If you have wheel damage, you’ll want to get it repaired as soon as possible. While that’s true, you may be worried about the cost. Thankfully we have all the facts to give you the information you need.
We’ll look at the price range for wheel repair, including a breakdown of costs for different types of damage. We’ll also take a look at the factors affecting those costs, so let’s get started!
How Much Does Wheel Repair Cost & What Factors Affect the Price?
The exact cost of wheel repair will depend on a wide number of factors. You can expect to pay around $40 to $250, possibly even more if extra repairs are needed. It’s important to set your expectations so that you don’t get any nasty surprises.
It’s also important to note that not all rims can be repaired. If they have received significant damage, then not only can it be safer to have them replaced, but cheaper too.
If you are having them repaired, the biggest cost factor will be the type of damage. This can range from simple scuffs to cracked rims. Let’s take a look at a breakdown of these potential costs.
Cost of Different Wheel Repairs
There are three general repairs with wheel damage: scuffs, bends, and breaks. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each one.
Scuffs ($40 – $60) – Wheel scuffs are usually caused by the likes of curbs, and the damage is usually just cosmetic. The charge for this type of repair would usually be around $40 to $60. However, you can pick up repair kits to do it yourself for around $20.
Bends ($100 – $200) – Bends in your rim not only affect your vehicle’s performance but can also be a huge safety issue. The cost is usually between $100 and $200 but will depend on various factors, such as the location of the bend.
Cracks ($150 – $250) – Cracks are the most serious issue your rims can have. Often your rim will need to be replaced. If it can be fixed, it’ll need to be welded. This will cost approximately $150 to $250 per wheel.
What Factors Affect the Price of Wheel Repair?
As we’ve already alluded to, the exact cost will depend on many different factors, which are:
Type of Damage – Scuffs are the cheapest type of damage to fix, with bends and cracks often having similar pricing. On average, cracks will be the most expensive type of repair.
Rim Material – There will often be different pricing for different types of rims. Steel is often the cheapest to repair, with alloys being more expensive. The costliest type of wheel to repair is chrome, partly because they’ll need to be refinished.
Size of the Wheels – This isn’t the same for every type of repair center, but often you’ll be charged more if you have larger rims. It’s usually around the 20″ to 21″ mark when you’ll be charged the higher price. If you have large rims, it’s a good idea to check this beforehand.
Number of Wheels to Repair – As with most things in life, paying for just one thing will often be more expensive per item than paying for multiple items. If you need all four of your wheels repaired, then you may be given a discount.
The extent of the Damage – This is a fairly obvious one. If your wheel needs straightening on both sides, or at multiple points, then you may be charged more. If you’re worried about the cost, you can ask for a quote beforehand.
Location of the Damage – As with other factors, this is not the same for all repair centers, but you may be charged different pricing for damage on different parts of the wheel. For example, the front of the wheel is usually easier to repair than the back.
Repair Location – Another factor is where you get the repair. Are you taking it to a repair center or using a mobile repair service? If it’s the latter, you may need to pay a premium for the convenience. However, many people are happy to pay for this as it can make your life easier.
Extras – When having your wheels repaired, you may be offered extras to either restore or improve the aesthetics of your vehicles. These extras can include powder coating or having them diamond cut. Naturally, these extras will add to the overall cost.
Repair Center – Our final factor is another obvious one. Each repair center is going to have its own pricing structure. You can look around to find the best price but remember, sometimes it’s worth paying for that extra level of quality.
Should I Repair or Replace My Rim?
When it comes to car rims, repairing versus replacing can be a difficult decision to make. Many things must be taken into consideration, such as the quality of the rim being repaired and how much money you’re willing to put into the repairs.
If you have a high-quality and expensive rim, repairing may be better than purchasing an entirely new one. However, if your rim is heavily damaged or beyond repair due to its age or material, then replacing it will be your best bet.
Ultimately, it depends on what type of vehicle and what type of damage has been done. It’s always beneficial to take professional advice before making a final decision.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Rim?
It’s usually cheaper to repair a rim, but there are a few factors to take into account. One of those is the lifetime of the repair. If you have cracked rims, then it’s likely it’ll either need to be repaired again sooner or later.
Also with cracked rims, the repairs tend to be more expensive as high-quality welding is required. Here, the repair cost will be similar to the replacement cost. Due to this, it would make the most sense to replace the rim and have a more structurally sound wheel.
Ultimately, this comes down to the damage and type of rim you have. It’s a good idea to get a quote for your rim repair and compare that with the cost of a replacement. You can then make a judgment call about what’s right for you.