Alloy wheels are rims are specially manufactured from an alloy from aluminium-magnesium which is often painted with a clear coat. In recent times, most newly manufactured cars come with alloy wheels. This is as a result of its several advantages such as; its lightweight nature, its durability, offers good heat conduction, and it has a superb appearance when compared to the traditional wheels.
Though wheels are one of the most frequently damaged parts on the car and we will discuss how in a moment. The cost to have them professionally fixed varies depending on the type of metal, wheel size, extent of the damage and also any extra services that might be required like wheel alignment and replacement parts.
But, while it may be challenging to put these wheels back in shape, frequently, it’s possible and most times might be cheaper purchasing a replacement wheel.
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Factors that affect the cost of most wheel repairs
Size and Type of Wheel – Majority of cars have wheels that comprise of light metals such as magnesium, aluminium or a mixture of both. Alloy wheels on their own are lightweight, durable, and artistically attractive. Your wheel size will affect the repair cost. For instance, it’s cheaper to repair smaller wheels when compared to larger wheels which eventually costs more. The skillset and available equipment will determine if a technician will be able to repair any damaged wheels.
Furthermore, custom wills with intricate designs such as chrome is another difficult alloy wheel to repair. Most repair shop charge so high that the price to fix it can be equated to buying new custom wheels. If this is your case, it’s preferable to go for brand new wheels.
Type of Damage – The damage a wheel can have ranged from curb rash, which is minor damage to breaks and cracks, which is regarded as significant damage.
What’s The Cost Of Wheel Repair?
Below are some common types of wheel damage together with their average repair cost. Note; the cost for repairing smaller wheels will be among the lower price range.
1. Cosmetic Damage
(Scrapes, Curb Rash, and Scratches) – Cost of repair ranges from $50 to $150 per wheel.
This is the most common form of damage you can notice with your wheel. Scratches, as well as curb rash, often occur when your car accidentally scrapes against a rough surface such as a sidewalk. The category of damage is referred to as cosmetic, but it can be easily fixed. The repair is done by smoothening the scratches then the wheels repainted.
2. Bent Wheel
Cost to repair ranges from $75 per wheel for simple repairs to about $200 for when it involves repainting, refinishing, or additional services.
When there is so much impact on a wheel, bends and dent are bound to occur which affect the outer part of the wheel, especially when the impact is hard enough. To fix this, the technician will first hammer the wheel to straighten the bends and dents. This process returns the wheel to the original shape as much as possible. The average cost for this is about $75 when it does not require repainting or refinishing. However, it will cost more if the wheel needs further painting and finishing.
3. Cracked Rim
Cost to repair ranges from $80 to $125 for a small crack; while rim replacement cost $200 to $500.
Cracked wheels, by all means, is the most challenging type of damage to fix. In fact, the difficulty involved in this type of repair makes most technicians decline. The process of repair entails; welding, shaping, smoothing out, repainting together with refinishing. When this happens, it’s always advised to buy a new wheel even when there is the assurance it can be fixed because mere looking at it you’ll discover the structure has been compromised making it unsafe to use.
4. Wheel Refinishing, Repainting, and Tire Removal
Cost of repair ranges from $50 to $200 for paint matching Or $200 for re-chroming.
The cost of paint-matching and refinishing is always factored in the quoted price during any wheel repair. In some case, most people still charge extra for these services. It’s always better to repaint and refinish your wheels after repair to correspond with the other wheels. At most expect to be charged $50 for paint matching and refinishing. Furthermore, re-chroming is still possible at $150 to $200.
Note: Unmounting also has its price tag. Most technicians charge as much as $10 extra per tire for the labor needed to do carry out this task.
In Conclusion
From this write-up, you can see that your damaged alloyed wheel can be repaired. This means that a professional technician can repair, restore, and re-manufacture your wheels from $50 for minor repair to up to $500 for a full replacement. But these will depend on the type and size of the wheels together with the damage. Finally, if you don’t intend to take your car to a technician, with the right tools, you can fix any minor damage yourself with little or no cost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it possible to replace aluminium rims?
Except you’ve the appropriate apparatus, you can end up with irreversibly damaged aluminium wheels which can’t be fixed. It’s essential to seek the services of professional aluminium wheel straightening who uses safe and effective techniques to restore bent aluminium wheels to its original state.
Between alloy and aluminium wheels, which is better?
The fact is that forged aluminium wheels are more durable, but they’re lighter than alloy wheels. In other words, carbon fiber aluminium wheels are much more lightweight when compared to other alloy wheels. Furthermore, they’re expensive and can easily break. Alloy wheels, on the other hand, comprises of aluminium and magnesium, which makes them sturdier and cheaper.
Are alloy wheels worth it?
They deliver performance benefits when compared to steel wheels, as they’re often several pounds lighter per wheel. By less weight, it means that they’ve quicker acceleration and with faster stopping. Furthermore, in risky driving conditions, alloy wheels are better able to dispel heat away from brake constituents than their steel equivalents.