Alloy is an excellent material for a car’s wheel because it can withstand a wide variety of damages. However, your wheels will inevitably need to get treated to make sure that your car looks presentable and to avoid the deterioration of your rim’s form. There are different methods when it comes to refurbishing your alloy wheels. Nevertheless, the right treatment will depend on what the damage is.
Treating alloy wheel damages
Typical damages that a car owner should watch out for are scratching, rim scuffs, and even corrosion. Whether you’re driving your vehicle through an asphalt road or rocky rural terrain, you’ll eventually see that your alloy wheels will experience wear and tear. Thankfully, the alloy is robust enough that it doesn’t always have to be replaced after being damaged.
If you’re looking for effective ways to refurbish your wheels, here are three treatments that you should try out:
1. Scruff repair treatment
If your alloy wheels’ damages are only minor scratches, a scruff repair treatment can fix it without going through a rigorous process. First, the wheel is lathered with a cleaning liquid to remove the dirt and grease on the rim. Then, high-grade sandpaper is used to smoothen the alloy. After this step, it’s wiped clean with a cloth to remove the remaining contaminants on the surface.
The damaged areas are then filled with fillers, metal-reinforced spot potty, and evened out to avoid any uneven lumps. After letting it dry for two hours, you can finally sand it again to have a smoother finish.
2. Powder cutting treatment
Through this method, the wheel must be removed from the car during the refurbishing process. By using an alloy wheel cleaner, the wheel is degreased and is then sandblasted. This is performed at a high velocity to clean the tougher particles on the surface. The wheel is then degreased once more using a cleaner after sandblasting. Next, its rim is heated inside an industrial oven to release the gasses that were present before the finishing process.
As the method’s name implies, powder coating is applied on the wheel, which is then heated again until it forms a gel-like consistency on its surface. Finally, it is polished to bring back its former shine.
3. Diamond cutting treatment
Diamond-cut alloy wheels have a glossy finish that can give your car a luxurious look. However, one major drawback is that it can’t be repaired by yourself. You will need to go to an auto shop to perform a diamond cutting treatment that has a functioning lathe for its repair. It’s a multi-purpose machine that performs different operations, such as turning, cutting, sanding, and drilling.
First, your wheel needs to be removed from your vehicle before the paint is removed through the lathe. It’s then applied with a coat of powder and kept for drying. Afterwards, the machine is used to cut a thin layer from the alloy for repairs. The final step requires the alloy wheel to be treated in an industrial oven for the refurbishing to take effect.
Conclusion
Alloy wheels are a great investment if you don’t want to replace your car’s parts frequently. Although they may be made of sturdy material, you should always remember to keep them well-maintained by anticipating and treating damage from the elements and the environment.
When it comes to caring for your vehicle, you should always leave its treatment to professionals. If you’re looking for professional alloy wheel refurbishments in Essex, visit our Wicked Rims branch today to experience expert treatment and service for your vehicle!