Usually, things that are designed to do you good are a bit on the boring side. (No offence, vegetables.) With alloy wheels, however, things are a bit different: rim bands can provide both added protection and style, all for a reasonable price.

Officially known as alloy wheel protectors, these clever devices are a stretchy band of tear-resistant, high-strength silicone rubber which fit snugly around the edge of alloy wheel rims. Their main function is to protect the surface of the wheel from damage caused by everyday driving mishaps such as hitting the kerb or driving over a pothole.

They’re an incredibly effective prevention tool because the fit is so snug: they have an extensive ‘tail’ section that folds into the barrel of the wheel and ensures that they can achieve the necessary amount of stretch. They’re further secured by five gripping ribs that ensure they constantly maintain an effective position.

The manufacturers have taken every care to ensure that the rim bands are as damage-proof as possible, and have even coated the bands in a special Flurobond sealant to protect them from brake dust. This ensures that they have the greatest possible lifespan, and provide incredible value to car owners who invest in these protective devices.

As you can see from these photographs, the rim bands also look great on your alloys. Here we have black gloss painted rim alloys, finished with contrasting red rim bands. It’s a subtle effect that gives the alloys a little aesthetic lift, providing a memorable feature without any effort on your part. The rim bands are available for 15”-22” wheels and come in nine colours: Black, Blue, Lime, Orange, Pink, Red, Silver, White and Yellow.

To discuss the options for your alloys, and to find out just how affordable these wheel-saving devices are, give us a call today on 0845 370 8881.

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Sadly, thanks to our pothole-strewn roads, there’s every chance you’ll damage your alloys at some point in their life. It’s not necessarily a sign of bad driving – sometimes there’s simply no time to slow down before the pothole is upon you.

When a buckle happens you only have one of two choices: repair or replace. Driving on buckled alloys isn’t an option: you will not only ruin your tyres but the vibrations from the buckle can damage your suspension or even make you fail your MOT. Replacing your alloys can be terribly expensive, so why not use our simple straightening technique to have them as good as new for a fraction of the cost?

The process uses specialist hydraulic equipment to straighten the alloys and revert the wheel back to a true circle. This ensures that there is no air loss, no vibration and no chance of any new tyres being shredded! As with all our services, the process is finished by a full examination of the wheels and rebalancing the tyres.

If you’re concerned that you may have a buckle, remember that it’s not always possible to see the damage by inspecting your wheels. Other warning signs are:

• Unusual vibration in the car
• Steering wheel shake
• Premature or uneven tyre wear
• Unusual changes to your car suspension

Once you’ve detected a buckle, give our experts a call on 0845 370 8881 for a quote. Our specialist straightening service works on most wheel types and can be completed in just 24 hours, from as little as £60 + VAT.

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Alloys wheels mostly sustain scratches, scrapes or kerbing damage but on occasion the damage can result in a crack or tear along the outside rim, as pictured here. However, damage like this can easily be repaired and save you having to buy new, which is a more costly solution.

After the weld has been completed the guys in our prep room fill and sand the alloy  to produce a sound surface once again. Wheels are then powder coated to give a really smooth finish before being painted and lacquered.

Diamond Alloys can offer a welding crack repair service in addition to painting and diamond cutting, enabling you to get the job done all at once and in just a few days. If your alloy wheel has sustained damage like this, just send us a picture and we will be able to tell you if it can be repaired. Call us today on 0845 370 8881 and see if you can save money by opting for a repair service for you alloy wheels.

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If you’re new to the world of alloy wheels it can all seem a bit baffling. Before you dismiss alloys as something for boy racers, however, let us explain just why you should consider adding them to your car.

Style
Yes, of course, there is a styling element, and in fact it’s amazing how much of a difference they can make to your car’s looks. Alloys come in a multitude of sizes, patterns and colours, so you can really express yourself by choosing a set that perfectly matches your taste. Alloys can even add extra value to your car, so they’re a good investment too!

Added strength
Good quality alloy wheels can significantly reduce wheel defection when cornering, as they provide increased rigidity. This is particularly useful for cars with high-performance tyres.

Improved acceleration
Alloys provide more responsive acceleration, and indeed braking, because they reduce the weight of the car’s rotational mass.

Increased brake cooling
Alongside the improved brake performance, alloys reduce the risk of ‘brake fade’ because they are better conductors of heat. In addition, the design of many alloys allows more air to flow over the brakes, further decreasing their exposure to heat.

Less weight
The lighter a car is, within reason, the better it performs. Because alloy wheels have a lower unsprung weight – that which is not supported by the car’s suspension – than steel wheels, they contribute to better road holding ability. This means that the driver benefits from more precise steering, and likely lower fuel bills too.

If you’re curious about how to repair or refurbish your alloy wheels and what finishes are available, call our experts on 0845 370 8881 for an obligation-free chat.

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