HOW TO HIRE · VEHICLES & TRANSPORT

How to hire an alloy wheel refurbisher in the UK
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

Kerbed alloys can be refinished; cracked ones are a safety question. Here is what to ask and check.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring an alloy wheel refurbisher in five steps

  1. Check for cracks and bucklesKerb rash is cosmetic; a crack or a buckle is a safety issue.
  2. Choose the finishPowder coat, paint or diamond cut — each looks and wears differently.
  3. Ask about the tyresRemoved and refitted, with new valves and balancing.
  4. Get the price per wheelFinish, size, repair, tyre work and VAT.
  5. Check before drivingEven finish, wheel bolts torqued, no vibration at speed.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

None of the four UK nations licenses alloy wheel refurbishers or keeps a register of them. The work must be done with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Agree the finish, the price per wheel and what happens to the tyres in writing. citizensadvice.org.uk →

Wheels at the MOT

DVSA's MOT inspection manual includes the condition of road wheels and tyres, so a cracked, distorted or badly repaired wheel can fail. A refurbisher should check each wheel for cracks and buckles before cosmetic work.

Ask whether each wheel was checked for cracks and run-out, and get the answer in writing. gov.uk →

The Motor Ombudsman accreditation

No law requires it, but a business accredited to The Motor Ombudsman's Service and Repair Code has agreed to let the Ombudsman settle disputes. For an alloy wheel refurbisher, that means an independent decision if you cannot agree, after the business has had eight weeks to reply.

Check the name on The Motor Ombudsman's Garage Finder; the logo alone proves nothing. businesses.themotorombudsman.org →

A price agreed before the work

Agree the price for the alloy wheel refurbisher in writing before anything is taken apart. If no price was fixed, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 only obliges you to pay a reasonable one, and Citizens Advice says a refurbisher may keep the vehicle while a bill is disputed but may not sell it.

Get the figure in a message, and ask to be called before any extra work. citizensadvice.org.uk →

VAT

Alloy wheel refurbishment is standard-rated at 20%. Alloy wheel refurbishers whose taxable turnover passes £90,000 must register, charge VAT and show it as its own line on the quote and invoice.

Ask the wheel refurbisher for the VAT number and for the 20% shown under the per-wheel price. gov.uk →

“Will you check each alloy wheel for cracks and buckles first?”

A good answer: Yes, before refurbishing, with any problem reported.

“Which finish do you recommend for my wheels?”

A good answer: An honest view: diamond cut looks sharp but is more delicate; powder coat is tougher.

“Will the tyres be removed during the wheel refurbishment?”

A good answer: For a full refurbishment, yes, with new valves and balancing.

“Do you refurbish wheels in a workshop or mobile?”

A good answer: Mobile is fine for scuffs; full refurbishment is a workshop job.

“Will the wheels be balanced and refitted to torque?”

A good answer: Yes, every wheel.

“What guarantee covers the alloy wheel finish?”

A good answer: In writing, against peeling and corrosion.

“How long will the car be off the road?”

A good answer: A day for a set at a workshop.

Getting the quote right

  • Number of wheels, size and finish
  • Crack and buckle check, and straightening if needed
  • Tyre removal, new valves, refit and balancing
  • The refurbisher's VAT number, and the total with and without the 20%
  • Turnaround time and finish guarantee
  • Who actually attends to your wheels, and whether that technician is employed or subcontracted

Walk away if

  • No check for cracks before refinishing
  • A buckled wheel refinished without being straightened
  • Wheels refitted without torque settings
  • No guarantee on the finish
LOW
£60
TYPICAL
£100
HIGH
£130

What an alloy wheel refurbisher costs: £60–£130 per wheel

Alloy wheel refurbishment is priced per wheel, by size and finish — powder coat, paint or diamond cut — with tyre removal and balancing included or listed. Alloy Wheel Refurbishment price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE

Alloy wheel refurbishers near you, with the badges that matter shown

ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.

Or post the job free and let them come to you.

  1. InspectEach wheel checked for cracks, buckles and corrosion.
  2. StripTyres removed, old finish stripped, damage repaired.
  3. FinishPowder coat, paint or diamond cut applied and cured.
  4. RefitTyres refitted with new valves and balanced.
  5. Fit to the carWheels fitted and bolts torqued; a test for vibration.

Kerb rash
Scrapes on the rim from kerbs; cosmetic.
Powder coating
A baked-on finish, tough and even.
Diamond cut
A lathe-machined bright face, lacquered; more delicate.
Run-out
How much a wheel wobbles when spun; shows a buckle.
Balancing
Weights added so the wheel spins without vibration.
Torque
The tightness the wheel bolts must be set to.

AFTER

When the job is done

Re-check the wheel boltsMany fitters advise a torque check after the first miles.
Wash gentlyAsk how soon you can use wheel cleaners on the new finish.
Keep the invoiceWheels, finish and guarantee in writing.
Review and make-it-rightLocufy's reviews are tied to real bookings. Rate it under four stars and the refurbisher is invited to fix the problem before your review goes up.

STEP 1Tell the refurbisher, in writingDescribe the problem with the alloy wheels and what you want done. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 holds the alloy wheel refurbisher to reasonable care and skill.
STEP 2The Locufy make-it-right stepBelow four stars, you decide whether the complaint about the alloy wheel refurbisher goes to the refurbisher first. We follow it through, and then you review.
STEP 3Escalate itAn accredited business can be taken to The Motor Ombudsman after eight weeks without a fix. For a refurbisher outside the scheme, the consumer helpline hears the alloy wheel refurbisher complaint and can refer it to Trading Standards — Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060, and Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 in Northern Ireland.
STEP 4Small claimsIf the alloy wheel refurbisher still is not settled, the limits are £10,000 in England and Wales (small claims track), £5,000 in Scotland (simple procedure) and £5,000 in Northern Ireland (small claims court). Keep every message and invoice as evidence.

Hiring an alloy wheel refurbisher: questions people ask

No. No UK nation licenses wheel refurbishment. Reasonable care and skill is still owed under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

An invoice and a finish guarantee. There is no certificate.

Some cracks can be welded by a specialist, but many refurbishers will not, and a damaged wheel can fail the MOT. Get an honest view on safety.

£60–£130 per wheel, typically around £100. The alloy wheel refurbishment price guide explains what moves the figure; enter your postcode above for prices from alloy wheel refurbishers near you.

Powder coat generally wears better; diamond cut needs more care and can corrode if the lacquer is damaged.

Tell the refurbisher in writing. You can ask for it to be redone under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

MORE GUIDES

More hiring guides in vehicles & transport

How to hire: Mobile Tyre FittingHow to hire: Wheel AlignmentHow to hire: Tyre RepairHow to hire: Car Bodywork RepairHow to hire: Car Scratch RepairHow to hire: Car DetailingHow to hire: Ceramic CoatingHow to hire: Car ResprayAll 701 hiring guides →

Alloy wheel refurbishers near you

Alloy wheel refurbishers in LondonAlloy wheel refurbishers in ManchesterAlloy wheel refurbishers in BirminghamAlloy wheel refurbishers in GlasgowAlloy wheel refurbishers in BelfastAll alloy wheel refurbishers on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. Citizens Advice — problems with a car repair
  2. The Motor Ombudsman — Garage Finder
  3. Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 49 — reasonable care and skill
  4. gov.uk — MOT inspection manual: axles, wheels, tyres and suspension
  5. gov.uk — make a court claim for money: court fees
  6. mygov.scot — make a court claim for money
  7. nidirect — small claims process
  8. VAT rates — VAT rates for goods and services: standard rate 20% on most goods and services
  9. GOV.UK — Register for VAT: when to register