frequently asked questions

alloy wheel repair Faqs

How long does alloy wheel repair take?

Most repairs are completed within 1-2 days, with same-day service available if your vehicle is dropped off early. Complex restorations, such as full wheel refinishing, may take up to a week depending on the damage and finish requirements.

What types of damage can you repair?

We fix a wide range of alloy wheel damage, including:

- Scuffs and curb rash
- Deep gouges
(repaired with TIG welding)
- Cracked or bent wheels (including re-rolling for buckled wheels)
- Corrosion or peeling paint (stripped and refinished)
- Specialty finishes like diamond-cut or powder-coated wheels

Our services cover factory and high-quality aftermarket wheels for brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz (including AMG), Porsche, and Cupra’s copper-accented wheels.

Can bent or cracked alloy wheels be repaired?

Yes, most bent or cracked wheels can be repaired. We assess each wheel to ensure structural integrity using X-rays for severe damage. If repair isn’t safe or cost-effective, we’ll recommend a replacement. Our expertise ensures safe, reliable repairs for your vehicle.

How do you ensure the structural integrity of repaired wheels?

Safety is our priority. We:

- Inspect wheels thoroughly for cracks or stress fractures.
- Use X-ray analysis for severe damage to confirm repair suitability.
- Recommend replacements if a wheel’s integrity is compromised. This ensures your wheels are safe for New Zealand roads, whether they’re factory or aftermarket.

Can you match the original finish of my wheels?

Absolutely! We use:

- Advanced digital spectrometers to scan and match your wheel’s colour.
- An extensive library of factory paint codes for precise colour matching.
- Specialized techniques for diamond-cut, powder-coated, or Cupra copper-accented finishes/ Your wheels will look as good as new, whether they’re BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, or Cupra alloys.

How much does alloy wheel repair cost in NZ?

Costs vary based on damage and finish. Basic repairs, such as scuff or curb rash fixes, start at $175+GST per wheel. More complex repairs (e.g., cracked wheel repair or full refinishing) may cost more. We provide a personalised quote after assessing your wheels to ensure transparency.

Do you offer a warranty on repairs?

Yes, all repairs come with a 12-month or 20,000km warranty (whichever comes first). This covers our workmanship but excludes damage from normal use, such as stone chips or curb scuffs.

Can you repair wheels with corrosion or peeling paint?

Yes, we repair corroded or peeling wheels by:

- Stripping them to the bare alloy using sandblasting or chemical dipping.
- Refinishing with your desired finish (painted, powder-coated, or diamond-cut). Additional costs apply, which we’ll communicate upfront.

Do you provide mobile alloy wheel repair services?

No, we don’t offer mobile repairs to ensure the highest quality. Our Grey Lynn Workshop uses specialized equipment for precise results. To keep you mobile, we offer:

- Free loan wheels fitted in minutes.
- Free loan cars for larger jobs (e.g., all four wheels).

Will repairs affect my vehicle’s balance or alignment?

No, we ensure your vehicle’s performance by:

- Removing and refitting tires during repairs.
- Rebalancing wheels (included in the quoted price).
- Checking and adjusting wheel alignment if needed, especially after impact damage (e.g., potholes).

What precautions should I take after alloy wheel repair?

To maintain your repaired wheels:

- Avoid curb contact to prevent scuffs.
- Don’t use acid-based or caustic wheel cleaners, especially on warm wheels.
- Wait 48 hours before water blasting.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft sponge for best results.

Can you repair previously repaired alloy wheels?

Yes, but prior repairs may require:

- Stripping to the bare alloy.
- Assessing if the wheel can be refinished (e.g., diamond-cut wheels may need powder-coating if over-repaired). We’ll recommend the most cost-effective solution, which may include replacing heavily repaired wheels.

How often should alloy wheels be inspected?

Wheels are typically inspected during:

- Scheduled vehicle maintenance at your service center.
- Annual Warrant of Fitness (WOF) checks. Buckled, cracked, or poorly repaired wheels may fail WOF inspections. We specialize in fixing these issues to keep your vehicle roadworthy.

Is it safe to repair all alloy wheels, including aftermarket or specialty wheels?

Most factory and high-quality aftermarket wheels (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Cupra) can be safely repaired. However, low-quality aftermarket wheels may be prone to warping or cracking and may not be repairable. We’ll assess and advise on the best course of action.

Can you repair mag wheels?

Yes, mag wheels can be repaired, but they require specialized knowledge due to the reactive nature of magnesium alloys. Our team has the expertise and equipment to handle these repairs.

Is it worth repairing curb rash, scuffs, or cracked wheels?

Yes, repairing curb rash, scuffs, or cracks is often worthwhile to:

- Restore your wheels’ appearance.
- Maintain structural integrity and safety.
- Avoid costly replacements (new OEM wheels can cost $1000–$5000 each). Our repairs start at $175+GST, making them a cost-effective solution.

Specialized Services for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Cupra Wheels

We have extensive experience with:

- BMW wheels: Matching specific finishes and specs.
- Mercedes-Benz wheels: Including AMG rims and luxury models.
- Porsche wheels: Superficial repairs per Porsche guidelines (structural damage requires replacement).
- Cupra wheels: Restoring copper-accented finishes with precise color-matching.

How to book your alloy wheel repair

Booking is easy:

- Call us at 09 378 8000.
- Book online via our website.
- Visit our workshop in Grey Lynn, Auckland. We’ll assess your wheels, provide a quote, and schedule a convenient time.