How Much Does Alloy Wheel Repair Cost?

Not entirely, alloy wheel repair can cost between tens to hundreds of pounds. Prices can vary significantly due to factors which include:

• The amount of wheels being repaired, the more wheels, the higher the cost.
• The type of alloy wheel repair being undertaken, diamond cut alloy wheel repair is generally a higher cost.
• The extent of the damage that requires repair (Unless the damage is too extensive)
• Labour costs, this can range between providers, and areas and their local rates. 
• Material costs

Can I refurbish alloy wheels one at a time?

Yes, you can refurbish alloy wheels individually. You do not have to get them repaired simultaneously, especially if only one has damage. 

Often, damage such as curb rash, minor scratches, or a slight bend will only affect one wheel. There’s no need to address the others if they are in good condition.

In addition to this, refurbishing one wheel at a time is more cost-effective than doing all of them if only one is damaged. It also minimises the downtime on your vehicle, as you only have one wheel off the car at a time.

Further to this point, wheels can get damaged at different times. It makes sense to address the damage when it happens, rather than waiting until all wheels are in poor condition.

When should I get all wheels alloy refurbished at the same time?

In some cases, refurbishment processes can slightly alter the colour and texture of the wheel. In such an instance, it may make sense to get all the wheels refurbished, creating a uniform and consistent look. 

Also, If one wheel is showing signs of significant wear or corrosion, the others might be in a similar condition and could benefit from refurbishment to prevent further deterioration. However, this may not always be the case.

Is a diamond cut alloy wheel more expensive to repair?

Generally, yes, diamond cut alloy wheels can be more expensive to repair than a standard painted alloy wheel. 

Repairing diamond cut wheels requires specialised CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe machines and highly skilled technicians who know how to operate them precisely. This equipment is costly, and the process is more intricate than standard refurbishment.   

The precision required to achieve the correct cut during the repair process requires experience and accuracy, mistakes can be costly, this can make touch-ups difficult, although it can be done without lathe, it is extremely difficult. 

How is it repaired?

1. Prep: Thorough cleaning and sometimes stripping the wheel.
2. CNC Machining (Diamond Cutting): Placing the wheel on a lathe, which then uses a diamond-tipped cutting tool to remove a very thin layer of alloy from the face of the wheel. This creates the characteristic bright, shiny finish.
3. Lacquering: Applying a new layer of lacquer to protect the newly cut surface from corrosion.   

What happens to the tires?

Generally, tires can be removed depending on the work required on the alloy. This involved the wheel being deflated and removed, allowing for full application of repair/refurbishment. 

Removing and refitting tires requires specialised equipment like tire levers or a tire changing machine to safely detach the tire beads from the wheel rims without damaging either the tire or the wheel.  

Alternatively, If the repair is very minor and localised (e.g., a small scuff on the wheel face), a technician might be able to carefully mask off the tire to protect it from paint, sanding dust, or other materials used during the repair.

However, this is less common and only applicable in certain situations. 

Explore alloy wheel repair options today