Alloy Wheel Repair and Refurbishment: A UK Guide

Summary

• Minor kerb damage can be repaired for £50–£80 per wheel: Mobile repair services come to you and fix scuffs in about an hour.
• Badly buckled or cracked wheels need replacing: Structural damage can't be safely repaired.
• Damaged alloys affect car value: If you're selling, fixing them first can add hundreds to the sale price. Check our car valuation guide.

Alloy wheels look great when they're new. But kerbs, potholes, and general wear can leave them scratched, scuffed, and dull.

The good news is most damage can be repaired. Here's everything you need to know.

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Types of Alloy Wheel Damage

• Kerb rash: Scrapes and scuffs from hitting kerbs. The most common type. Usually cosmetic only.
• Corrosion: White powdery spots or peeling lacquer. Caused by road salt and moisture getting under the finish.
• Buckles: A bent rim caused by hitting a pothole or kerb hard. Can cause vibrations and tyre problems.
• Cracks: A cracked alloy is dangerous. It can fail suddenly and cause a blowout.
• Fading: UV damage and brake dust can dull the finish over time.

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Repair Options

Mobile Alloy Wheel Repair

The most popular option for kerb damage. A specialist comes to your home or workplace with a mobile workshop.

• Cost: £50–£80 per wheel
• Time: About 1 hour per wheel
• Best for: Light to medium kerb damage, scratches, and scuffs
• Not suitable for: Buckled or cracked wheels, diamond-cut finishes

Workshop Refurbishment

For more serious damage, the wheels need to go to a specialist workshop. The process involves:

1. Stripping the tyre from the wheel
2. Blasting or sanding the old finish
3. Filling and smoothing any damage
4. Applying primer, paint, and lacquer
5. Re-fitting the tyre and balancing

• Cost: £80–£150 per wheel
• Time: 2–5 days for a full set
• Best for: Heavy damage, colour changes, corrosion

Diamond-Cut Refurbishment

Many modern cars have diamond-cut alloys. These have a machined face with a lacquer coating. They can only be properly repaired on a specialist CNC lathe.

• Cost: £80–£120 per wheel
• Limit: Most wheels can only be diamond-cut 2–3 times before the metal gets too thin

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Repair or Replace?

Damage Type	Can It Be Repaired?	Estimated Cost
Light kerb scuffs	Yes — mobile repair	£50–£80
Heavy kerb damage	Yes — workshop refurb	£80–£150
Corrosion	Yes — strip and refurb	£80–£150
Minor buckle	Sometimes — specialist straightening	£50–£100
Crack	No — replace the wheel	£100–£500+
Major buckle	No — replace the wheel	£100–£500+

Never drive on a cracked alloy wheel. It can fail without warning, causing a sudden loss of tyre pressure at speed.

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Claiming for Pothole Damage

If a pothole damaged your alloy, you may be able to claim from the local council. To make a claim:

1. Take photos of the pothole and the damage
2. Note the exact location, date, and time
3. Get a repair quote from a garage
4. Report the pothole and submit a claim to the council

Read our guide on how to report a pothole and claim compensation for more.

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How to Protect Your Alloys

• Clean regularly: Brake dust is corrosive. Clean your wheels every 2 weeks with a pH-neutral wheel cleaner.
• Apply sealant: Wheel sealant or wax creates a barrier against brake dust and road grime.
• Use rim protectors: Some tyres have a raised rim protector strip. Ask your tyre fitter about them.
• Park carefully: Leave a gap when parking next to kerbs. It sounds obvious, but most kerb damage happens when parking.

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Effect on Car Value

Damaged alloys reduce your car's value. Buyers notice them instantly. If you're planning to sell:

• A full set of refurbished alloys can add £200–£400 to the sale price
• The repair cost is usually less than the value increase
• Clean, undamaged wheels make a much better first impression

For help valuing your car, see our guide on how to check your car's value.

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