Reasons to Fix Your Alloys
You might have noticed your alloys aren’t looking their best. If your life is busy it’s easy to think ‘Do I really need to bother?’
Fixing alloy wheels is necessary for both safety and cosmetic reasons. The most common issues include bent rims from impacts, surface damage like scuffs and scratches, and corrosion caused by weather and road salt.
For Performance and Safety
If you have a bent or buckled wheel you need to get it fixed. This could be caused by hitting potholes, kerbs, or speed bumps too fast. This doesn’t have to be immediately obvious, your wheels may be a tiny bit bent, but a bent wheel can cause the steering wheel to vibrate, poor handling, and uneven tyre wear. It could even lead to a slow air leak from your tyres.
You’ve noticed small cracks in your wheels. Severe impacts from potholes can cause cracks or hairline fractures that are not always visible. These can lead to serious safety risks, such as a tyre blowout, and require immediate professional repair.
Damage to the wheel rim can prevent the tyre from creating a proper seal, resulting in a slow, continuous loss of air pressure. This not only decreases fuel efficiency but also increases the risk of a tyre blowout.
For Appearance and Value
Scraping the wheel against a kerb while parking is a very common cause of cosmetic damage, leaving unsightly scuffs and scratches on the rim. These can be easy fixed with a professional repair.
The protective coating on alloy wheels can be damaged by moisture, road salt, and harsh cleaning chemicals. This is more likely to happen during the winter months when there’s more salt on the road. Everyday road debris, such as small stones and grit, can also chip the wheel’s finish. Once the protective clear coat is compromised, a white, spider-web-like corrosion can form underneath, causing the finish to bubble and flake. This can be avoided if you get your wheels repaired when they’re scuffed, avoiding corrosion.
Why repair instead of replace?
Repairing cosmetic damage or even straightening a minor buckle is significantly cheaper than buying a brand-new wheel. We will be able to advise you if your wheels can be repaired, as we’re experts in alloy wheel repair.
For those planning to sell their car or ending a lease, having well-maintained, repaired wheels is crucial for preserving its resale value. Repairs can restore your original wheels to their former condition, preserving the car’s authenticity and aesthetic appeal.
