Kerbed Alloy Wheels: What Can Be Repaired and What Affects the Price

What is kerb rash and is it just cosmetic?

Kerb rash is the name we give to the scuffs and grazes you get when a wheel comes into contact with a kerb. It is usually cosmetic: the lacquer and paint on the face or edge of the alloy have been damaged, but the wheel itself is still structurally sound. For drivers around Manchester, Bury and Bolton, kerb rash is one of the most common things we see. It can happen while parking, clipping a kerb on a narrow street, or catching the edge of a drive-through. If the damage is limited to the surface, it can often be repaired without removing the wheel from the car.

When is kerb damage more than cosmetic?

Not all kerb damage is just a scuff. If you hit a kerb hard, you can bend or buckle the wheel, or even crack it. A buckled wheel may cause vibration through the steering wheel, or you might notice the tyre losing pressure. A crack is a clear safety issue. In these cases, the wheel needs to be properly assessed. We can check for buckles and cracks, and if we find one, we will tell you honestly whether it can be repaired or whether the wheel should be replaced. We will never compromise on safety.

What does a mobile alloy wheel repair involve?

Our mobile service covers Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and West Yorkshire. We come to your home or workplace and repair the wheel on site. For a typical kerb scuff, we clean the area, remove any loose material, fill and sand the damage, then repaint and relacquer the wheel to match the original finish. Many SMART repairs are finished in around two hours. If the damage is more extensive, or the wheel needs to go into a booth for a perfect finish, we can carry out the work at our body shop in Radcliffe. The same team works both mobile and in the workshop, so you get the same standard either way.

What affects the price of an alloy wheel repair?

We do not publish prices because every job is different, but here are the main things that affect the cost:

• Type and extent of damage: A small scuff on one wheel is quicker to repair than deep gouges or damage on several wheels.
• Wheel size and design: Larger wheels and complex spoke designs take more time to mask and finish.
• Finish: Standard silver is usually the most straightforward. Diamond-cut, two-tone or special finishes can take longer and may need specialised equipment.
• Whether the wheel can be repaired on site: If we can do the repair mobile, it saves you time. If the wheel needs to go into the booth, that can affect the price.
• Access: If the wheel is difficult to access, for example if the car is parked tightly against a wall, it can add time.

We always give you a free, no-obligation quote before any work starts, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Can buckled or cracked wheels be repaired?

Some buckles and cracks can be repaired, but it depends on the severity and the wheel. A minor buckle might be straightened, and a small crack might be welded, but this is specialist work. In some cases, it is safer and more cost-effective to replace the wheel. We will assess the damage and give you an honest recommendation. If we do not think a repair is safe, we will tell you.

How long does a repair take?

Many SMART repairs are finished in around two hours. That includes mobile repairs. If the wheel needs to go into our Radcliffe body shop, it may take longer, and we will give you a realistic timescale when we quote.

Why choose us for alloy wheel repair?

We have been trading since 2008, and every repair carries a guarantee. Our body shop is at Unit C, The Yard, Rear of Constellation Mill, Radcliffe, M26 4AD. We are open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 20:00 and Saturday 09:00 to 16:00, closed Sunday. Our mobile service covers Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and West Yorkshire. We are happy to serve drivers in Manchester, Bury, Bolton and the surrounding areas.

How to get a quote

If you have kerb damage or you are not sure whether your wheel is safe, send us a few photos of the damage with your enquiry. We reply within 24 hours and quotes are free and without obligation. You can send photos through the website, and we will get back to you with a clear, honest assessment and a price. No pressure, just practical advice.