What Are Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels: Are They Worth It?

In this blog, we hope to answer the question ‘What are diamond cut alloy wheels: Are they worth it?’

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, 

What exactly is a diamond cut alloy wheel?

A ‘diamond cut’ alloy wheel is an alloy wheel that has had a finishing process performed on it, it results in a two-toned shiny look. The name of this process comes from the fact that a diamond-tipped cutting tool is used.

Diamond is used for its extreme durability, which allows for a clean and precise cut on the alloy during the process. 

How does it look?

• Diamond cut alloy wheels, when done properly have a polished, brushed metal surface, and can contain painted sections depending on customer preferences. 
• The exposed metal part has a very reflective, almost mirror-like shine, often with fine lines visible on close inspection. This gives them a high-end, premium look.
• The most defining feature is the contrast between the painted areas and the bright, machined metal.
• The machined surfaces are highly reflective.
• Upon close inspection, you can often see very fine, circular lines on the machined areas, a result of the lathe cutting process.
• Diamond cut wheels are often found on higher-end vehicles due to their sophisticated and eye-catching look, but can be applied to any vehicle in most cases. 

How does the process work?

The diamond cutting process usually follows a four-step process, which can take a number of hours depending on the alloys being worked on. Here is a basic overview:

1. The alloy wheel is first painted with a base coat colour.
2. Once the paint is dry, the wheel is mounted onto a specialised CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe.
3. A very precise cutting tool with a diamond tip is then used to shave off a very thin layer of the painted alloy from specific areas of the wheel’s face or lip. This reveals the bright, bare metal underneath. 
4. Finally, a clear lacquer is applied over the entire wheel to protect the exposed metal from corrosion and to seal the paint, giving the wheel its final glossy finish.

Are diamond cut alloy wheels worth it?

Yes, for many people, diamond cut alloy wheels can be a worthy investment. You may consider them if:

• You want a premium look for your vehicle.
• You’re already looking to upgrade your wheels to a more custom look.
• You want to have a higher resale value for the vehicle (This can be entirely subjective). 

Are there any drawbacks to diamond cut alloy wheels?

Although they aren’t exactly ‘drawbacks’ there are a few key considerations you should be aware of if you decide to opt for diamond cut alloy wheels:

• Diamond cut wheels require careful cleaning and are generally more expensive and complex to repair correctly due to the specialised machining process.
• The lacquer layer on the machined surface can make them a bit more vulnerable to chips and corrosion if they are not properly maintained.
• Harsh chemicals and cleaners should be avoided to protect the delicate finish. pH-neutral cleaners and gentle washing by hand are a better option.
• If the lacquer coating gets damaged, moisture and road salts can get under the surface and cause corrosion on the exposed metal.
• There is a limited amount of times diamond cut alloy wheels can be refurbished. 

Is there a performance benefit to diamond cut alloy wheels?