Alloy wheels refurbishment has become a common activity among car owners across Manchester. The process mainly exists to ensure that a car’s wheels are in good condition. Over the years, your alloy wheels can become damaged or tired due to things like kerb scrapes, corrosion and general wear and tear.
By refurbishing them, they can be brought back to their former glory (or modified to look even better). However, one common question that arises is, how long does refurbishing alloy wheels in Manchester take?
Refurbishing your alloy wheels in Manchester doesn’t take long so one might not even have to plan around it. That said, you might still need to plan your schedule to make it possible. This includes the damage extent, the finish type, the refurbishment method and the service provider’s workload. Usually, it may take a few hours to a few days on average depending on various factors.
### Stages and Methods of Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
#### Assessment
First in the alloy wheel refurbishment preparation is the assessment of the wheel. It is a more complete check that will help them see how much it is damaged and how to refurbish. In Manchester, many provide a free assessment of your wheel damage for you to understand the condition of your wheels and get a quote.
#### Wheel Removal
Next up is removing the wheels from the car once the assessment is done. This assessment usually takes a short amount of time, mostly half an hour or an hour. The duration for this process mostly takes around 15 to 30 minutes unless the service user has a complex vehicle and more wheels for refurbishing.
#### Cleaning
After the wheels are taken off, the wheels are cleaned up from dirt, grease, and brake dust. This is important so that the refurbishment materials stick to the wheels. It can take 30 minutes to an hour for the cleaning process. The actual refurbishment can take a varying amount of time.
### Refurbishment Methods
There are various ways to refurbish alloy wheels and each takes a different time.
#### Powder Coating
One of the most common techniques is powder coating. This involves applying a dry powder on the wheel surface and then baking it in an oven. The powder coating method has gained popularity due to its durability and choice of colors. It takes roughly one to two days for powder coating after considering the preparation process, coating procedure, and curing time.
#### Diamond Cutting
Another method is diamond cutting, which entails using a lathe to peel away a thin layer of metal. Wheels with complicated patterns usually use this method, or those wanting a shiny finish often opt for this. Diamond cutting usually takes longer than powder coating and can run anywhere between 48 hours to 72 hours. This is because the process is very precise and relies heavily on skill and experience.
#### Mobile Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
For minor damage, like a scratch or some curb damage, a mobile alloy wheel refurbishment service might be an option. The convenience of onsite repairs, completed in as little as a few hours, is offered by these services. This is a pretty convenient option for busy people, as there is no need to leave the vehicle at a workshop.
### Other Factors Affecting Time
Besides the refurbishing method, the repairer’s workload can also vary and affect the time taken for you. In Manchester, alloy wheel refurbishment is in high demand, leaving some service providers busy, thus taking time to complete the refurbishment service. You should always check with the providers about their current workload and book an appointment in advance to prevent waiting times.
Once the refurbishment takes place, the wheels must be put back on the vehicle. This part goes by relatively fast, taking about half an hour to an hour.
### Final Inspection
Once the wheels are back on the vehicle, a final inspection is carried out to ensure refurbishment was successful and the wheels are balanced and aligned correctly.
### Conclusion
Alloy wheel refurbishment in Manchester depends on a few variables. These include the method of refurbishment and the current workload of the provider. Generally, car owners can expect it to take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If you have a tight deadline, then you can opt for a mobile service, but if you choose extensive refurbishment methods, that would take time but will last longer and look good. By getting the process right and planning accordingly, car owners can ensure refurbished alloy wheels without a hassle.