Alloy Wheel Repair Bath? All Answers

We are often asked, “Is it worth having my alloys reconditioned?” and in short, our answer will always be yes. Whether it’s damage or you’re trying to add or maintain the value of your car, we always recommend having your alloys repaired or overhauled sooner rather than later.

repair

While corroded alloys often pose a cosmetic problem when left standing for an extended period of time, the level of corrosion can often reach a point where it is unsafe to continue driving or completely replace your alloys. As always, we advise you to play it safe when it comes to corrosion and enlist the help of a professional technician who can provide you with a prompt solution.

If your alloys start to corrode, we advise you to have them overhauled as soon as possible. Don’t leave them as the corrosion will slowly eat into the alloy and get deeper and deeper and at this point the refurbishment process may not take very long. The longer you leave the corrosion, the more likely it will come back. If you let them overhaul in the early stages of corrosion, you stand a better chance of delaying the inevitable.

How do I know what my damage is?

Aside from the obvious reason that we are trained to ensure your wheel is restored to the best possible condition, we are also able to determine the current condition of the alloy before doing any work. Cosmetic alloy damage varies in severity and most can cover up a larger problem with your wheel that can also affect how your car performs when you drive it. This is something we can detect and tell you if your alloy is actually repairable.

repair for sale

As previously mentioned, nothing looks worse than a do-it-yourself paint job or an obvious attempt to fix something yourself. Simply put, do-it-yourself repair jobs often damage a car’s resale value and possibly its safety as well. Whilst we don’t just advertise hiring a mechanic or workshop for minor bumps or dents, it is advisable to have the major repairs to a car carried out by professionals to ensure the vehicle looks good and retains its value. Alloy Wheel Repair Kits contain all the materials needed to repair damaged alloy wheels; However, they are only recommended for fixing light to moderate cosmetic damage. Aside from the obvious reason that we are trained to ensure your wheel is restored to the best possible condition, we are also able to determine the current condition of the alloy before doing any work. Cosmetic alloy damage varies in severity and most can cover up a larger problem with your wheel that can also affect how your car performs when you drive it. This is something we can detect and tell you if your alloy is actually repairable.

modifications

When making modifications to your car, it’s important to make sure you know which ones will add value and which ones won’t, before you shell out.

Many think that alloy wheels are simply a stylish addition to a car, but they actually have the potential to add value as well. Of course, this depends to some extent on the age, make and model of the car, and the type of wheel, but in most cases, remanufactured wheels not only significantly improve the overall appearance of the car, but also improve its value. (The higher the car’s starting value, the greater the chance that a refurbishment of the wheels will increase its value.)

If you already have alloys on your car but want to add value, alloy recoloring may be worth looking into. In this service, a powder coating is sprayed onto the alloy like traditional paint, which is then dry laid on the surface. This is then heat treated, creating a gel on the wheel’s surface that protects your alloy wheels from UV damage, light scratches, dirt and wash swirls. Not only does it add some personality to your car, but it could ultimately turn your popular make and model into a much more customized car that people might pay a little more for if you sell privately. Learn more about our custom wheel color changes here.

Another fantastic service we offer that could add value to your car is brake caliper painting. Not only can brake caliper paint change the look of your car and draw attention to your vehicle and make your rims stand out; But did you know that it can also help protect them? As brake calipers age, they accumulate more brake dust and road grime and can also rust over time. The painting process removes the dirt and ensures your brake parts are in top condition before applying a fresh coat of paint to protect them longer.

Contact us today to refurbish your alloys and make them look like new again, whether for safety or value reasons.

Cracked and broken alloy wheels are thrown away on a daily basis, people don’t realize that in most cases they can be safely repaired with a simple weld. We have industry standard alloy wheel welders and the certified skills to safely and professionally repair most cracks or breaks.

Perhaps you have an alloy wheel that has more than one crack, perhaps an edge has broken off and you have thought about replacing it with a new one. Well we may be able to fix it for you and make it look like new in the process, give us a call first and you might save a lot of money.

A template can be made and used as a replacement piece sewn in place without damaging the integrity of your alloy wheel. It’s almost melted into the existing metal to form an invisible repair and effectively rebuild the edge, yes we really are that good.

A corroded alloy wheel can ruin the overall look of your car and if left untreated it can cause permanent damage to your wheels.

Luckily, you can remove light to moderate corrosion yourself with relative ease. If the corrosion is severe or you want to guarantee a quality finish, you may want to have your wheels professionally repaired.

To get a quote from the best alloy wheel remanufacturing service near you, simply enter your license plate number here or click on ‘Get a quote’ above.

To learn more about the best alloy wheel cleaners for removing corrosion, check out our top 10 alloy wheel cleaners of 2020

How to remove corrosion from an alloy wheel

Step 1. Thoroughly wash your wheel with your inner tube.

Wash the entire wheel, including around the barrel. This should remove dirt and brake dust. Make sure you maximize the pressure on your hose, either by using an adjustable nozzle, your thumb or ideally by purchasing a suitable high pressure hose attachment – you will benefit from this for years to come and get a far more thorough cleaning every time!

Step 2. Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry the wheel.

Allowing your wheel to air dry can leave water marks or stains on it. So use a soft microfiber cloth instead and scrub the wheel in small circular motions until completely dry. It’s a good idea to keep special wipes for drying only and to keep them as clean as possible.

Step 3. Apply the correct alloy wheel cleaner or aluminum polish cleaner to remove the oxidation.

To learn more about the best alloy wheel cleaners for removing corrosion, check out our top 10 alloy wheel cleaners of 2020

Apply the product liberally to the corroded area and leave for 10 minutes. After allowing enough time for the cleaner to set in, use a soft detailing brush to remove the oxidation by applying pressure and scrubbing in a circular motion.

Step 4. Use 40-60 grit sandpaper to remove any remaining corrosion.

If stubborn oxidation spots remain, soak them in water and then use 40-60 grit sandpaper to work them down. Wrap your sandpaper around a block of wood to get a decent grip, then rub the sandpaper side to side along the corroded area using as much pressure as you can.

Step 5. Use 240-400 grit sandpaper to touch up and smooth the surface.

As the pitting subsides, work your way through finer sandpaper, starting with 240 grit and ending with 400 grit. Apply pressure and work the surface until the pitting disappears or fades as much as possible.

Step 6. Protect the area from future corrosion by applying rim wax.

Work your rim wax over the repaired area in small circular motions until it runs clear. If you notice streaks or residue, keep working. It may be possible to use a microfiber cloth, but ideally you should purchase a car polishing pad for best results.

You may want to apply some sealant after the repair to protect your alloy wheel. Our article How to Clean Alloy Wheels tells you how to use wheel sealant on your alloy wheels.

If you are not happy with the finish of your repair or the corrosion is too severe for this method, you may need a professional repair. Simply enter your license plate number below and we’ll send you a quote from the best wheel repair service in your area.

Are you looking for a repair service for alloy wheels in your area? Request your FREE quote today from a pre-approved local alloy wheel remanufacturer. Simply enter your license plate number below and answer a few quick questions. Rad does the rest for you!

Car wheel grime is usually a black powder that can accumulate as the brake pad surface breaks down. Every time you use the brake, the pads associated with the rotating disc create debris.

You may also see a layer of grease over the rims, which can be caused by oil from the car’s transmission system and engine. This grease can mix with water and form emulsions that are difficult to remove once dry!

What is WD-40?

WD-40 is a solution that can be used in a variety of ways, from displacing moisture to protecting against rust and corrosion, penetrating stuck parts to lubricating mechanical products.

Speaking of cleaning alloy wheels, it can effortlessly remove dirt and grease from the surface.

So whether you’re removing dirt from alloy wheels, servicing the machinery, or keeping your car in peak condition, WD-40 has been here to help for decades.

Consumables you will need to clean your alloy wheels with WD-40:

To ensure you clean alloy wheels with WD-40 without damaging them, you’ll need a few supplies. Here’s everything you need:

A microfiber cloth or rag WD-40 Boar Brush Rim Cleaner Water

How to properly clean alloy wheels with WD-40

Before we go into the steps of cleaning the alloy wheels with WD-40, it is recommended to clean the car wheels on a weekly basis. This pre-wash removes the outer larger dirt particles and ensures WD-40 gets further into the smallest areas for a perfect clean:

Now let’s move on to the super easy to follow wheel cleaning steps with WD-40:

Step 1:

Make sure the wheels are dry and do not soak them with WD-40 just before cleaning.

Step 2:

Take a good quality microfiber cloth and spray it with WD-40.

Step 3:

Now rub generously over the wheels with the microfiber cloth. Don’t miss the center hub and the expansive components and spokes. If you find that the accumulation is very strong in some areas, lightly mist the area directly.

Make sure you use microfiber rage juts over the wheels! It should not touch brakes and tires.

If the wheels have plastic hub caps, make sure to remove them before rubbing WD-40 over them.

Step 4:

Now allow the WD-40 to sit over the allowable wheels for about 2 minutes. When this happens, the formulation begins to soak into the caked dirt.

To speed up the process and save time, try rubbing all the wheels at once. Then go to the next step. This gives the other wheels ample time for the WD-40 to work over them.

Step 5:

Now take another clean microfiber cloth and after a few minutes simply wipe away the WD-40.

Step 6:

Now it’s time to soak the wheels in clear water.

Step 7:

Now use the rim cleaner of your choice.

Step 8:

Spray it all over the wheels.

Step 9:

Now use a boar brush to reach the smaller areas of the wheels. You can use the brush in a circular motion on the wheel surface. This movement will lift any remaining dirt and it will surface without much effort. Make sure you focus on the spokes and bolts of the rim where this dirt collects.

You can get these brushes very cheaply at the dealership.

Clean the brush with a longer break in warm water, as it gets dirty easily.

A little hint:

If you can’t find the right brush, just use your old toothbrush. The long handle, flexible and soft bristles are perfect for reaching difficult areas with ease.

Step 10:

Now it’s time to give the wheels a thorough rinse. You can also use a hose to flush any remaining dirt or cleaner off the rim. If traces of cleaner remain, they dry out and cause long-term corrosion.

If you have a hose with an adjustable nozzle, set the wide spray or fans for longer reach.

Keep spraying with water until clear for a complete clean!

Important note to remember:

You need to make sure you wash the wheels fully with wheel cleaner when using WD-40 over them. Understand that WD-40 is notorious for collecting dust as it tends to displace water. Therefore, after use, the WD-40 is removed for proper cleaning by thoroughly washing the tires with water.

Is WD-40 safe as a wheel rim cleaner?

Yes, WD-40 is a safe rim cleaner! You have to make sure you follow the right steps, but it sure is. You shouldn’t replace it with dedicated rim cleaners, but it’s a good addition to the alloy wheel collection.

What is the cheapest way to clean alloy wheels?

When dirty, have wheels properly cleaned to ensure oxidation, corrosion and rust are removed. One of the cheapest ways to clean alloy wheels is to put warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then spray it over the wheels and let it sit for some time. Now use a microfiber cloth to remove it and rinse with clean water.

Alloy wheel rim repair and overhaul – TUV guide from We Fix Alloys

With the TÜV test book published in January 2012, the testing of your aluminum rims became an important part of the TÜV. As we have had a number of customers bringing their alloy wheels for repair following MOT failure and/or notices we thought it would be good to share these points with you. If you are concerned about the safety of your alloy wheels, please take your car to an alloy wheel repair expert – like We Fix Alloys

The TÜV inspector checks all road wheels for cracks, damage and deformation (especially on the rim) as well as the presence and condition of spokes

Reasons why your alloy wheels could cause an MOT error:

A badly damaged, deformed or cracked wheel or a badly deformed bead

A wheel missing one or more spokes

Cracked or excessively loose, bent, or corroded wheels.

Fasteners for your alloy wheel e.g. Bolt hole(s) visibly badly worn, a loose or missing wheel stud, screw or nut, wheel unsafe or excessive stretching of a bolt hole(s) in a wheel.

Although this may not cause an MOT failure, your spare wheel will also be inspected and you will be notified if your spare wheel is found to be defective.

Corrosion can cause your tires to lose pressure – particularly dangerous in winter, when incorrect air pressure can noticeably affect the handling of your car. Leaking alloy wheels caused by corrosion can be repaired easily and quickly – visit We Fix Alloys today for alloy wheel repair, inspection and reconditioning.

A flared alloy wheel can really damage your car’s value as well as your pride. However, it is not yet necessary to buy new ones, you may be able to have them overhauled.

When servicing your car, it doesn’t hurt to make sure the alloy wheels are in good condition. After all, not only can they help sharpen the look of your car and give it that little bit more appeal, but keeping them spotless can also help maintain the wheel’s structural integrity.

However, due to general wear and tear or other reasons, you may need to have your car’s alloy wheels repaired or refinished to be like new again. If you’re looking to get your car’s alloy wheels reconditioned, read on for a full breakdown of everything you need to know and what to look out for.

Why have your alloy wheels refurbished?

The main reason you should have your alloy wheels reconditioned is to repair any damage they have suffered. For example, you may have scratched or scraped them after misjudging where the curb was during parallel parking, or they may be spoiled by a layer of corrosion.

Depending on the replacement cost and the refurbishment process, it is usually cheaper to refurbish your car’s alloy wheels than to buy a new set.

How are aluminum rims processed?

Alloy wheels are refurbished by first removing the tires from the wheel before removing their existing finish. This makes it easier for the technician to determine the extent of the damage to the wheel and what work is required to repair it.

If the wheel only has minor scuffs and scratches, it can be refurbished simply by sanding down the outer layer to remove the blemish. For more extensive damage, a putty compound may need to be applied and sanded down to sit flush with the rest of the wheel instead.

Once the damage has been repaired, the wheel can then be prepared for a new gloss metallic paint finish, usually color matched to the original alloy wheel colour. After the paint has dried, a layer of paint is applied and the wheel is cured and polished.

Costs for the refurbishment of aluminum rims

The exact price of alloy wheel rim reconditioning depends on various factors. First off, wheel size can affect cost, and you could expect a higher bill if your car has a complex alloy wheel design.

As a rule of thumb, a diamond cut or split spoke alloy wheel will usually cost more to refurbish than a simpler and more conventional design.

Likewise, the cost may vary depending on the company providing the service and the size of the job. Understandably, a simpler repair isn’t as expensive as a more thorough process.

So if you need your car’s alloy wheels reconditioned, try to get a variety of quotes so you have an idea of ​​how much you’ll have to put aside.

Where can I have my aluminum rims prepared?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, with so many new cars available these days with alloy wheels, there are a number of companies that can refurbish your car’s alloy wheels for you.

In some cases, you may have to drop off your car at the company’s facilities (as you would if taking your car to a workshop for a service or MOT), although some may also offer mobile service and therefore be able to overhaul the wheels in a cheaper place like your home address.

Frequently asked questions about the refurbishment of alloy wheels

How long does the refurbishment of alloy wheels take?

This depends a lot on how big your alloy wheels are and how much damage needs to be repaired. As a rule of thumb, the alloy refurbishment process will take anywhere from 12 hours to a day, depending on size and condition.

Can aluminum rims be refurbished in the car?

Typically, the alloy wheels are removed from the car during the overhaul. During the work, the tires are also pulled off the aluminum rims.

How often can you refurbish an alloy wheel?

The number of times your bike can be reconditioned depends on its condition. As a rule of thumb an alloy wheel can be rebuilt about 2-3 times, although the technician working on the car will be best able to tell you whether the alloys can be rebuilt or not.

When may an aluminum rim not be processed?

While alloy wheels can be rebuilt in many cases, there are situations where it is either very difficult or impossible to rebuild the wheel. For example, a refurbishment may not be possible if your alloy wheel is too badly corroded or the wheel was previously repaired by welding.

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3 different types of car wheel damage

We all know that devastating moment when you hear your bike hit a pothole or scrape over the curb. With fingers crossed and eyes closed. Hoping the damage isn’t as bad as it sounds. Unfortunately, if your bike is damaged, riding it can be very dangerous. It is therefore advisable to have your wheel checked and repaired (or replaced depending on the extent of the damage) as soon as possible.

If you are not sure how to identify damage to your wheels and tires. We’ve listed 3 common types and the next steps you should take to get them fixed.

tire wheel damage

One of the biggest concerns for British drivers is poor roads and potholes. This can lead to damage to your wheels, especially in winter. If your wheel hits a deep pothole, even at slow speeds, it can damage your tire and lead to a puncture. When impact occurs at high speed. The tire can burst and lose pressure immediately. Most people know immediately when they have a punctured tire. As this can lead to a lack of control over the vehicle. However, wheel damage is not always immediately obvious, so stop and see if your bike is safe to ride.

If your tires are split or damaged. It is important to have tires repaired or replaced by a professional workshop to keep your car in safe operating condition.

Dent damage on aluminum rims

Potholes can not only cause tire damage. But when hit at high speed, potholes can leave a big dent in your alloy wheels. If you accidentally drove over a pothole. It pays to check your alloys and tires for signs of damage.

When your alloy wheels get dented due to a pothole impact, it doesn’t just affect the overall appearance of your car. But damaged alloy wheels can also cause problems when driving. It is therefore important to check them for driving safety and have them repaired by a specialist.

Alloy wear and nicked alloy damage

Probably the easiest way to damage your alloy wheels is to accidentally hit or scrape the curb while parking. Curbs are usually constructed of concrete or granite. Therefore, contact with an alloy wheel will scratch, scrape or chip the alloy wheel. Curb scrapes happen all too easily – usually when you drive too close to the pavement or misjudge a parallel park and you’ll always regret the feeling instantly! However, alloys can be quickly repaired at home or by an alloy repair specialist.

Scratching your alloy wheels on the curb shouldn’t affect the driving of your car. However, it can make your vehicle look old and unloved. We know how much you love your car, so it’s best to have alloy chips repaired by a professional.

Why call a professional?

Your wheels and tires are what keep your car moving, after all. It is therefore important to take care of them and have any damage repaired by a professional. Tires can often be repaired or replaced at a local auto repair shop or MOT center.

ChipsAway provides a professional alloy wheel repair service for worn alloy wheels and alloy wheels with curbs. ChipsAway repair specialists are able to repair your alloy wheels and we are so confident in our repairs that all alloy wheel repairs are fully guaranteed*.

*The repair of alloy wheels is guaranteed for a period of 6 months from the date of repair. T’s and C’s apply.

Cracked and broken alloy wheels are thrown away on a daily basis, people don’t realize that in most cases they can be safely repaired with a simple weld. We have industry standard alloy wheel welders and the certified skills to safely and professionally repair most cracks or breaks.

Perhaps you have an alloy wheel that has more than one crack, perhaps an edge has broken off and you have thought about replacing it with a new one. Well we may be able to fix it for you and make it look like new in the process, give us a call first and you might save a lot of money.

A template can be made and used as a replacement piece sewn in place without damaging the integrity of your alloy wheel. It’s almost melted into the existing metal to form an invisible repair and effectively rebuild the edge, yes we really are that good.

Can bent rims be repaired? Chapel Hill tires

Potholes, curbs, and other driving obstacles can warp or damage your car’s rims. Rims are expensive to replace and easily damaged, making them an essential item in auto repair. Fortunately, bent rims can often be serviced by local experts. Here’s a quick guide to repairing bent rims, brought to you by a Raleigh tire specialist.

How do I know if my rim is bent?

If you hit a bump in the road and your vehicle immediately behaves differently, it could be a clear sign that you have bent or damaged one of your wheel rims. There’s also a chance you may have a flat tire, alignment problem, damaged wheel, or other tire service. So how do you know if your rim is bent? A clear sign of this damage is when you can see or feel a bend in the structure of your wheel. However, rim deflection is often subtle and can occur on the inner part of the wheel, in these cases this is not an easily spotted problem.

Other signs of a bent rim include bumpy driving, reduced fuel efficiency, loss of tire control, and others. These symptoms are similar to those of a tire balance issue, which can make rim and tire problems difficult to diagnose yourself. If you’re unsure whether or not your rim needs service, take it to a local automotive expert to have it professionally inspected for damage. Tire experts use not only their knowledge but also advanced machinery to locate and diagnose tire, rim and wheel problems.

How serious is a bent rim?

Even a slight bend in your rim can cause serious problems for your vehicle if left unfixed. Changing road vibrations and driving behavior can cause problems with your vehicle’s axles, damage your healthy tires, damage your drive shaft, and more. You will likely find that this resulting damage is far more costly than repairing your bent rim. As soon as you notice a problem with the structure of your wheel, it is important that you have it serviced as soon as possible.

Can a bent rim be repaired?

When you discover that your rim is bent, the first thing you may be wondering is, “Can a bent rim be fixed?” Almost always, a professional tire repairman can restore the shape of your rim. If the damage is more severe, the rim may need to be replaced entirely. However, most rim bends are minor issues and can be fixed in a snap.

What about wheel rim scratches?

Scuffs, scratches, curb rash and other marks are often visible on the rims of most tires. If the structural integrity of your rim is intact, your rim is more likely to be scratched than bent. Although scratches can be aesthetically displeasing, they shouldn’t cause a problem with your driving; Therefore, scratches often do not need to be repaired.

However, some cars are more prone to rim damage than others. Tesla vehicles, for example, are notorious for curb damage because their design makes the rims more vulnerable on the road. With Tesla and other vehicles with exposed rims that are expensive to repair/replace, many drivers turn to rim protection solutions like AlloyGator.

If you are unsure if your rim is scratched or bent, seek professional advice. A tire professional can tell you if your rim needs repairs or if the damage is just aesthetic.

Chapel Hill tires

If you’re in the triangle needing a rim repair or rim protection, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire have you covered! With 9 mechanic locations across the triangle – including mechanics and tire specialists in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill and Carrboro – our specialists can fix your rims no matter where you are in the triangle. We’re also proud to serve nearby communities including Knightdale, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville and beyond. Make an appointment at your local location in Chapel Hill Tire to get started today!

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