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Alloy Wheel Repair vs Replacement Cost
Alloy wheels add style and practicality to any vehicle, but they are vulnerable to damage from curbs, scratches, and road hazards. If your alloy wheels lose their shine, you have a choice: repair or replace them. This guide breaks down cost factors and repair options to help you decide based on your vehicle’s needs and budget.
When Are Replacements Necessary?
While most cosmetic damage can be repaired, there are times when replacement is the only safe option. Severe structural damage, such as cracks or splits in the wheel, compromises safety, while chrome or high-polished finishes require specialised treatments not available through Touch Up Guys.
For minor scuffs and scratches, repairing your wheels:
- Is significantly cheaper than replacements, especially for high-end or customised wheels.
- Reduces waste and the need for new materials, lowering your carbon footprint.
- Usually takes just a few hours, while ordering and fitting new wheels can take days or weeks.
Cost of Repair vs Replacement
Replacing alloy wheels is expensive, ranging from $350 to $3,000 per wheel depending on brand and size. This means that a full set could cost up to a staggering $12,000!
On the other hand, alloy wheel repairs are a practical option to restore your wheels without breaking the bank. Generally costing between $195 and $330 per wheel, or in other words less than your insurance excess, though this cost can vary.
Factors Influencing Alloy Wheel Repair Costs
The type of finish and the profile of the wheel play a significant role in determining how labour-intensive the repair will be. Painted wheels often need careful colour matching and repainting to blend seamlessly with the rest of the wheel, which can be time-consuming depending on the damage, machined wheels, on the other hand, may require precise refinishing with specialised equipment to restore their unique texture. Polished wheels need meticulous scratch removal and buffing or specialised treatment to bring back their shine, and any missteps can easily damage the polished surface.
Additionally, wheels with intricate or complex profiles require more detailed work, including precise sanding and careful refinishing of hard-to-reach areas. This additional effort significantly increases the labour time, which in turn adds to the overall cost. It’s also important to note that Touch Up Guys cannot repair chrome and high-polished alloy wheels, as these types demand specific treatments that fall outside of our scope of services.
This is just the types of wheels, the extent of damage is another major factor influencing repair costs. Minor scratches or curb rash are typically quick and affordable to repair, as they only affect the surface layer of the wheel. However, more significant damage that impacts larger portions of the wheel, or penetrates deeper into the material will require more refinishing and, in some cases, if the wheel is significantly damaged, it may not be repairable by Touch Up Guys and could need a full replacement. The best way to find out how much it’ll cost to repair your rims is with a free accurate quote.
Don’t Need a Full Replacement for Your Wheels?
The decision between repair and replacement depends on the damage and your budget. For minor scuffs and scratches, repair is often the most economical solution. For serious structural damage or specialised finishes, replacement may be necessary.
With Touch Up Guys, you get high-quality, affordable alloy wheel repairs done at your convenience. Contact us today to restore your wheels to their original condition. Call 1300 286 824 or complete our online form to get started.
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