Alloy Wheel Repair
Let’s Talk About Your Alloys
Alloy wheels offer options that traditional steel wheels simply cannot. Thus, they can add a unique appearance to your transportation. However, if you sustain collision or road hazard damage, the wheels themselves may need an updated look. When this happens, count on the I-CAR Gold certified technicians at Brown Collision Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, for alloy wheel repair. Since 1982, they’ve been performing superior work that’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
All About Alloys
You like their appearance, but do you know what makes an alloy wheel unique? Comparing and contrasting a traditional steel wheel with the more modern alloy is helpful in understanding exactly what constitutes this version. Both wheels, of course, hold tires, connect to axles, and keep your car rolling. The traditional wheel is most often made of an iron and carbon mixture. Pieces are cut on a press and welding together to form the wheel. Therefore, they have a very basic, functional design that can be chromed, painted, or powder coated. The design makes them very durable, so they are not easily scratched or dented by the everyday debris found along a roadway. When they do sustain damage, the old style wheels are reasonably easy to repair. Alloy wheels (also called aluminum wheels), in contrast, are cast by pouring melted aluminum into the desired shape mold. This process greatly increases the number of options for appearance. In fact, this method is responsible for the appearance of various shapes and configurations of spoked wheels in the auto market. Beyond their updated appearances, alloy wheels have the advantage of being lightweight and, therefore, fuel efficient. They’re also available in a number of finishes (bare polished, clear coated, chromed, powder coated, painted, or PVD coated) to suit owners’ tastes. As great as they are, there are also some drawbacks to the aluminum wheels. The construction material is not as tough, making them more susceptible to denting and scratching as they encounter road debris. Alloys usually cost more at initial purchase and may require additional time and expense to maintain, particularly if you drive where road deicers are used, choose chrome, or select the bare polished option. Even so, they’re the go-to wheels for many care enthusiasts, especially those who participate in car shows.
Superior Alloy Wheel Repair
If your unique alloy wheels have sustained damage–whether from a collision or general driving conditions–wheel repair can help them perform as they should and look great again. For wheel repair services, bring your vehicle to Brown Collision Center.