When it comes to determining the cost of an alloy wheel refurbishment, it really does depend upon a number of factors. Apart from the size, other factors include the type of alloy wheels and any extras that may add to the cost. Some extras can include multiple colours, polished finishes, welding of any cracks and much more. Below we walk you through everything you need to know regarding an alloy wheel refurbishment as well as the approximate cost.
Common Forms of Damage
- Scuffed or curbed wheels
- Cracks (can be caused by potholes)
- Corrosion (common with polished or diamond cut wheels)
- Bent wheels that need straightening
- Split wheel/bolt repair
Type of Alloy Wheel
Not only does the size of the alloy wheels reflect in the refurbishment cost but so does the type. For example, in addition to a standard set of wheels, other types include a diamond cut finish as well as split wheels that feature a series a small bolts. Along with the photo above, below is an example of two other types of wheels that I have had recently refurbished:
This particular set of wheels (Rotiform BLQ’s) were bought new with a diamond cut finish. However, I wanted a standout colour and opted to have them powder coated red. Although they were brand new, the painter still had to rub them down ready for painting.
These are a set of BBS AMG (GEN 2) Split Wheels that I had refurbished at a great cost. In terms of the work done, they were stripped (two piece wheel), had all new bolts, the centre painted silver and then the dish was diamond cut for the desirable shiny finish.
DIY or Professional Refurbishment
Depending upon how much experience you have with painting, you may wish to refurbish your wheels yourself to reduce the cost. DIY alloy wheel refurbishment is only recommend for colour changes, scuff or curb repairs. This is due to the fact that you can easily use a body filler to fix any damage, rub them down and then apply the paint.
However, when it comes to more complex finishes such as diamond cut or a split wheel, a professional refurbishment is highly recommended. This is due to the fact that specialist machines are required to achieve the perfect finish. A professional will also have the machinery needed to straighten the wheels and also a suitable welding machine to repair any cracked wheels.
What’s The Cost of Alloy Wheel Refurbishment?
Depending upon your location in the UK, below are the approximate alloy wheel refurbishment costs based upon our experience and research of the prices offered by various companies in the UK.
| Alloy Wheel (Per Wheel) | Low End Cost | Premium Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 18″ | £80 to £120 | £100 to £150 |
| Standard 20″ | £100 to £150 | £120 to £180 |
| Diamond Cut 18″ | £100 to £150 | £150 to £200 |
| Diamond Cut 20″ | £120 to £180 | £200 to £300 |
| Split Wheel 18″ | £120 to £150 | £200 to £250 |
| Split Wheel 20″ | £180 to £200 | £250 to £300 |
Some of the extras that may add to the alloy wheel refurbishment cost include:
- Tyre removal – £5 to £10 (per tyre)
- Crack repair – £10 to £40 (per alloy)
- New split wheel bolts – £2 to £15 (per bolt)
After Your Wheels Have Been Refurbed
After you’ve had your alloy wheels refurbished, you will want to keep them in pristine condition for as long as possible. One of the best ways that we would recommend is to use a wheel wax, which acts as a protective barrier against dirt.
It’s also recommended that you invest into a quality alloy wheel cleaner that’s safe to use on your particular wheels. This will help reduce the buildup of dirt and also repel tough dirt such as brake dust, tar and other forms of road grime.
Conclusion
Everyone can appreciate a great set of unmarked wheels but as soon as they become damaged, they can be expensive to fix. If you feel that damage to your wheels is inevitable and you want to avoid the cost of an alloy wheel refurbishment, we strongly recommend installing alloy wheel protectors. These will protect the edges of the wheels and certainly save you a fortune if you are someone that curbs their wheels a lot.
