What is alloy wheel refurbishment?

Alloy wheel refurbishment involves fully restoring your entire wheel. Alloy wheel refurbs include stripping the existing finish off your alloys before a full wheel restoration is carried out. Refurbishment services repair a multitude of non structural damage caused by kerb damage and corrosion and involves removal of all, scuffs, scratches and dents. Once you wheel has been refurbished its finished to your specification

How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost?

Your refurbishment cost depends on the type wheel and finish you require. If you are also repairing structural damage such as buckles and cracks this can add to the total cost.

Non structural wheel refubishments costs: Standard alloy wheel refurbishment cost start from (£80) per wheel, diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment cost from (£95) per wheel, and split rim alloy wheel refurbishment cost from (£105) per wheel.

How long does wheel refurbuishment take?

Alloy wheel refurbishment generally takes longer than most standalone repairs, and the exact turnaround time will depend on the type of alloy wheel and the refurbishment method used.

For standard alloy wheels, garage-based refurbishment services typically have turnaround times starting from around 24 hours. This is because the wheels often need to be removed from the vehicle, stripped of the old finish, repaired, refinished, and then cured before being refitted.

Mobile refurbishment services can sometimes be completed more quickly. In some cases, a single wheel refurbishment may take just a couple of hours, although the total time will increase depending on how many wheels you are refurbishing and the extent of the damage.

More specialist finishes—such as diamond cut alloy wheels—may require additional machining and curing time, which can extend the refurbishment process further.

Is alloy wheel refurbishment worth it?

Absolutely. Damaged wheels can devalue any vehicle and detract from its appearance and desirability.

When your alloy wheels are damaged, you typically have three options: live with the damage, refurbish your wheels, or replace them entirely.

If your wheels are refurbishable, it’s almost always cheaper—and often easier—than replacing them. Refurbishment can improve the appearance of your vehicle, help maintain its value, and potentially save you money on charges when returning a leased vehicle.

If your vehicle is relatively new, you may be able to purchase OEM wheels directly from the manufacturer. However, most new OEM wheels available from manufacturers typically cost significantly more than refurbishment. New alloy wheels can cost from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the make, size, and type of wheel. When you compare this with the average cost of alloy wheel refurbishment, the potential savings become clear.

For older vehicles, new OEM wheels are often no longer available. In these situations, you may need to source pre-refurbished second-hand wheels or purchase used wheels that may still require refurbishment to restore their appearance and structural condition. While used wheels can sometimes cost less than buying new ones, the overall cost is often still higher than refurbishing your existing wheels, especially when you factor in sourcing, delivery, and fitting.

If you have a lease vehicle, you may be charged for any damage to the alloy wheels when returning the car at the end of your agreement. It’s always worth checking your lease policy or speaking with the leasing company to understand what they will charge for returning a vehicle with damaged wheels. You can then compare those potential fees with the cost of professional alloy wheel refurbishment.

Alloy wheel refurbishment can deliver a finish that is equal to—or sometimes even better than—some new OEM wheels. In many cases, factory-fitted wheels have less durable finishes and thinner lacquer coatings than those applied by professional alloy wheel refurbishment specialists. Refurbishment processes often use stronger coatings and thicker, more durable lacquers, resulting in a finish that is longer-lasting and more resistant to damage.