Alloy wheels make a car look sharp, right up until the first time you misjudge a kerb. Kerb rash is one of the most common bits of cosmetic damage we see, and one of the most noticeable. In many cases it can be repaired at your home or workplace, without taking the wheels off the car.
How alloy wheels get damaged
- Kerbing: clipping the kerb while parking or turning, usually on the passenger side
- Parallel parking on narrow streets
- Corrosion: once the lacquer is damaged, road salt and moisture can get under the finish and cause it to bubble or flake
- Potholes: which can cause more serious damage such as buckles or cracks
What can be repaired at your door
Mobile alloy wheel repair is ideal for cosmetic damage, including:
- Kerb rash and scuffs around the rim edge
- Small gouges and scrapes
- Damaged or flaking lacquer on the rim
How a mobile alloy repair works
- The tyre is protected and the wheel cleaned and degreased
- The damaged area is sanded smooth and any gouges filled and shaped
- The repair is primed
- Paint is matched to the wheel's colour and applied, then lacquered
- The finish is cured and checked against the rest of the wheel
Many repairs can be done with the wheel still on the car, which keeps things quick and simple.
Diamond cut wheels
Diamond cut wheels have a bright, machined face that's cut on a lathe, usually with painted sections between the spokes. Damage to the machined face normally needs the wheel to be re-cut on a lathe, which isn't something that can be done on a driveway. Send us photos and we'll tell you whether your damage can be repaired on the car or needs a specialist.
When a wheel shouldn't just be cosmetically repaired
If a wheel is cracked, buckled or bent, for example after a heavy pothole strike, it's a safety issue rather than a cosmetic one. Have it checked by a tyre or wheel specialist, as it may need straightening or replacing. Signs to look out for include vibration through the steering wheel, a tyre that keeps losing pressure or a visible bend in the rim.
Alloys and lease returns
Kerbed alloys are one of the most common end of lease charges. The BVRLA fair wear and tear guidelines that most leasing companies follow generally allow scuffs of up to around 50mm in total around the rim, with no damage to the spokes or hub. Anything more is often charged, so it's worth having alloys repaired before handback. Our lease return checklist covers everything else to check.
Frequently asked questions
Does the wheel need to come off the car?
Not usually. Many kerb rash repairs can be done with the wheel on the car, with the tyre protected while we work.
Can you match my wheel colour?
Yes. Silver, grey, black and other finishes are matched to your existing wheels so the repaired area blends in with the rest of the wheel.
Can you repair diamond cut alloys?
Damage to the machined face of a diamond cut wheel usually needs re-cutting on a lathe, which isn't a mobile job. Send us photos and we'll advise on the best option.
