Alloy Wheel Refurbishment FAQ

Here is a selection of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us and we'll be happy to answer it.

"Why use The Wheel Specialist rather than a mobile repair service?"

The Wheel Specialist offer a TOTAL all over, specialist refurbishment that mobile alloy wheel repair services cannot offer, for a similar price to what they will charge for a temporary, cosmetic, touch up job. The finishes at The Wheel Specialist give an all over coating and are tougher and longer lasting and will last you for years to come. Mobile services cannot prepare the wheel as thoroughly or strip off old coatings prior to refurbishment so it is impossible for a mobile to achieve the same finish as The Wheel Specialist. In most cases they don't even remove the tyre, they just mask it off. Just read the rest of our frequently asked questions below and you will see the difference!

"What process do you use to refurbish alloy wheels?"

In 99.9% of cases we fully refurbish the wheels with the tyres off, though we can if you wish do a cosmetic “touch up” job. See our alloy wheel refurbishment procedure for more detail.

"Will my wheels look as good as new?"

If you were to closely compare a wheel that we have refurbished to a brand new wheel, you’d be able to see a difference, but otherwise to all intents and purposes your wheels will look as good as new.

The quality of the finish however does depend on the condition of the wheels (see our Terms & Conditions), though we do guarantee to improve your wheels.

"Can you refurbish any make of wheel?"

Almost certainly, although there are so many manufacturers that there are bound to be some makes that we haven’t yet refurbished. If your wheels are unusual in any way, send us a photograph and details (make, diameter, composition - alloy, steel, or magnesium - and finish required) and we’ll let you know.

"Can you refurbish split rims?"

There are 2 main types of split rim wheel, firstly a 3 piece split rim - these can be refurbished but must be broken down into the 3 sections prior to the refurbishment. The second type are cosmetic split rims - these can vary regarding their suitability for refurbishment. Please contact us to discuss your specific type of wheels.

Do remember though we can of course re-coat or re-polish the edges of split rims without having to break down the wheel.

"Do refurbished wheels add value to a car?"

It will depend to some extent on the age, make and model of the car and the type of wheel, but in most cases the answer is yes, because newly-refurbished wheels will greatly improve the overall appearance of the car. The higher the value of the car to start with, the greater the chance that refurbishing the wheels will increase its value. Many car traders have said that their customers see the condition of the wheels on a car as an indication of how the car has been treated so therefore having the wheels refurbished can get the car sold quicker.

"How long does the process take?"

Alloys booked in for refurbishment by appointment can be turned around in a working day subject to the following:

The wheels must be delivered to us early in the day (ask for times)
You require a standard finish (see our Wheel Finishes page)
Your wheels are not larger than 18in diameter (alloys over 18in we need for 48 hours to process)
We need to confirm this upon receiving the alloys

All other alloys are usually ready for the next working day, unless having bespoke finishes.

"Can chromed alloys be re-chromed?"

Sorry, it is impossible to re-chrome alloys in this country or even in Europe, due to legislation involving the chemical process.

The only option for chromed alloys that are scuffed / tarnished is to re painted / powdercoated by specially preparing the surface, and carefully painting with some of the black / chrome effect powders / colours. Please ask for individual quote for refurbishing chrome alloys.

"Do you coat steel wheels?"

Yes, we can coat all steel wheels & also components i.e. drums, hubs, suspension parts, under body components and engine bay components.

"What colours can you do?"

We have a range of finishes that we are frequently asked for (see our Wheel Finishes page), but we can paint your wheels any colour that you want – if it’s not in our normal colour range there will be an additional charge, and we will need advanced notice to obtain or mix the colour that you want. We cannot guarantee same day turnaround for non-standard colours (see our Terms & Conditions).

"Can you match my centre caps?"

We can paint a similar colour in a wet paint on plastic caps, and powdercoat metal caps but it is important that they are in good condition in order for us to refurbish your centre caps.

"Do the wheels have to be delivered off the vehicle?"

We can accept wheels off the vehicle, with or without tyres, and you can also leave your vehicle with us for the day. Either way you need to book your wheels in beforehand, if you want same day turnaround (subject to our Terms & Conditions). The more notice you can give us the better, as we have a limited number of spaces for customers’ vehicles.

"Do you replace valves?"

Yes, we supply new valves with all refurbished alloy wheels fitted to tyres. We can also supply chromed valves / flush valves if required, please ask for details.

"Can you supply and fit tyres?"

Yes, if you let us know in advance the tyre size, speed rating, and preferred make (if applicable). We don’t stock tyres, but we can source most makes at very competitive prices usually within 48 hours, and often the same day.

"Can you supply locking wheel nuts?"

Yes, we can supply locking wheel nuts, please pre-request this before booking your alloys in for refurbishment.

"Do you provide a courier Service ?"

No, we do not provide a courier service but this can easily be arranged by the customer. For example an average quote for collection and delivery UK Mainland: 4 alloys, tyres off, under 40kg: £60 + vat return. The four alloys must be packaged as two parcels.

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment