*damage**oem**type*Alloy Wheel *service**ifLocation*

What is alloy wheel repair?

Alloy wheel repair focuses on fixing specific damage to a wheel rather than fully restoring the entire wheel. This usually includes repairing kerb damage, scuffs, scratches, dents, or minor bends and cracks to return the wheel to a safe and presentable condition.

How much does *oem* alloy wheel repair cost?

The cost depends on the type of damage and wheel finish, but typical UK prices are:

Light kerb damage wheel: £60–£90 per wheel Moderate damage: £80–£120 per wheel Bent alloy repair: £90–£150+

Diamond-cut wheels can sometimes cost more due to the machining process.

How long does *oem*alloy wheel repair take?

Usually oem wheel repairs can take anything from a couple of hours to a few days, depending on the wheel and severity of the damage.

Minor cosmetic damage to standard wheels, such as light kerb scuffs or small scratches, can often be repaired within a few hours. However, more severe cosmetic damage or structural issues may require additional preparation, repair work, and curing time, which can extend the process up to a couple of days.

If your oemwheels require a full refurbishment as part of the repair, the process will usually take longer because the wheel must be completely stripped, prepared, refinished, and lacquered.

Diamond cut oemwheels may take even longer to repair in some cases. This is because they require precision machining on a specialist lathe before the protective lacquer is applied, which adds extra time to the refurbishment process.

WheelTribe: Drivers get accutate repair times across all services available services.

What service do mobile repair specialists offer for *oem*alloy wheels?

Mobile alloy wheel repair services are carried out at your home or workplace, rather than requiring you to take your vehicle—or your wheels—to a garage. These services operate from specially equipped vans that carry the tools and equipment needed to perform a range of repairs. Mobile specialists typically use wet paint refinishing techniques to achieve the desired finish.

There is a common misconception that mobile alloy wheel repairers only offer SMART repairs or minor cosmetic fixes. However, this is no longer always the case. Many mobile alloy wheel specialists can now carry out more extensive repair work, and some even offer full alloy wheel refurbishment services depending on the type of damage.

In certain parts of the UK, some mobile suppliers are also able to provide mobile diamond cut alloy wheel repairs, thanks to the development of smaller CNC machining equipment that can be fitted into mobile workshops.

Drivers often find that mobile services provide a cost-effective and convenient solution, particularly for minor to moderate damage where removing the wheels or leaving the vehicle at a garage is unnecessary.

WheelTribe help drivers quickly find out whether mobile alloy wheel repair services are available in their area for their specific type of wheel damage.

Note: Some mobile suppliers may require access to a mains power supply at the location where the repair is carried out.

What repair services do garages offer for *oem*alloy wheels?

Garages usually offer a wide range of alloy wheel repair and refurbishment services, including powder-coated finish options suitable for most types of alloy wheels. Because garages operate from fixed workshops, they have space for the larger specialist equipment required to carry out professional repairs and refurbishments across a wider variety of wheel types. This means garages can often perform repairs that some mobile suppliers may struggle to offer.

Garage Alloy Wheel Repair Services

Some repair processes require large, specialist machinery. For example, repairing diamond cut alloy wheels involves machining the wheel surface using a CNC lathe to recreate the precise exposed metal finish. Because of the size and complexity of this equipment, there are only a small number of mobile diamond cut alloy wheel repair specialists in the UK. The machinery is traditionally too large and difficult to transport in a van.

However, recent advances in technology mean some companies have started designing smaller diamond-cutting machines that can be installed in mobile workshops. As a result, we are likely to see more mobile diamond cut repair services appearing in the future.

Many refurbishment processes also require large workshop equipment. Powder coating, for example, needs extraction systems and curing ovens to apply and harden the finish properly. Surface preparation methods such as aqua blasting, sandblasting, and chemical stripping baths are also commonly used to remove old coatings and corrosion before repairs begin. These processes require significant space and energy, which is why they are typically carried out in dedicated workshops.

Garage-based services can sometimes take longer to complete and may cost slightly more, but drivers will often benefit from a wider range of repair and refurbishment options.

Many garages also provide convenient services to minimise disruption for customers, such as wheel swapping, courtesy cars, or vehicle collection and return services. Platforms like WheelTribe help drivers identify which garages in their area offer these additional services, making it easier to choose the most convenient option.

Can I match my existing *oem* wheel finish?

Yes, you can request to match your existing wheel finish when repairing and refurbishing your damaged oem wheels. Your wheel experts will choose the best method to colour match your oem alloys using a combination of wet painting and powder coating applications.

Professional repair and refurbishment specialists use colour-matched paints and finishes to match the repair with the original wheel. While spot repairs may not always be 100% perfect, they are usually very difficult to notice. Fully refubished wheels are compleatly repaired and then refinishished so are in most cases are indistinguablke from the original in terms of finish

WheelTribe - Drivers can cloose to colour match wheels or select a custom finish.

What type of *oem*wheels do I have?

If you are unsure what type of oem wheel you have, chances are you have either standard or diamond cut wheels as they make up 90% of the UK alloy wheel market.

While alloy wheels come in a variety of designs they all share the same characteristics, so it's easy to determine which type of wheel you have once you know what to look for.

“Standard” Alloy Wheels Standard wheels are a solid one-piece construction, typically one colour with the same finish throughout the wheel. This type of wheel has been popular with vehicle manufactures since the 80's and is the most common alloy wheel on the UK roads.

“Diamond Cut” Alloy Wheels Diamond cut alloy wheels typically feature a painted inner wheel and a polished, bare metal finish on the outer edges of the wheel's rim and/or spokes. Since 2010, these wheels have been an increasingly popular alternative to “standard” alloy wheels due to their modern, stylish look.

“Split Rim” Alloy Wheels Split rim "alloy wheels can be two or three-piece constructions, bolted together around the outer circumference of the rim. This type of wheel is popular with high performance vehicle manufactures and used to elevate the performance and motorsports aesthetic.

What size are my *oem* alloy wheels?

The most accurate way find out is to check the sidewalls of your tyres. Wheel sizes are displayed next to the "R".

For example if you have (205/55 R17) tyres that means that you have a 17 inch alloy wheel.

The average UK wheel size is [17 inches]. Wheel sizes range from 13" to 25" and directly impact the cost of the majority of services available alloy wheels so make sure and check you wheel size before booking.

WheelTribe: We are developing tools to allow drivers to identify the size of any alloy wheel without having to check. By using our services drivers help us build accurate enough wheel sizing data to make this a reality.

Is alloy wheel repair worth it?

Yes. Repairing a damaged oem alloy wheel is usually much cheaper than replacing the wheel, and it improves both the appearance and value of your vehicle.

Can I repair different types of damage at the same time?

Yes, this is where WheelTribe really shines. We match your alloy wheels with specialists based on your specific type of damage and service requirements, ensuring you are connected with the right garages or mobile experts to carry out the work.

This approach helps make sure you are offered the most suitable repair or refurbishment services available in your area, saving you time and helping you get the best possible result for your wheels.

If your wheels have multiple types of cosmetic damage, or if they are heavily corroded, we may recommend full alloy wheel refurbishment alongside any available repair services nearby. This ensures the wheels are restored properly and the finish lasts longer.

With WheelTribe, you can easily see which suppliers offer which types of repairs or refurbishment services, allowing you to compare options and choose the provider that best fits your needs, location, and budget.

Can I repair any type of wheel?

Our community of experts can repair the majority of alloy wheels on the road today—around 99% of them. This means there’s a very good chance we can connect you with a garage or mobile specialist that offers the professional services needed for your specific wheel type.

Common Alloy Wheel Types

The three most common wheel types that garages and mobile repairers provide services for are:

Standard alloy wheels

Diamond cut alloy wheels

Split rim alloy wheels

These wheel types make up the vast majority of vehicles on the road, which is why most alloy wheel repair specialists are equipped to work with them. However, there are also some more specialised wheel variants that require different repair techniques or expertise.

High Performance Alloy Wheels

Some modern high-performance vehicles use wheels made from more exotic, lightweight, and highly engineered materials. Manufacturers may produce these wheels using specialist aluminium alloys, magnesium, or even carbon fibre to reduce weight and improve performance.

While these materials offer performance benefits, they can also be much more difficult to repair. In some cases, if these wheels are damaged, it may be safer or more practical to replace the wheel entirely rather than attempt a repair.

Classic Alloy Wheels

Certain classic car wheels can also present unique challenges. Chromed wheels and spoked wheels, for example, are far more niche and can be labour-intensive to repair or restore, often requiring highly specialised techniques.

Pro Tip: We don’t typically list service providers for these specialist wheel types because they represent less than 0.1% of the market. However, if you have something rare or unusual that needs repair, please contact us and we’ll help point you in the direction of the specialist wheel professionals who can assist.

How can I protect my alloy wheels after repair?

You can extend the life of repaird wheels by washing your wheels regularly to remove brake dust, making sure to avoiding harsh acidic wheel cleaners. Applying wheel sealant or ceramic coatings work well, also rim protectors can help prolong the lifespan of your new wheel finish