What are Alloy Wheels and Why You Should Repair Them?
What are Alloy Wheels?
Alloy wheels are used to refer to wheel rims manufactured using magnesium or aluminum alloys or both. Since magnesium is an essential element, these wheels are also called Mag wheels.
In the past, car wheels have always been produced from steel because of their strength, durability, and decent appearance. The use of alloy wheels increased due to high demand by motorsport companies. The commercial market began to adopt them, which caused their prices to go down. Alloy wheels also have several advantages over steel wheels.
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1. Lighter Weight
Alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels, even if they are of the same size. Both of the metals used - magnesium and aluminum- are lighter than steel. The low weight leads to better performance and handling of your vehicle. Alloy wheels allow the car suspension to provide a better grip and make it easier for the car to follow the terrain.
2. Visual Appeal
Alloy wheels have a much better visual appeal than steel wheels. Their appearance is one of the most significant reasons why people opt for alloy wheels. Using alloy wheels will make your car stand out from other vehicles, which significantly adds to its value.
3. Heat Conduction
Alloys are better at conducting heat than pure metals. This key factor is why alloy wheels were introduced to automobiles. Alloy wheels can dissipate heat much faster than steel wheels. Heat dissipation also has a positive impact on the tires. Tires tend to wear out quickly when exposed to heat. Alloy wheels, therefore, extend the longevity of your tires.
4. Rust and Corrosion Free
Aluminum alloys are renowned for their ability to withstand corrosion and rust. Wheels made of aluminum alloys are no different. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, unlike their steel counterparts.
5. Braking
Using alloy wheels leads to a decrease in unsprung weight. This aspect helps promote better traction, which is a critical feature for braking performance. You won't experience the "wheel hop" commonly associated with steel wheels, thereby reducing the risk of brake failure.
6. Fuel Economy
As alloy wheels are lighter than steel, they provide better handling and performance for your vehicles. Therefore, the use of alloy wheels leads to increased fuel efficiency. Fuel prices can have a sizable impact on your wallet, which makes this an essential factor.
Types of Alloy Wheel Damage
Alloy wheel refurbishment services can work on different varieties of alloy wheels - standard alloys, split rim, diamond cut, and so on. We have previously discussed the common types of wheel damage, which elaborates on the causes and necessary repairs to maintain safety. Some of the problems or wheel damage that your wheels might have include:
Straightening alloys
Curb rash
Scuffed or curbed wheels
Alloy corrosion
Scratches and dents
Pothole damage
Cost of Alloy Wheel Repair
The cost of repairing your alloy wheel will depend on the extent and type of alloy damage. It will also depend on the type of your wheels and their size. Other factors include the location of the damage to the wheels.
In general, a standard alloy wheel refurbishment for a single wheel with a size up to 20" costs approximately $100 - $125 for each. An alloy wheel that is 21" or larger will cost you around $125 - $150 per wheel repair.
You can save some money by getting all the four alloy wheels repaired at the same time. A set of four 20" alloy wheels will cost you around $390 for repair. Wheels with sizes 21" or larger will require around $460 for repairs.
Curb Rash & Scuff Wheel Repair
The very common types of alloy wheel damage are scuffing and curb rash. To remove scuffing, an alloy wheel repair service makes use of various sanding techniques. Metal fillers are used for deep scratches and dents. They are then sanded to flush them with the wheel.
There might be instances where the existing color of the wheel doesn't match the sanding. A new coating is then applied to cover the repairs so that they are not visible. Depending on the extent of damage and the wheel's size, alloy wheel scuff repair costs can range between $70 to $167 for one wheel.
Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheel
Diamond-cut is a type of alloy wheel finish that uses a special CNC wheel lathe to remove part or whole of the painted surface on a wheel. You get a shiny alloy finish as the final effect. This is then treated with a lacquer to avoid any corrosion in the future. This kind of treatment will cost you approximately $160 for each wheel.
4 Good Reasons To Repair Your Alloy Wheels
1. Cost
Buying a new wheel is going to be more expensive than getting your old wheel repaired. Depending on the type of repair work required, you will have to spend more or less money. It would be best if you also tried to get your wheels repaired as early as possible. A small problem may lead to more significant issues, and eventually, you would have to replace the whole wheel.
2. Appearance
Alloy wheels are available in different colors and styles. If you are concerned about your car's looks, you should get your alloy wheel repaired to maintain its appearance. Your wheels get exposed to many external elements that slowly damage the color and shine of wheels. Therefore, getting your wheels refurbished can be an excellent way to make your car look new, especially if you plan to sell it. Old and worn-out cars naturally fetch a lower price than refurbished models.
3. Performance
Alloy wheels are well known for their performance compared to steel wheels. But they are less durable than steel wheels. When taking off-road routes, your alloy wheels will suffer damages that might severely reduce their performance. Therefore, it is necessary to go for alloy wheel repair to maintain the standard of performance.
4. Security
Your wheels may form dents due to driving on rough terrain, which may lead to imbalanced wheels. This type of damage may increase the chances of causing injuries and accidents. Refurbishing your alloy wheels can be a great way to improve the safety of your car. Using a refurbishment service will help you bring back the wheels to their original form.
Getting your wheels repaired is also suitable for the overall structure of your car. It also prevents the other parts of your vehicle from malfunctioning.
Leased Vehicles
You would want to get the alloy wheels repaired if you have obtained your car on lease. In most cases, lease plans by many car dealerships will require that you maintain and return the vehicle in the same condition as when you got it. If your wheels have undergone some wear and tear, and it's time to return it, you can go for an alloy wheel refurbishment. Meeting your dealership's lease car cosmetic standards will help you avoid unnecessary monetary penalties and costs.
Key Takeaways
Getting your alloy wheel repaired is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your wheel. It restores the performance of your vehicle and helps you avoid any further damage to your car. A car that has wheels looking brand new will add more value while you are selling it. The qualified and experienced technicians at Auto Cosmetics offer high-quality wheel repair services at your doorstep. Book an appointment with confidence.