Bodywork cost guide

Alloy wheel refurbishment cost in the UK

One kerb is all it takes. Refurbishing alloys is one of the cheapest ways to make a car look years younger, and it matters at lease return time when kerbing is charged per wheel.

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Typical UK alloy refurb prices

Prices are per wheel unless stated. Mobile repairs are cheapest for light kerbing; a full strip and powder coat at a unit gives the most durable finish.

JobTypical UK cost
Mobile kerb scuff repair, one wheel£50 to £90
Full refurbishment, painted finish, per wheel£70 to £120
Powder coated refurbishment, per wheel£90 to £150
Diamond cut refurbishment, per wheel£110 to £180
Full set of four, painted or powder coated£280 to £500
Full set of four, diamond cut£400 to £600
Colour change or two-tone finish, per wheel£100 to £200

What affects the cost

Finish type

Standard painted and powder coated wheels are the cheapest. Diamond cut wheels have to go on a lathe to re-cut the face, then be lacquered, which costs more and can only be done a limited number of times.

Wheel size and design

Big 20 and 21 inch wheels with intricate multi-spoke designs take far longer to prepare than a simple 16 inch five-spoke.

Damage severity

Light kerbing is a straightforward repair. Gouges, buckles and corrosion under the lacquer mean welding, straightening or a full strip, all of which add cost.

Mobile or workshop

Mobile repairs are convenient and fine for a single scuff. A workshop refurb with tyres removed gives a better, longer-lasting result, especially on corroded wheels.

When to refurbish your alloys

  • Kerb scuffing along the rim edge showing bare silver metal.
  • Lacquer peeling or milky white corrosion spreading from the rim.
  • Persistent slow puncture caused by corrosion on the bead seat.
  • A buckled wheel causing vibration through the steering wheel.
  • Before selling or returning a lease car, where each kerbed wheel is chargeable.

How to pay a fair price

Nearly every refurbisher discounts a set of four against single-wheel prices, so if two are kerbed it is often worth doing all four for consistency. Comparing local quotes typically saves £80 to £150 on a set.

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Frequently asked questions

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