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Alloy Wheel Repair

There is no easier and more effective way to improve the look of your vehicle than by purchasing a set of aftermarket wheels.

Depending on the brand and sizes that you’re after, wheels can range from reasonably affordable to over $1000 a wheel and unfortunately, because of their proximity to the ground, they’re always going to be at risk of being damaged.

If you have a damaged wheel on your vehicle, it’s usually worth bringing your vehicle into a wheel and tyre store that offers repairs, such as your nearest Donnellans store.

Common Types of Wheel Damage

There are 4 common types of damage that alloy wheels often experience, and we have options available to suit all of them.

In many cases, wheels can be repaired safely and economically. However, because of the stresses that the wheels on your vehicle undergo, it’s crucial that wheels either by repaired properly, or replaced altogether.

Bends

Bends typically affect the inside edge of the wheel or the lip around the outside of the wheel, and are often caused by potholes, or impacts with debris on the road.

A bent wheel will be felt through the car as a vibration that increases with vehicle speed, and occurs regardless of whether the brakes are applied or not.

With bent wheels, the tyre is removed and inspected for hidden cracks and damage that could render the wheel irreparable, before the wheel is straightened with powerful hydraulic tools to reform the wheel.

Curb Damage

Arguably the most common type of wheel damage is curb damage, also known as gutter rash. Gutter rash refers to alloy wheel damage either along the edge or on the most exposed parts of an alloy wheel, which affect the face of the wheel where the damage is visible.

When assessing curb damage, the rest of the wheel is checked for bends and other damage that may complicate, or prevent a successful repair.

Gutter rash on alloy wheel, including clear coat damage

Gutter rash can be corrected by smoothing the area out using a combination of sanding and filling with a suitable alloy filler, before the area is primed and the wheel is recoated with a fresh finish.

Corrosion

Due to the delicate nature of painted finishes, as well as corrosive brake dust and harsh cleaning chemicals, it’s not uncommon for wheels (even factory fitted wheels) to encounter issues with poor cleaning and maintenance.

Once corrosion and clear coat ‘spidering’ (as it’s called) starts, the only way to prevent it getting worse is by stripping and recoating the wheels. Fortunately, corrosion in alloy wheels is usually just a cosmetic issue, and won’t affect the strength of the wheel.

Cracks

In many cases, cracks to alloy wheels are caused by heavy impacts with curbs, potholes, debris on the road, automotive accidents and more rarely, material defects.

Firstly, if a crack makes it all the way to the lip of the wheel and appears in the tyre seat, the wheel is not able to be safely repaired, and should either be scrapped and replaced, or turned into a hose reel or wall ornament.

Cracks and damage to wheel spokes is also irreparable.

If a crack is deemed repairable, the wheel is first stripped of coatings, and thoroughly cleaned, before the crack is TIG or MIG welded, before the wheel is heat treated to minimise future cracking.

Donnellans offer Alloy Wheel Repair Services

We don’t just stop at wheel repairs, reach out today if you’re looking for wheel refinishing services including powder coating, painting a fresh colour, or just touching up some curb damage, bring your wheels into us for an inspection.

We have four convenient locations across the greater South-East Melbourne region, find your nearest store below.