Scuffed Alloys? Why Refurbishing Beats Replacing

There is an old saying in the car world: "Wheels are the shoes of the car." You wouldn't wear a bespoke Italian suit with a pair of muddy, scuffed trainers, would you?

Yet, I see this every day in West Sussex. A customer pays for a "Showroom Reset" detail, the paintwork looks incredible, the glass is crystal clear... but the overall look is let down by four wheels that have been chewed up by kerbs.

The Problem: It's Not Just Cosmetic

Most people think alloy wheel damage is just about looks. While "kerb rash" (those nasty scrapes along the rim) certainly looks bad, there are deeper issues at play:

• Corrosion: Once the paint is chipped, water and road salt get underneath the lacquer. This causes the aluminium to corrode and bubble (often looking like white powder under the paint).
• Air Leaks: If corrosion spreads to the inside of the rim (where the tyre bead sits), it breaks the airtight seal. If you find yourself pumping up your tyres every week, this is likely the cause.
• Lease Penalties: If you are returning a lease car, inspectors charge heavily for wheel damage—often £100+ per wheel.

Painted vs. Diamond Cut: What is the Difference?

Before booking a repair, it is important to know what type of wheels you have, as the repair process differs.

1. Standard Painted Alloys

These are the most common. The whole wheel is painted in one colour (usually Silver, Grey, or Black).
The Fix: We sand down the damage, fill deep gouges, prime, paint, and lacquer. The result is seamless.

2. Diamond Cut Alloys

These have a shiny, bare-metal face (like the back of a CD) often with black or grey insides. They are common on newer Mercedes, BMWs, and Nissans.
The Fix: These require a specialist lathe machine to physically cut a thin layer of metal off the face of the wheel to remove the damage, before re-lacquering. Note: We can arrange this, but it requires specialist equipment.

The "Kerb Appeal" Maths

If you are planning to sell your car, refurbishing your wheels is one of the highest ROI (Return on Investment) things you can do.

Imagine a buyer looking at your car. If the wheels are scuffed, they subconsciously think: "This driver is careless. If they hit kerbs, maybe the suspension is damaged too."

The Numbers: Spending £300 to refurbish a set of wheels can easily add £800–£1,000 to the final sale price of the vehicle. It makes the car look "well-loved" rather than "used."

How It Works (The Professional Way)

We don't just "spray over the dirt." Our specialist partners use a factory-grade process:

1. Preparation: The tyre is masked off or removed to access the full rim.
2. Repair: Deep scratches and gouges are filled and sanded smooth.
3. Priming & Painting: A special etching primer is applied, followed by the base colour.
4. Clear Coat: A high-gloss lacquer is applied to seal the finish and protect against brake dust.

Expert Tip: How to Keep Them Clean

Once your wheels are refurbished, DO NOT use acidic wheel cleaners (like Wonder Wheels). These are too harsh and will strip the new lacquer, leading to corrosion within months.

Instead, use a pH-neutral wheel cleaner (like the ones we use in our Safe Maintenance Wash) and a soft brush. If you keep them sealed, the brake dust will wash off with just water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change the colour?
Yes! If you are bored of Silver, we can respray them Gloss Black, Satin Grey, or any other colour to completely change the look of your car.

Do I need to take the wheels off?
No. Our partners jack up the car and remove the wheels for you. You don't need to lift a finger.