is a common occurrence for many drivers and is one of the top reasons why people come to us for alloy wheel repair. As well as causing damage to your wheels, high-impact collisions with kerbs look unattractive and could depreciate your vehicle’s value if not repaired.
  • PotholesNext to kerbing, potholes are the second most common reason for alloy wheels needing to be repaired. Cracks and bends caused by impact with a pothole can cause alloys to lose air, cause vibrations and shaking from your steering wheel and can excessively wear tyres. Potholes are a blight on UK roads and if your alloys have been damaged by hitting one, we highly recommend taking your vehicle to alloy specialists.
  • CorrosionAlloy wheels, whilst typically not prone to rust, can corrode over time if scratches are left untreated. Alloy wheels include a protective finish, and scratches to this surface can remove and damage it. If these are left to worsen over time, they could cause irreversible corrosion. Not only this, but corrosion can spread and cause further damage to other areas of your vehicle which, eventually,
    could be costly and time-consuming to repair.

How do I know if my alloys need repairing?

Unless you’ve hit a kerb or pothole or have spotted some visible damage to your alloys, you may not realise that they need repairs. Here are warning signs to look out for that indicate that your alloys need repairs…

    • Your steering is vibrating and/or shaking.
    • You’ve noticed handling problems when driving.
    • There is visible damage to your alloy wheels.
    • Your tyres are deflating, or tyre pressure has dropped.
    • Increased fuel consumption.

If you spot any of these signs, we highly recommend coming to experts such as Alloy Logic to complete repairs. If you continue to drive on damaged alloy wheels, you, your vehicle and others may be at risk. Alloy wheels contribute to a safe driving experience and they must be fully repaired to avoid risk on the road. If you’re not sure if you need alloy wheel repair, contact us!What happens in the alloy wheel repair process?

Painted Alloy Wheel Repair

Our mobile workshops can come to your home at a time that suits you to carry out alloy wheel repair for any damage to re-finish the wheel back to its former glory.

Our process includes the best quality paints and materials for a long-lasting finish. We start by removing the alloys from the car so we can do the work inside our mobile workshop. We then break the tyre bead which pushes the tyre back away from the rim edge to gain the best access around the rim for the repair.

All damage is removed using various sanding techniques and the rest of the wheel is keyed up ready for refinishing. We stock nearly all manufacturer colours and can order any colour required. All our wheels are finished with what we consider the best quality clear coat on the market. We can change the colour of your wheels onsite and offer high gloss, satin and matt finishes as well as various special FX.

How long does it take to repair a painted alloy?

The process normally takes about 30-45 minutes per wheel but can vary depending on the damage. Once done we refit the wheel, and you are ready to go.

Acid Strip & Powder Coating

We use powder coating most commonly for wheels that have needed acid stripping. These are wheels that contain corrosion or wheels that have been repaired using DIY or improper techniques. Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a “skin”. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. It takes a few days to complete the repair, but we can come and remove your wheels at your address and convenience to take the hassle away.

How long does powder coating take?

Every wheel that is powder coated gets the full works treatment which consists of the tyre being completely removed and the wheel being stripped back to bare metal in our acid bath.

After the wheel is stripped back we then repair any damage including cracks, bends and kerb damage using different techniques and prepare the wheel for re-coating. The primer is applied in a powder form, we then spray a liquid paint on to give any required colour. Diamond-cut wheels are then put into the lathe for diamond cutting before finishing off with a powder-coated lacquer. Once complete the tyre is refitted and balanced before getting a final once-over in quality control where any imperfections are polished out. We then fit your wheels back to your car ready to go.

Wheel Straightening & Welding

Potholes are the main cause of cracked and bent alloys and can be an MOT failure as well as causing problems to the way your car drives. We can repair most cracks and bends, however, we are currently unable to offer this as a mobile service. We will however collect and deliver the wheels making the process as hassle-free as possible. The cracks are welded, and the wheels are straightened on a purpose-built machine this is included in our acid stripping and powder coating service.

Smart Repair on Diamond Cut Wheels

At Alloy Logic, we employ two main techniques to repair your diamond-cut alloy wheels: with a lathe and smart repair.

What is a lathe repair on a diamond-cut wheel?

We 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.

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.

Find out more about Smart Repair on Diamond-Cut Wheels here: https://alloylogic.co.uk/what-is-a-smart-repair-on-diamond-cut-wheels-2/

How much does alloy wheel repair cost?

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)

How long does alloy wheel 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?

Yes, damaged alloy wheels cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. If your alloy wheels are damaged, cracked, or dislodged they will have a bearing 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.

Alloy Wheel Repair on Financed Cars

When you finance a car, you are obligated to return the vehicle at the end of your agreement in the best possible condition. This is because the company you brought it from will look to resell the vehicle. The resale value is dependent on the condition of the vehicle and alloy wheel damage can significantly reduce the amount they can sell it for. If you return a car that hasn’t been properly maintained or you haven’t repaired your alloy wheels when they have been damaged, you will be charged for repairs and/or replacements by the leasing company.
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 signs that your alloy wheels are damaged, 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.

Alloy Logic’s Tips for Keeping You Safe On The Road

With over 20 years of experience, we at Alloy Logic are knowledgeable and skilled in all areas of alloy wheel repair, installation, maintenance, replacement and refurbishment. Here are some of our top tips for avoiding alloy wheel damage to keep you safe on the road as well as ensuring that your alloy wheels don’t need replacing or refurbishing for a long time to come.

    • Take care to avoid hitting kerbs and potholes on the road when driving.
    • Consider installing an alloy wheel protector kit on your vehicle.
    • Keep your alloys clean to avoid a build-up of grit, dust, and any other debris.
    • Use proprietary wheel cleaners sparingly.
    • Ensure your tyres are properly inflated.

If damage occurs, make sure you inspect your alloys or have a professional assess them.Alloy wheels improve the look and feel of your car. In addition, they are responsible for how your vehicle drives and reduce the risk of accidents when properly functioning. So, if you’ve spotted red flags that your alloy wheels need repairing, it’s essential that you come to experts to get them repaired. If left to worsen, damaged alloys can cause avoidable and costly further damage to your vehicle and will result in them needing to be replaced in their entirety. By properly repairing 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 alloy wheel repair, then get in touch with us today for our trusted advice and recommendations.