Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Your Wheels?
Every damaged wheel is a little different, but these are some of the questions we hear most often about repairs, refinishing, estimates and caring for your wheels.
Have a question about a repair, service or your wheels? Get in touch and we'll help point you in the right direction.
Contact UsWheel Repair & Safety
What can be repaired, what needs a closer look and when replacement may be the safer option.
Some radial cracks may be repairable after inspection. We do not repair face cracks, circumferential cracks or wheels we determine are structurally unsafe.
Crack location, previous repairs, corrosion, bends and the overall condition of the wheel can all affect whether repair is appropriate.
Many bent wheels can be straightened, but we inspect and measure the wheel first. We look for bends, flat spots, cracks, previous repairs and other structural concerns before recommending a repair.
It depends on the wheel and the previous repair. Previous welds are specifically checked during our inspection and can affect whether another repair is safe or appropriate.
Vibration can come from a bent wheel, excessive runout, tire balance or tire damage. Air loss can come from a puncture, valve or TPMS issue, bead-seat corrosion, a crack or other wheel and tire conditions.
An inspection helps us identify the actual cause instead of guessing from the symptom.
Every wheel receives our Four-Point Inspection. We check the wheel for bends and structural deformation, cracks, cosmetic condition and tire-related concerns.
If we do not believe a wheel should be repaired, we will recommend replacement or another appropriate option rather than forcing a repair.
It can. A bend may have already stressed or weakened the wheel, and a crack can become visible or develop during straightening. We inspect the wheel throughout the repair process.
If a crack appears, we stop, document what we found and discuss the appropriate next step with you.
Yes. Every wheel is cleaned and inspected front and back before repair begins. Our Four-Point Inspection checks for bends and structural deformation, cracks and previous repairs, cosmetic damage and tire-related concerns.
Not every problem is visible from the front of the wheel, so inspection comes before the final repair plan.
Estimates & Service
What to expect before your appointment and after your wheel arrives at AWR.
Yes. Clear photos can help us provide a preliminary estimate and determine the likely repair process.
The final scope and price are confirmed after the wheel receives our Four-Point Inspection.
Some damage is difficult to see in photos or may not become apparent until the wheel and tire are inspected more closely.
If we find something that changes the repair or price, we document it, explain the findings and get your approval before performing additional work.
Yes. Absolute Wheel Repair operates by appointment so we can plan the appropriate time and process for your vehicle and wheels.
Timing depends on the type of damage, wheel finish, number of wheels and what we find during inspection.
We will give you an expected timeframe for your job and let you know if additional findings affect that timing.
Yes. When the repair or refinishing process requires it, we can dismount and remount the tire. We also inspect the tire for concerns while it is off the wheel.
When weights are removed or the tire is dismounted as part of the repair, the wheel and tire assembly is balanced before release. We also check tire pressure and inspect for leaks before the job is completed.
Yes. When we reinstall a wheel on a vehicle, the fasteners are tightened using the proper sequence and a calibrated torque wrench to the applicable vehicle specification.
Finishes & Customization
Refinishing, CNC re-cuts, custom colors and different wheel finishes.
Yes. Qualifying machined-face wheels can be refinished using our in-house CNC equipment.
We first inspect the wheel and confirm that enough of the original profile remains for an appropriate re-cut. We do not remove excessive material simply to chase a deep damaged area.
We do not repair or refinish traditional chrome plating. Chrome-look finishes such as PVD or hydrochrome are different, so we first identify the actual finish before recommending a repair process.
Yes. We offer wheel color changes and refinishing options. The existing finish, wheel condition, desired color and sheen all help determine the appropriate process.
Yes. AWR offers cosmetic caliper refinishing and color changes. We inspect the calipers first for conditions such as leaks, severe corrosion or other concerns that should be addressed before cosmetic refinishing.
Guarantee & Wheel Care
How to protect your refinished wheels and what to do if you have a concern.
Our customer-care program includes follow-up inspections, wheel-care benefits and warranty protection for qualifying work.
Coverage depends on the service performed and the written warranty provided with your job. If you have a warranty concern, we'll inspect the wheel and review the applicable coverage with you.
Wait at least 48 hours after a full refinish or single-wheel repair before applying wheel cleaning chemicals.
Use a non-acidic wheel cleaner and gentle cleaning tools. Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners and abrasive brushes that can damage the clear coat or finish.
Rinse the wheel thoroughly and dry it with a clean microfiber towel.
Contact us and send clear photos if possible. We can review the concern, inspect the wheel and determine the appropriate next step based on the work performed and the warranty that applies to your job.
The 90-day follow-up gives us a chance to check the repair and finish, address any concerns and clean the wheels. It is part of the ongoing care included with qualifying work under the Absolute Wheel Guarantee.
Qualifying work includes follow-up care such as the 90-day inspection and cleaning, a six-month check-in, up to two complimentary cleanings of all four wheels each year, and rock-chip touch-ups for AWR-repaired wheels.
Lifetime clear-coat delamination coverage is also available under the applicable written warranty terms and required care schedule.
Still Have a Question?
Ask the Reaper or send us photos of your wheel and we'll help you figure out the next step.