Frequently Asked Questions
How do you repair the aluminum wheels?
How can you work on wheels on site?
How do you differ from other wheel repair companies?
How can you paint wheels in cold or damp weather?
How does your work compare to the original factory finish?
Is there anything we can do to keep our wheels in good shape?
Does the process require tire removal?
Do I need to have my wheels re-balanced after they are repaired?
How much does wheel repair cost?
What are the factors that affect pricing?
We can straighten some bent chrome wheels but repairs to surface damage on chrome wheels is very restricted. When a chrome wheel becomes damaged, there is only a limited amount of cosmetic repair that can be done. This is because there will be an evident separation line between where the chrome ends at the repaired portion of the wheel. In some cases, the repair will be quite satisfactory.
However, in other cases there is no satisfactory procedure to repair the damage short of stripping and re-chroming. In such a case, the only thing that can be done is to repair the damage and then have them re-chromed. Although we CAN do the repairs and then make arrangements through our franchise for re-chroming, it is both a time consuming and costly process. This process takes about three weeks and the cost is around $200.00 per wheel, not including shipping.
How do you repair the aluminum wheels?
Our franchise has training facilities both in Atlanta, Georgia and in Toronto, Ontario. Some of the products and repair procedures we use are proprietary. We use a variety of techniques, depending on the type of damage and the construction of the wheel. For example, machined and polished wheels require different procedures than wheels that have painted finishes.
Our mobile units are equipped with machinery and tooling that is proprietary and we employ repair methods that are patented by the franchise. These methods involve the use of machinery and a variety of abrasives and fillers to repair the damaged area of the wheel. We the damaged area is repaired, we prepare the remaining portion of the aluminum surface for refinishing.
We next use a special surface cleaner and then apply a franchise approved primer to the repaired surface. Next, we apply the base coat. We select the color based on the franchise recommendations. In some cases, we are required to match the base coat color. Our franchise is constantly conducting color match research and we are periodically provided with the latest formulas and color matching techniques.
We apply two coats of the base coat color, where applicable, and then layer a final clearcoat to seal the wheel and provide a beautiful deep shine. We use the highest grade, premium automotive clearcoat available for our final applications.
How can you work on wheels on-site?
Our mobile units are equipped with all the machinery and equipment necessary for on-the-spot repairs. We employ patented techniques using the latest state-of-the-art tooling and have a wide assortment of abrasive products, fillers, primers, paints, color formulas and other materials, which enable us to provide you with first class professional wheel repair services. There is NO mobile system that can do ALL required repairs. If the repair requirements are more than our mobile units can handle at the on-site location, we have backup systems in place. However, that always requires taking the wheel to our shop for further processing.
How do you differ from other wheel repair companies?
We are an international franchise and the most obvious difference is that we do the repairs on-site, which means virtually anywhere. Secondly, our network of Techs, who are operating all over North America, are experiencing new repair situations on a daily basis. The knowledge gained from these experiences are then shared throughout the franchise. Exceptional ideas are reviewed and evaluated by our technical counsel, who approve all of the latest ideas and techniques. These approved procedures are then reported throughout our international association.
In addition, our franchise is involved in research and development to provide us with the latest in wheel repair technology. This not only includes the latest methods, but the most advanced materials. We also share the formulas for matching the most current wheel colors from the factories. All this translates into a more effective and efficient service for you.
As you would expect, most of our wheel repair work is done at automotive related facilities, such as car dealers and vehicle repair businesses. However, since we are a self-contained mobile service, we can be very flexible about the location of our repairs.
In the course of repairing wheels, we have had the pleasure of working in some pretty interesting places. Click here to see a list of some of the places where, believe it or not, we have done wheel repairs.
How can you paint wheels in cold or damp weather?
The weather usually only affects the time it takes to complete the repairs. In cold or damp weather, it takes longer for our products to cure. However, we use appropriate equipment to minimize the effect of the conditions and our repairs are seldom affected. Inside our repair vehicles we make every effort to create an environment that is conducive to our goal of excellence. Although, it is true that a factory controlled atmosphere is better, especially for mass production, our repair procedures and technology enables us to provide you with the best possible finish.
How does your work compare to the original factory finish?
In most cases it is not discernable. However, we do not profess that our repairs are the equivalent of a total remanufacture. No damage repaired wheel will ever be as good as the original product. Even a total remanufacturing process cannot restore a damaged wheel to original factory specs. It is not possible. However, it is possible to come close. In order to restore a used wheel to a condition close to the original factory specs, the entire wheel must be stripped to the bare metal, all low damaged areas must be filled with weld and then the original manufacturing process must then be repeated.
We do not profess that our repairs are the equivalent of a total remanufacture. No repaired wheel will ever be as good as the original product. We guarantee our work 100% against inferior workmanship. If the customer is not completely satisfied, we will redo the wheel free of charge. Our guarantee does not cover damages to wheels resulting from improper care, incorrect assembly, repair or handling, unsuitable wheel weights, use of acidic cleaners, stones chips, abrasions, accidents or other remote impacts
Part of the responsibility of keeping repaired wheels in good condition rests with the owner of those wheels. Good care and maintenance is the key. Certain procedures are required to insure that the finish of the wheels remains in good condition. In order to maintain wheels properly, we offer the same advice to customers as do the manufacturers of premium alloy wheels.
Is
there anything we can do to keep wheels in good shape?
Keep your wheels cleaned and waxed. Hand care is always the best. The use of the correct cleaning products is critical to proper maintenance. Never use an acidic cleaner on your wheels. Any cleaner that uses acid will damage the clearcoat and substrate. It is very important to your wheels with a solution made specifically for aluminum wheels. Quality products such as the one made by Eagle One would be a good choice. Waxing your wheels periodically will help protect the "skin" of the clearcoat from foreign matter build-up. We have been told by many of our customers that Wheel Wax is a quality product made specifically for use on aluminum wheels.
If you must use a car wash, use a "touchless" carwash. Try to avoid car washes with rails that could damage the edges. Always pay close attention to the appearance of your wheels, particularly before and after goin into a car wash or turning your car over to a valet service.
Responsible care and maintenance effort is the key to keeping your expensive wheels in good condition. We offer the same advice to our customers as do the manufacturers of premium alloy wheels.
There are several factors that dictate how long a repair will take. These not only include the extent of damage, but simple things like temperature and humidity, which affect the curing time of the products we use. In general, a repair will take about an hour per wheel.
Does the process require tire removal?
Rarely. If the repair would require tire removal, we will advise you first and then we can make the necessary arrangements. Removal of tires also requires re-balancing of the wheel. We do not remove tires on our mobile repair units.
Do I need to have my wheels re balanced after
they are repaired?
Not usually. Since we do not remove the tire on most repairs, it is not necessary. However, if the repair involves straightening, we do recommend that you have the wheel re-balanced.
How much does wheel repair cost?
Although repair costs depend on the extent of the damage, we have done wheel repair for as little as $50.00 per wheel. Typically, the cost to repair a single wheel will be about $100.00. There are many variables that affect the cost of a repair. There are many things you need to consider before deciding whether to replace or repair your wheel. To learn more about evaluating repair options, click here.
What
are the factors that affect pricing?
Alloy wheels are becoming more expensive every year, some costing over $1,000.00. Replacement is always an option. However, properly done repairs can be done at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Factors that affect the cost of repairs are as follows:
- Type of wheel
- Extent of damage
- Number of wheels to repair
- Scheduling convenience
- Repeat business opportunity
Some of the above items are obvious. However, labor is the biggest factor. It takes the same amount of time to repair a $90 wheel as it does to repair a wheel costing $1,200.00. Obviously, the decision is up to you. To learn more about evaluating repair costs, click here.
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