In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost? Pricing explained.’
With a thriving aftermarket industry, it’s no secret that vehicle owners want the best for their vehicles, whether it’s making it look the way they want it and/or making upgrades. Either way, having peace of mind is the most important factor, this can only be provided by established and trusted service providers like GoTints!
At GoTints, we pride ourselves on providing a variety of expert services for vehicle owners. This includes repair, customisation and personalisation! Our services include PPF, Privacy glass, vehicle wrapping, and car detailing,
Alloy wheels serve a lot of important functions on a car, going beyond just aesthetics. Without alloy wheels, your vehicle’s performance can be severely affected. Here’s how alloy wheels contribute to the functionality of your vehicle:
This is the most basic function of any wheel. Alloy wheels, like steel wheels, are designed to support the weight of the vehicle and its occupants.
The wheel provides a secure base for the tyre to be mounted, allowing for proper inflation and contact with the road surface.
Alloy wheels are typically lighter than steel wheels. This reduction in “unsprung weight” (components not supported by the suspension) improves the car’s handling, responsiveness, and acceleration. Lighter wheels allow the suspension to react more quickly to changes in the road surface, maintaining better tyre contact and grip.
The design of alloy wheels often allows for better airflow around the brakes, which helps to dissipate heat more effectively. This can improve braking performance and reduce brake fade, especially during hard braking or repeated use.
The lighter weight of alloy wheels can contribute to improved fuel economy, as the engine requires less energy to rotate the wheels.
Alloy wheels offer a wider range of design options and finishes compared to steel wheels, allowing for greater personalisation and enhancing the car’s appearance.
There a few signs that indicate your alloy wheels require refurbishment. The most obvious is visible damage like kerbing, where the wheel’s edge is scraped against a kerb, resulting in scuffs, gouges, or missing chunks of metal.
Corrosion, often appearing as white or flaky patches, is another common issue, particularly on wheels exposed to road salt and harsh weather. This can weaken the wheel’s structure if left untreated.
Paint damage, such as peeling, flaking, or bubbling paint, not only detracts from the wheel’s appearance but also exposes the underlying metal to corrosion. Dents or bends in the wheel rim, often caused by impacts with potholes or other road hazards, can affect the tyre’s seal and cause vibrations.
Finally, if you notice consistent air loss from a tyre despite it being in good condition, it could indicate a problem with the wheel rim’s seal, potentially requiring refurbishment. Addressing these issues promptly prevents further damage and maintains the wheel’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Refurbishing alloy wheels can restore their appearance and protect them from further damage, but like with any work on your vehicle, there are costs involved. There are a few factors that can influence the final price, making it difficult to give a single definitive figure.
This brief guide provides an insight into the typical costs involved in alloy wheel refurbishment.
The cost of alloy wheel refurbishment varies significantly due to a variety of elements at play. The size of the wheel is one of these elements. Larger wheels generally require more time and materials, leading to higher prices.
The extent of the damage also plays a crucial role. Minor scuffs and scratches are relatively inexpensive to repair, while more severe damage, such as kerbing, corrosion, or cracks, requires more extensive work and therefore higher costs.
The type of finish also affects the price. Standard painted finishes are typically the most affordable, while more complex finishes like diamond cutting or powder coating are generally more expensive due to the specialised equipment and processes involved.
Finally, the location and the chosen service provider can influence the cost. Prices can vary between different regions and workshops, with some specialising in high-end finishes or offering mobile services, which can impact the overall price.
Different types of refurbishment address varying levels of damage and therefore come with different price tags.
A basic refurbishment, which typically includes cleaning, light sanding, priming, and repainting in a standard colour, is usually the most affordable option. This is suitable for minor scuffs and scratches.
A more comprehensive refurbishment, which addresses more significant kerbing, corrosion, or minor dents, involves more extensive repairs, including welding, filling, and potentially shot blasting to remove old paint and corrosion. This will naturally cost more than a basic refurbishment.
Diamond cutting, a process that creates a bright, polished finish on the wheel’s face, is a more specialised and expensive procedure. It involves machining the wheel on a lathe to create a precise cut, followed by lacquering for protection.
Powder coating, a durable finish applied as a dry powder and then baked onto the wheel, is also typically more costly than standard painting due to the specialised equipment and process.
Between these processes, and depending on the service provider, prices can range anywhere between tens to hundreds of pounds.
Beyond the core refurbishment process, some additional costs might arise. Tyre removal and refitting are usually charged separately, as this requires specialised equipment and expertise.
If the wheels need to be balanced after refurbishment, this will also incur an additional fee. If any cracks are found during the refurbishment process, welding will be required, adding to the total cost. In some cases, if the damage is excessively severe, the wheel might be deemed irreparable, requiring replacement rather than refurbishment.
It’s crucial to obtain quotes from multiple reputable refurbishment specialists before making a decision. This allows you to compare prices and services offered. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the work included in the quote, including the type of finish, any repairs, and additional services like tyre removal and refitting.
Don’t solely focus on the lowest price; consider the quality of the work, the reputation of the service provider, and any warranties offered. Choosing a reputable and experienced specialist is crucial for achieving a high-quality finish and ensuring the longevity of the refurbishment.
In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost? Pricing explained.’
At GoTints, our expert services have been leading the way in customising, personalising and enhancing vehicles. Our team has 20 years of experiences, providing top-quality services in a wide areas. This includes window tints, vehicle wrapping, paint protection film, alloy wheel refurbishment and repair.
That’s not all, our services come with a lifetime warranty, we also collect and deliver your vehicle, and can provide a courtesy car if you need it! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to see how we can help you!
