Alloy Wheel Refurbishment in Tyne and Wear

Alloy wheels take a beating. Kerbs, brake dust, road salt and years of weather wear the finish down until the wheels let the whole car look tired. Refurbishment is the process of stripping that damaged finish and rebuilding it.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn, alloy wheel refurbishment is part of our alloy wheel service, alongside repairs, painting and straightening. This page explains what is involved so you know what to expect.

When refurbishment makes sense

Refurbishment suits wheels that are structurally sound but cosmetically worn. If the wheel is bent, cracked or leaking air, that is a different problem and we deal with it first, or tell you it cannot go further.

It is also worth considering when you are selling a vehicle, or when a set of wheels has the same tired finish all round and you want them to match again.

• Kerb scuffs and scraped rims
• Flaking lacquer or bubbling paint
• White corrosion or pitting on the surface
• Baked-on brake dust that will not clean off
• Faded or inconsistent finish between wheels

What the process involves

The wheel is taken off the vehicle and the tyre is removed so the whole wheel can be worked on. The old finish is stripped back and the surface inspected for damage. Gouges are filled and smoothed, and corrosion is dealt with.

The wheel is then primed, painted in the chosen colour and sealed with lacquer. The finish needs time to cure before the tyre goes back on and the wheel returns to the car. Ask us what timescale to expect for your set.

What affects the outcome and the cost

The condition of the wheel is the biggest factor. Light wear is straightforward, while deep gouges and heavy corrosion need more preparation. Wheel size, design and the number of wheels all influence the work involved.

The finish you choose counts as well. Matching the original is simpler than a change of colour or a more complex two-tone design. We explain what drives your estimate before work begins.

Checking the wheel before you commit

A good finish on a damaged wheel is wasted. If the wheel has been hit hard, it may be bent or cracked beneath the surface. Cracks are a safety matter, and a cracked wheel may not be repairable at all, depending on the inspection.

If you feel vibration at speed or keep losing tyre pressure, mention it when you bring the wheels in. We would rather find that out at the start.