When you have alloy wheels on your car, it is natural for them to get scraped or dented at some point.
This can happen every now and then because of the kind of road you drive on, or because of the kind of parking spots you use.
The good news is that all you need to repair this dent is a few tools and some determination.
If you are wondering how to repair alloy wheels, read on.
I will discuss why they need repairs when damaged and how to conduct such repairs as efficiently as possible.
Why Do Alloy Wheels Dent?

Alloy wheels dent because they are softer than steel wheels. If you hit a pothole, curb, or another car, your alloy wheel will dent.
This happens because alloy wheels are softer than steel wheels. Alloy wheels also bend or dent when you park your car on a curb.
You may notice when you park on the curb that there is a big difference in the height between the road and your wheel.
This is a perfect scenario for dents. The same thing happens when you drive over a pothole or something else in the road that your wheel hits.
The metal in the wheel is pushed out and the wheel becomes deformed. This deformation can cause your wheel to become visible from the inside of your car.
All-in-One Alloy Wheel Repair

If you are in a hurry to get your car back on the road, you can choose to have your alloy wheels repaired all at once.
This approach allows you to have your wheels repaired as a single unit, meaning that you do not have to remove and replace the damaged pieces.
All-in-one repairs use epoxy resin to fix your alloy wheels. There are various types of epoxy resin available in the market, such as hard or soft, single- or dual-part, and low- or high-viscosity.
You can select the resin that best suits the damage on your wheels. While all-in-one repairs are convenient, they have their drawbacks.
These include the small risk of the resin curing improperly, the likelihood of your alloy wheels being discolored, and the risk of the repaired parts getting damaged again.
How to Fix a Dented Wheel
Method#1
If your wheel is only dented, you can try to fix it yourself. If the dent is small enough, you can try to push the dent back out to its original shape.
If the dent is larger, you will have to fill it in. The best way to do this is with putty. Putty comes in a variety of colors.

Pick a color that is close to your wheel’s color so that you can’t see the difference between the two. Fixing a dent isn’t always easy.
Depending on the size of your dent, it can be very difficult to push it out, or fill it in, without damaging the wheel further.
Wheels are made of aluminum, and aluminum is soft enough that you can dent it with your own hands.
The best way to repair a damaged wheel is to take it to a professional who can make the necessary repairs.
Method#2
You can repair them using a chemical re-Melter. This type of chemical is applied through a spray gun.
Once applied, the chemical re-melts the alloy, allowing you to push the dent back into shape.
After the dent has been removed, you can use a putty or filler to fill the gap.
You can then sand the filler until it is flush with the surrounding surface.

Next, use a primer and paint to finish the job.
How to Repair a Scrape on an Alloy Wheel
Scraping is another common alloy wheel damage. This is a result of a sharp or rough object coming into contact with the wheel and causing a scratch.

Scraping is also called brushing and is caused by a drag between the road and the wheel, which results in a groove.
Method#1
The best way to repair this damage is to first clean the area by removing any dirt or dust particles.
Next, choose a paint with high viscosity and thin consistency, such as acrylic paint.

You can then use a paintbrush to apply the paint along the groove, letting it dry in between coats.
While scraped alloy wheels can be repaired, this damage is harder to fix.
That is because the damage is more extensive than a dent and can affect the structural integrity of your wheels.
Method#2
You can whittle out the part of the wheel that is scratched. To do this, you will need an alloy wheel repair kit.
First, use the drill and grinding tool to remove the piece of the wheel that is scratched.
Once you have removed that, use the same tools to grind down the surface of the wheel.
Make sure that the surface is even and smooth so that it is not visible.
Once you have ground down the surface of the wheel, use a wire brush to remove any residue from the grinding.

You can then use a clean cloth to wipe down the wheel and get rid of any remaining residue.
How to repair flaking alloy wheels?
If you have flaking alloy wheels, it can be difficult to know how to repair them. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore your alloy wheels back to their former glory.
Method#1
One option is to use cold galvanizing paint. This type of paint creates a bond with the metal, providing a long-lasting finish that is resistant to corrosion and rust.

To apply, you will need to clean the wheel thoroughly with soap and water before removing any dirt or debris which might be embedded in the alloy using a wire brush.
Once cleaned, spray the cold galvanizing paint onto your wheel evenly in thin layers. Allow it to dry for several hours before repeating the process again until the wheel is fully covered.
Method#2
Another option for repairing flaking alloy wheels is to use a kit.
These kits contain the necessary materials and instructions for restoring your wheel back to its original state.
The contents of these kits depend on the type of alloy wheel you have, however they usually include primer, filler putty, and special polish.

Once all of the items are mixed together, you should apply them to the wheel in an even layer and allow it to dry completely before buffing it off.
Conclusion
Alloy wheels look great, but they dent and scratch easily. Knowing how to repair a dented wheel or scratched alloy wheel will save you money and make your car look nicer.
It is important to remember that the repair should match the rest of the wheel to avoid further damage.
Make sure you do your repairs in a well-ventilated area and have the necessary protective equipment on hand.
If a repair is too difficult, it is best to take the wheel to a shop where a professional can conduct the repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked alloy wheel be repaired?
Yes, it is possible to repair a cracked alloy wheel. Depending on the severity of the crack, the wheel can be repaired with specialized welding techniques or by using filler material available at most auto parts stores. To ensure that your wheel is properly repaired and safe to use, it is recommended that you take it to an experienced wheel specialist for repair. The specialist will be able to inspect the wheel and determine the best course of action for repair.
How do you repair a damaged alloy wheel?
The first step to repairing a damaged alloy wheel is to assess the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to repair it yourself or you may need to have it professionally repaired. If there are only minor dings and scrapes, then a DIY repair kit can do the job. These kits contain filler and instructions to help you repair the wheel. If there is more significant damage, such as a large crack or major curvature, then it will likely need to be professionally repaired.
Professional alloy wheel repairs usually involve stripping the wheel down to its bare metal and welding in new material where necessary. The surface of the wheel is also usually sanded and repainted to match the original finish.
Can you refurbish your own alloy wheels?
Yes, it is possible to refurbish your own alloy wheels. You will need to assess the condition of the wheels and determine what kind of repair work is required. This could involve sanding down any areas where rust has accumulated as well as repairing any dents or scratches on the surface. You may also need to apply a protective coating to the alloy wheel to protect it from further damage. Before attempting to refurbish the wheels yourself, it is important to ensure you have the right equipment and materials. You can either purchase these or rent them from a local automotive store. Once you have all the necessary items for repair, follow the instructions provided carefully in order to get the best possible result.
How much does it cost to repair alloy wheels?
The cost of repairing an alloy wheel will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and where you choose to get it repaired. Generally speaking, most minor repairs can be done for around $100-$150 per wheel. If your wheels require more extensive work such as straightening, welding, or full replacement then the costs will vary wildly and could be in the hundreds or thousands depending on how many wheels need to be repaired.