Alloy Wheels, Repairs, And Refurbishment
Posted by admin at 9 January 2020, at 15 : 40 PM
Alloy wheels are very popular these days and not just with petrol heads and other car enthusiasts. They tend to offer car owners a number of major advantages over the steel wheels fitted as standard to many vehicles. However, there are also a few minor drawbacks. Read on to find out more.
One of the biggest advantages of alloys wheels for your car or motorcycle is that they are much lighter than the more usual steel ones. This offers drivers better handling and a smoother driving experience. It can also be advantageous in terms of fuel economy. As the car is pulling less weight, it needs less fuel to do so. This kind of saving can really mount up over time. Some alloy wheels also offer increased brake clearance for compatible cars. The driver, therefore, has better control over the way their vehicle decelerates, as well as reducing the amount of effort required to depress the brake pedal. Then, of course, there’s the look: there’s no doubt that alloys look stunning and they can also be personalised with different finishes and colours. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you’ll be amazed at the variety out there. The main disadvantage is cost: they are more expensive to manufacture, so not only are they more costly at the outset, you will have to pay hefty amounts if you need them replacing at any point. But this is where alloy wheel refurbishment comes in: a reliable wheel refurbishment company can restore your alloys to their former glory for a fraction of the cost of a new set.
DIY Or Pay The Professionals?
Alloy wheel refurbishment may look like an easy job, and kits to do it yourself can be found in all good motor accessories shops. There’s a chance you’ll save money by undertaking the task yourself, but is it as easy as it looks to create a professional finish, or are you better leaving it in the hands of experts?
If the damage isn’t too severe, and all that’s required is a light touch-up, then it’s possibly worth having a go at home. The typical kit you’ll find on sale includes sandpapers of different grades, to rub down scratches; a filler to repair any surface damage; and primer and paint to make it look like new afterwards. You will need a fair amount of patience to ensure you prepare the alloys properly and then there is an element of chance in whether the paint colour will match the original. It’s also a precision job to ensure the paint is applied properly and doesn’t run or drip while you’re working on each wheel. If this sounds too much like hard work, or the wheels have more than light surface damage, then professional alloy wheel refurbishment services may be the better option. They can straighten out any buckles in alignment, deal with fractures or corrosion and restore your wheels to as good as new condition. Alloy wheel refurbishment by a dedicated company may cost a little more than having a go yourself at home, but you’re guaranteed a professional finish and your repaired wheels will look like they just left the showroom!
Don’t Compromise On Quality
Alloy wheel refurbishment cost is certainly something you’ll have in mind when you’re requesting quotes to give your alloys a new lease of life. It’s always tempting to look for a bargain, but when it comes to something as precious as your car, it’s sometimes not worth cutting corners.
Of course, you could try to refurbish your alloys at home by buying an over-the-counter kit and save yourself a bundle. However, it’s really difficult to achieve a quality finish when you do it yourself. In fact, sometimes you can do more harm than good – the paint can run and leave you with an unsightly finish, or the colour may not match the existing one. Equally, if you select a firm that only carries out alloy wheel refurbishment as a side-line to their main business, they may not have the equipment or the skill to do the job properly. Either way, the chances are that you’ll end up throwing good money after bad to get the whole mess resolved. If you look for a professional service that carries out alloy wheel refurbishment, however, they will demonstrate through testimonials from previous customers that they know what they’re doing. One further advantage is that they will inspect your wheels beforehand and let you know if there is any more serious, hidden damage to the alloys that may have an effect on safety if left undiscovered. A good job done will add value to your car; a poor substitute will only serve to have the opposite effect.
The Powder Coating Process
Alloy wheel repair often involves applying one or more layers of powder coating to get the desired finish. But, what exactly is the process involved in doing this, and what does it mean for your wheels? Read on to find out more in detail.
When you take your wheels to a specialist for alloy wheel refurbishment, they will first usually remove the tyres to prevent them from being affected by the process. The wheels are then either blasted by hand or, if the damage is extensive, chemically stripped of any previous layers of paint and lacquer. This gives a smooth surface for the treatment. At this stage, once the wheels are stripped bare, they can be closely examined to determine the extent of the damage. The powder coating method is great for addressing light scratches and dints in paintwork caused by hitting the kerb and so on, but is not a substitute or a remedy for a buckled or severely dented wheel. If the wheels are too far gone to be simply refurbished without also addressing safety issues, the customer will be advised at this stage. Any light damage is filled and smoothed out before the wheel is further treated. Next, the rims are heat-treated to remove air from the alloy and the first powder coat can be applied. This is cured, again with heat, before any final coating is applied – such as a special finish or colour. Once heat-treated again, a lacquer is applied to help protect the wheel from environmental damage, and your alloy wheel refurbishment is complete.