My Alloy Wheels

Renovating alloy wheels. Alloy wheels look far nicer than steel wheels, but they do need some looking after. Wind, rain and grit can strike the face of the alloys, brake dust can also eat into the surface to ruin your alloy wheels. A bit like my BMW 1 Series alloys if untreated the wheels possibly could start to corrode and your wheels could look duller than steel wheels with wheel trims. Inpact damage might also spoil the look of the wheels too. Just slightly scuffing the kerb might give your alloys a rough looking edge.

There are two ways of refurbishing alloy wheels. One way is to let the professionals handle it, or if the repair is just cosmetic the repairs can be worked on at home with a few tools and a little elbow grease. It is easier to work with alloy wheels when they are off the car. The best means is to try and mask the wheels up first with newspaper and masking tape to cover any painted areas which you do not want to be affected.

You will have to take off 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 take off the remainder of the leftover lacquer. As a precaution you should wear gloves to make sure the stripper does not come into contact with your skin.

Once the lacquer has been removed use some body rubbing compound with a damp cloth to disguise any little pitted areas. A fine grade of wet and dry paper may need to be utilized to remove any serious corrosion.

With a small grinding stone and metal brush wheels, minor damage from impact damage can be sorted on any used BMW 1 series wheels that there are. Take away the minimal of metal possible and again you might need a bit rubbing compound once you have got the area looking fairly smooth. When all the impact damage and corrosion has disappeared, the wheel will need to be polished.

Alloy polish can be found at various car stores. To get a expert 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.

The next step is to give the wheels a re-lacquer with clear coat lacquer using a narrow paint brush to apply it. After all the hard work your wheels should look as good as new.