Car Wheel Repair

Yes, most curb-damaged alloy wheels can be fully repaired. The repair process involves: sanding and smoothing the damaged area, filling deeper gouges with specialized alloy filler, reshaping the wheel edge to match the original profile, priming and painting with color-matched automotive paint, and applying clear coat for durability and shine. The result is typically indistinguishable from the original finish. Severely damaged wheels with structural issues may require additional work or replacement, which we'll assess during inspection.

Signs of a bent wheel include: vibration in the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds, vibration felt through the seat or floor, tire that repeatedly loses air pressure, visible wobble when viewing the spinning wheel, uneven or abnormal tire wear patterns, and the car pulling to one side. Even minor bends can cause noticeable vibrations. If you've hit a pothole or curb hard, it's worth having your wheels inspected. We can measure wheel runout precisely to determine if straightening is needed.

Yes, when performed correctly by qualified technicians using proper equipment, wheel straightening is safe. Our process: uses hydraulic machines that apply controlled, gradual pressure, includes careful inspection for cracks before and after straightening, measures runout with precision instruments to ensure proper geometry, and stress-relieves the metal to restore structural integrity. However, not all wheels can be safely straightened. Severely bent wheels, cracked wheels, or certain wheel designs may not be candidates for straightening. We'll honestly assess whether your wheel can be safely repaired.

Diamond-cut (also called diamond-turned) wheels have a machined finish created on a CNC lathe, giving them a distinctive bright, reflective appearance with fine machining lines. Repairing these wheels requires: CNC lathe machining to remove surface damage and restore the factory finish, careful programming to match the original cut pattern, application of protective clear lacquer over the machined surface. This process differs from painted wheel repair and requires specialized equipment. We have the CNC capability to restore diamond-cut wheels to their original factory appearance.

Repair time varies by type of work needed: Curb rash repair (per wheel): 2-4 hours, often same-day. Wheel straightening: 1-2 hours per wheel. Complete refinishing (per wheel): 24-48 hours (including curing time). Diamond-cut restoration: 2-3 days. Wheel balancing: 15-30 minutes per wheel. Wheel alignment: 45-90 minutes. For complete wheel refinishing, we recommend allowing 2-3 days for best results, as proper curing of primers, paint, and clear coat is essential for durability. We can often provide loaner wheels if needed.

Many cracked wheels can be repaired using TIG welding, but it depends on: crack location — cracks in the barrel or between spokes are often repairable; cracks through spokes or at mounting points may not be safe to repair. Crack severity — hairline cracks are easier to repair; extensive or multiple cracks may indicate structural fatigue. Wheel material — cast aluminum wheels are commonly repairable; some forged or multi-piece wheels require specialized techniques. After welding, the wheel is machined, inspected, and refinished. We'll assess your specific wheel and provide honest advice on whether repair is advisable or if replacement is the safer option.

Powder coating applies dry powder that's electrostatically charged and then cured in an oven at high temperatures. It creates an extremely durable, chip-resistant finish that's ideal for wheels. Benefits: superior durability, even coverage, environmentally friendly, excellent chemical resistance. Limitations: limited color-matching ability, requires complete stripping. Wet painting uses liquid automotive paint sprayed in multiple coats with clear coat. Benefits: precise OEM color matching, can repair small areas without refinishing entire wheel, more finish options (metallic, pearl, custom). Limitations: slightly less durable than powder coating. We recommend powder coating for solid colors and wet paint when exact color matching is required.

Wheel repair costs vary by damage and service type: Curb rash repair (minor): AED 150-300 per wheel. Curb rash repair (moderate to severe): AED 300-500 per wheel. Wheel straightening: AED 200-400 per wheel. Complete refinishing: AED 400-800 per wheel. Diamond-cut restoration: AED 500-1,000 per wheel. Wheel balancing: AED 50-100 per wheel. Wheel alignment (4-wheel): AED 200-400. Luxury and oversized wheels typically cost more due to size and complexity. Compare these costs to replacement: OEM wheels often cost AED 2,000-8,000+ each. Repair is almost always more economical.

We recommend wheel alignment: Every 15,000-20,000 km as preventive maintenance, after hitting a significant pothole or curb, when installing new tires, if the car pulls to one side, if you notice uneven tire wear, after suspension or steering repairs, and after any collision repair. Dubai's roads and frequent speed bumps can knock alignment out of spec. Regular alignment checks prevent premature tire wear (which costs much more than alignment) and ensure safe, predictable handling.

For run-flat tires: Limited repair is possible depending on puncture location and size. Damage to sidewalls (common if driven while flat) typically requires replacement. Manufacturer guidelines must be followed. For wheels on run-flat systems: Standard repair processes apply, but extra care is needed because run-flat systems place higher stress on wheels. We inspect for stress cracks and damage that might not be visible. Proper bead seat surface is critical for run-flat tire sealing. We'll assess both your tire and wheel to determine what repairs are possible and safe.