When you settle on the time to renovate your alloy wheels. Alloy wheels look far better than steel wheels, but they do need some looking after. Wind, rain and grit can hit the surface of the alloys, brake dust can also go into the surface to ruin your alloy wheels. If the alloys are left untreated they can begin to get corroded and loose their appeal. Somewhat like our BMW 1 Series wheels started to. The other thing that can spoil the look of an alloy wheel is impact damage. Even the odd scuff on the kerb could make  a rough looking edge to the wheel.

Genuinely there are only two ways to refurbish your alloy wheels. One way of refurbishing your wheels is to work on them yourself with plenty of elbow grease and a few basic tools. Alternatively take them to a shop and let them do them. When working on alloys take them from the car first for ease of use. The first job is to mask up the tyres and any painted areas with newspaper and masking tape on areas you don’t need to be affected.

You will have to remove any lacquer finish that is on the wheels first. Loose or flakey lacquer can be removed with a wooden scraper,(avoid using metal scrappers in case they slip and damage more of the wheel). The use of a paint stripper of some sort can be used to remove the remainder of the remaining lacquer. Do avoid any stripper coming into touch with your skin.

Some body rubbing compound should be used with a damp cloth to disguise any small pitted areas. For mild impact damage a small grinding stone and a metal brush wheel on a drill can be used to smooth this out. I’ve seen this done in one of the BMW 1 series review magazine sections I read. Minimum amount of metal ought to be taken away and then go over again with rubbing compound. When all the impact damage and corrosion has disappeared, the wheel will need to be polished.

Car accessory shops often sell good quality alloy polish. To get a good shine use plenty of elbow grease. Make use of a non fluffy rag to apply the polish and then utilize a smooth cloth to buff it up.

Final stage is to re apply a coat of lacquer using a narrow paint brush. After all the hard work your wheels should look as good as new.

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