Wheel repair keeps expensive rims looking like new

Drivers spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on fancy aftermarket wheels, rims and spokes. But daily driving—especially in extreme weather conditions—can wreak havoc on the look and potentially the safety of the wheel.

Dings, dents, bends, nicks and scratches on the surface of the wheel may be unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean reaching into your wallet for a replacement wheel, according to Mike Dunlap, marketing director for AWRS (Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists) International, a company that specializes in wheel repair and restoration.

“Many people are under the impression that they have to buy a whole new wheel when one gets damaged, which is not the case,” Dunlap said. “Most wheels can be repaired for less than the cost of a replacement wheel.”

Wheels get bent and scratched from road debris, hitting or rolling over a curb or driving over a pothole. Salt and sand used in snowy climates also damages wheels

Fixing the Damage

Technicians certified in wheel repair use the latest technology to determine whether or not a wheel can be safely refinished or realigned.

For cosmetic damage and surface corrosion, technicians may simply sand the wheel and strip any painted surfaces. A grinding process removes imperfections. The resurfaced wheel is repainted, clear coated and then baked to set the paint.

What about bent wheels? Dunlap suggested having your wheel inspected by a certified technician. Some dents and misshapen rims may be “compressed”, reshaping the wheel to realign it with the rest of the vehicle’s wheels.

How long does it take to fix a wheel? About an hour for most wheel types, Dunlap said.

Maintaining Wheel Value

Good-looking, well-maintained wheels don’t just add to the overall look of the vehicle, they also improve safety of the vehicle, according to Dunlap.

“Deep scratches can get corroded and damage the integrity of the wheel,” he said. “Bent wheels can cause severe alignment issues with the car, affecting braking and handling. They also can cause tires to lose air.”

Poorly maintained and damaged wheels devalue the resale value of the vehicle, Dunlap said.

Dunlap had the following suggestions for wheel repair:

• Damaged wheels can affect vehicle braking and steering systems. Repair or replace damaged rims.
• Repairing wheels is a cost-effective alternative to replacement. Have your damaged wheel inspected by a certified wheel technician before deciding.
• Major damage to chrome wheels cannot be fixed. Cracks in a chrome wheel spread just like they do on a mirror.
• Chrome plating on wheels is banned in some locations because the process creates environmental hazards. “Simulated” chrome coatings offer the gleam of chrome.
• Wheels with metal missing must be remanufactured and cannot be fixed by a wheel technician. Check with your wheel manufacturer.
• Severe corrosion cannot be fixed by a technician. Again check with your wheel supplier about getting your rim remanufactured.
• Wheel appearance helps improve the value of your vehicle. Keep wheels clean through regular wheel maintenance and consider repairing damaged wheels if you intend to sell your vehicle.