When you think about your car’s appearance, performance, and safety, the wheels play a far bigger role than most drivers realize. Alloy wheels, in particular, are a defining feature, combining strength, style, and efficiency into one sleek package.
Over time, however, alloy wheels can suffer damage from curbs, potholes, corrosion, and road debris, spoiling their look and even compromising your vehicle’s safety.
At Falcon Mobile Tyres, we specialize in professional alloy wheel refurbishment in Kent and South East London, helping drivers restore their wheels to showroom condition without the hefty price tag of buying new.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about alloy wheels, the refurbishment process, why it’s important, and why Falcon Mobile Tyres is the trusted choice for local drivers.
What Are Alloy Wheels?
Alloy wheels are crafted from a blend (or “alloy”) of metals, primarily aluminium or magnesium, rather than traditional steel. This advanced construction offers several critical advantages:
- Lighter weight: Improves fuel efficiency, handling, and braking.
- Greater strength: Reduces the risk of cracks and deformation under pressure.
- Superior heat conduction: Helps to cool your brakes faster during high-performance driving.
- Stylish design: Allows for intricate, modern, and custom shapes that steel simply can’t match.
Originally a luxury feature found only on sports cars and premium vehicles, alloy wheels are now standard on most modern vehicles due to their many benefits.
Why Do Alloy Wheels Get Damaged?
Despite their strength, alloy wheels aren’t invincible. Everyday driving hazards can cause:
- Curb damage: Scratches, scuffs, and chips from parking mishaps.
- Pothole strikes: Leading to cracks, dents, or buckled rims.
- Corrosion: Caused by road salt, water, and brake dust.
- General wear and tear: Surface fading, pitting, and peeling over time.
Left untreated, damage to alloy wheels doesn’t just hurt your car’s appearance, but also tyre sealing, braking performance, and the structural safety of the wheel itself. That’s why refurbishment is so important, and why choosing an experienced service provider like Falcon Mobile Tyres ensures the job is done right.
The Full Process of Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
At Falcon Mobile Tyres, we use a systematic, high-standard process to refurbish your alloy wheels, ensuring flawless results and long-lasting performance.
Here’s exactly what happens during professional alloy wheel refurbishment:
1. Initial Inspection and Damage Assessment
First, we carry out a detailed inspection:
- Checking for flat spots, cracks, dents, and buckles.
- Using precision wheel balancing equipment.
- Documenting any serious issues (with videos sent to you).
If repairs like crack welding or buckle straightening are needed, we quote transparently before proceeding, keeping you fully informed.
2. Tyre Removal and Wheel Preparation
- Tyres are safely removed and labelled.
- Centre caps, valves, and old balancing weights are taken off.
- Adhesive residues from previous weights are thoroughly cleaned.
We treat your vehicle with the utmost care at every stage, ensuring nothing is misplaced or damaged.
3. Chemical Paint Stripping and Surface Cleaning
Next, your wheels are fully submerged in a chemical stripping tank, removing:
- Old paint layers.
- Sealants.
- Dirt, corrosion, and brake dust embedded into the surface.
This thorough cleaning exposes any hidden defects and prepares the wheels for repair.
4. Repairing Damage (Curb Rash, Cracks, Buckles)
- Curb damage is sanded out or filled.
- Deep gouges may require specialist TIG welding.
- Cracks are professionally welded to restore structural integrity.
- Buckles are straightened using hydraulic presses.
Every repair is tested to ensure full road safety compliance.
5. Shot Blasting
The wheels are then shot blasted:
- Removing all remaining contaminants.
- Providing a textured surface (“keying”) ideal for new paint adhesion.
We blast the entire wheel, not just the face, ensuring consistent quality inside and out.
6. Priming, Painting, and Lacquering
Using the same OEM-grade German materials used by brands like McLaren and Aston Martin, we apply:
- A tough powder coat primer for corrosion resistance.
- A wet sprayed colour of your choice (standard, metallic, candy, matte, or custom shades).
- A clear powder coat acrylic lacquer, the most durable on the market.
Each layer is oven-cured between coats for maximum strength and a flawless finish.
7. Tyre Refit and Final Balancing
- Tyres are refitted carefully to avoid marking your freshly refurbished wheels.
- Wheels are balanced using colour-matched balancing weights (black for dark wheels, grey for silver/light wheels).
- Final inspection ensures every wheel meets our rigorous quality standards.
You receive your wheels looking stunning, and ready to perform like new.
What Finishes Are Available?
At Falcon Mobile Tyres, we offer a wide range of alloy wheel finishes, including:
- Standard powder coating in silver, black, grey, or custom colours.
- Diamond Cut Alloy Refurbishment for that distinctive, two-tone, mirror-like finish.
- Satin and Matte Finishes for a stealthy, contemporary look.
- Gloss Finishes for a deep, lustrous shine.
- Custom Colours for full personalisation: stand out on Kent and London’s roads!
No matter your style preference, we can match or enhance your original wheel finish perfectly.
Why Choose Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Instead of Buying New Wheels?
✅ Cost-effective: Refurbishment is typically 70–80% cheaper than replacing your wheels.
✅ Faster: You don’t have to wait weeks for new wheels to be ordered and delivered.
✅ Eco-friendly: Extends the lifespan of existing wheels, reducing waste and manufacturing emissions.
✅ Customisable: Offers the chance to upgrade to a new colour or finish.
And most importantly, your wheels will look as good as new when you trust the experts at Falcon Mobile Tyres.
Average Costs of Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
Here’s a rough guide based on common refurbishment types:
| Type | Estimated Cost (Per Wheel) |
| Standard Alloy Refurbishment | £50–£120 |
| Diamond Cut Alloy Refurbishment | £120–£200 |
| Crack Welding Repair | £30–£70 extra |
| Buckle Straightening | £30–£60 extra |
| Powder Coating Custom Colour | +£50–£100 (depending on design) |
Falcon Mobile Tyres offers competitive pricing with no hidden fees, and we always quote before starting any extra work.
Alloy Wheel Refurbishment FAQs
Q: How long does refurbishment take?
A: Most jobs take 1–2 working days depending on damage and finish complexity.
Q: Can all alloy wheels be refurbished?
A: Most can. However, if the wheel is severely cracked, heavily corroded, or distorted, replacement may be safer.
Q: How long will the finish last?
A: With proper care, refurbished wheels can last years, just like brand-new factory wheels.
Q: Do refurbished wheels look as good as new?
A: Yes! With Falcon Mobile Tyres’ expert service and premium materials, most customers can’t tell the difference between new and refurbished.
Why Choose Falcon Mobile Tyres for Alloy Wheel Refurbishment in Kent and South East London?
- 🚗 Trusted Local Experts
Proudly serving Kent and South East London with 5-star rated mobile services. - 🚗 OEM-Grade Materials
Only the best German paints, lacquers, and primers. - 🚗 Fast Turnaround
We know your time is valuable, most wheels are ready within 48 hours. - 🚗 Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges, no surprises. - 🚗 Passionate Craftsmanship
We treat every wheel as if it were our own, delivering nothing less than excellence.
Book Your Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Today
Ready to restore your car’s looks, safety, and value?
Falcon Mobile Tyres is the #1 choice for alloy wheel refurbishment in Kent and South East London.
– Fast, expert service
– OEM-quality finishes
– Affordable prices
Bring your alloys back to life!
