It’s easy to think that winter tyres are irrelevant for UK drivers, because of our largely temperate climate, but this is far from correct. Winter tyres are in fact the best possible preparation you can have for driving on snow, and can make your two-wheel drive more effective than a 4×4 with summer tyres.

As evo.co.uk explain, ‘winter tyres make snow-covered roads feel like wet roads do on summer tyres’.

To determine which winter tyres you should be using during this cold spell, the website has tested a number of options in a range of conditions including wet, dry and snow. In case you’re worried about the thoroughness of the tests, they were conducted both in chilly Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle, and in the Contidrom in northern Germany. Test cars were the front-drive VW Golf and VW Tiguan.

The winner, based on the tyre which received the highest overall score after both objective and subjective handling tests, was the Continental ContiWinterContact.

Evo.co.uk describe it as ‘responsive, stable and predictable in all scenarios’. In silver medal position was the Michelin Alpin A4, which the website reported handled excellently in the wet and ‘has no real weaknesses’.

Last on the podium was the Dunlop SP Winter Sport, which acquitted itself very well on the snow and in the wet but lost points for general on-road performance.

And the one to avoid? According to the website’s test of 9 tyres, the bottom-scoring contender was the Linglong Winter-Hero Radial 650, which was described as ‘floaty’ in snow, ‘treacherous’ in the wet and ‘sloppy’…in the dry. Lovely…

Do you need some winter tyres for your car? Call Diamond Alloys on 0845 370 8881 or email us direct and we can arrange and fit them for you.

To read the full, and engaging, review for yourself, visit here.

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At Diamond Alloys, we believe that understanding your customer’s needs is every bit as important as the finish we apply when repairing and refurbishing your alloy wheels.

Recent customer Luis explained that as a chauffeur it was essential to not only have immaculate looking wheels but also that he was kept on the road, and so our donor wheel service was the solution.

We removed the car’s alloys and fitted our donor wheels allowing Luis to get on with his job while we gave his alloys a brilliant new painted finish, fitting for any luxury saloon like Luis’ Mercedes.

Luis was delighted with the results, and we were delighted with his feedback, where he said:

“Just a quick email to thank you not only for doing a first class job on my alloys and making them look better than new, but also for going that extra mile keeping my car on the road whilst working on my wheels. 

Clearly unlike others you understood my requirements and the importance of my car being kept on the road as I am a chauffeur. Your temporary wheels that you put on my car was the perfect answer….

Once again thank you for a great job and consideration, but most important thanks for listening.

You chaps will always be highly recommended by me regardless. Thank you, Luis.”

If you need your car for your job, then either take advantage of our donor wheel service or use our loan car…..…simple!

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If you’ve had your alloys for a while, it can be easy to forget the initial excitement of first putting them on your car. The magic of alloys is the way they instantly transform your car’s aesthetic and make it completely your own, but after a time they become a familiar feature and can almost seem drab as a result.

The trick is to remember that your alloys are accessories, and that you can change them to suit your mood. New alloys can celebrate a new beginning, spruce up your old car or just make a fashion statement in the way that many modern celebrities use their alloys to do.

If you’re thinking about refreshing your alloys but need a little inspiration, check out the limited edition Aston Martin Vanquish cars that have been created to celebrate the marque’s 60th anniversary. These ‘Works 60th Anniversary’ models celebrate the evolution of Aston Martin design, and each one commemorates a particular decade in the marque’s history. As well as unique interior features carved from vintage pistons, the cars have striking yellow alloys that add the ‘wow’ factor to the otherwise understated Vanquish cars.

These special edition Astons really do exemplify the power of alloys. There are only six of these cars in the world, and their alloys will absolutely ensure you recognise them as they zoom past – wherever you may be.

They not only create an entirely, memorably different look for the cars, but they also give them an exclusive and desirable feel.

Although they are stunning, it’s important to remember that this effect isn’t something that only Aston Martin are able to create: by refurbishing your own alloys you too can ensure that your car is memorable, and that your unique personality is reflected in what you drive.

If you’re interested in exploring new alloy options then contact us today – with decades of experience in the alloy industry we can provide inspiration and guidance on getting the look you want. Eat your heart out, Aston Martin.

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The weather is getting chillier, and we’re in the midst of the darkest days of the year. While that may make you feel very festive, it’s also worth bearing in mind that driving is more hazardous now than at any other point in the calendar. This is because not only do we not have much daylight, but the roads are also likely to be wet and even icy. Furthermore, because it’s the festive season you are likely to be making longer journeys than usual, perhaps down narrow, unfamiliar country roads to visit friends and family members. To help you survive this tricky driving season, we’ve put together a selection of top tips below.

1. If in doubt, don’t.
If you think it’s going to be too dangerous to drive, then stay at home. Unless it’s an emergency, then you’re better off leaving that journey until another day.

2. Carry an emergency kit.
It might sound extreme, but keeping things such as a torch, tow rope, water and spare phone in your car may be a vital lifeline if things go wrong.

3. Check before you travel.
Look up the traffic on your chosen route, the weather forecast and potential stop-off points along the way. The more prepared you are, the easier it is to make a decision on whether or not to travel, and what to do if there’s an unexpected block in the road.

4. Prepare your car for the journey.
It may sound obvious, but to drive on winter roads your car needs to be in peak condition. Make sure your MOT is up to date and, if possible, fit winter tyres to your car, something we can arrange for you with our tyre service. A list of things to check is below, but if you’re unsure of what to do it’s best to take your car to the professionals, who will spot any defects you may have missed. Diamond Alloys can help you make your car ready for winter, and in particular ensure that your wheels and alloys can withstand the cold weather.

Things to check:
• Condition of wheels and tyres – are there cracks in your alloys? Do your wheels need a protective coat?
• Condition of batteries – will your car start in poor weather?
• Function of all electrical systems – electrics are one of the easiest parts of the car to go wrong, it’s vital that you check these.
• Condition of coolant hoses.
• Operation of exterior lights – are they clean?
• Oil and fluid levels.
• Antifreeze level and strength.
• Wipers and screen wash – have you ensured that this won’t freeze in very cold weather?

5. Drive carefully in snow.
Snow is dangerous, so the first thing you’ll need to do is reduce your speed. Leave a larger than usual gap between you and the car in front, and avoid harsh braking or steering inputs. Keep your windscreen clear of snow, even if it means stopping periodically to do so, and of course remove all snow from your vehicle before you travel. If you need to slow down whilst driving, move down into a lower gear much earlier than usual, to avoid having to rely too heavily on the brakes.

6. Avoid floods where possible.
We all love driving through puddles, but needless to say water is not a good thing for your car. If you’re not sure how deep the flood on the road is, don’t attempt to drive through it. 99% of the time there is another route to take, and a diversion is quicker than waiting for the breakdown service to arrive. If you feel you can attempt a crossing, however, then do so slowly but with a high engine speed to avoid stalling. The deepest water is normally nearest the kerb, so aim for the middle of the road and give way to oncoming traffic if you’re not ready to go first. Test your brakes once you are through the flood.

7. Drive carefully in fog.
Fog is incredibly dangerous. If you become caught in fog, switch on your fog lights immediately, remembering that you may need to dim your rear fog lights to avoid dazzling those behind you. Turn off any music in your car and open the window: this will give you the best possible chance of hearing oncoming traffic. Drive very slowly, and pay attention to the direction of any tail lights in front of you, without getting too close.

8. Don’t panic if you break down.
Unfortunately, even the best drivers can break down or become stranded in winter, and the most important thing is to stay calm if you do. Call the breakdown service or, if necessary, the emergency services (the number works even in areas of poor signal) and wait with your vehicle for help to arrive. If you’ve packed your emergency kit you should have everything you need to stay comfortable, and we’d highly recommend including blankets, chocolate and a portable music device in there to keep everyone happy!

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If you’re looking for custom alloys, or alloy repairs in London, then you’ve come to the right place. Diamond Alloys is the number one choice for discerning drivers in the capital, and with good reason: Diamond Alloys was founded to care for the alloys on some of the world’s most famous prestige cars and supercars, and all of our work is carried out to the same exacting standard no matter the marque or model.

Whether you have a Lamborghini or a Ford Focus, we’ll treat the job the same way and provide results worthy of the world’s highest quality cars.

We can deliver such a good service thanks to our exceptional staff, who have years of expertise in their field. Many have been in the industry for 10-15 years, and have seen – and dealt with! – almost every problem in that time. It’s not only our technical staff that we’re proud of, our customer service staff are also integral to providing you with a pleasant experience and, from your feedback, they’re doing a great job.

Whether you need refurbishment of your alloys, new tyres, crack repair, wheel straightening or anything else, we will use high tech equipment alongside our expertise to ensure that you get the best results possible. From our Diamond Cutting technology to the hydraulic equipment we use to straighten wheels, everything is cutting edge – if you’ll pardon the pun.

Once they’re happy with their work, our experts will also provide advice on how to keep your alloys in tip top condition, and you can always check our blog for the latest pearls of wisdom.

Because we’re experts we can perform work – everything from wheel straightening to diamond cutting – far quicker than other companies. We provide a 48-hour turnaround service, meaning that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. We also collect your car and deliver it back to your door, saving you both time and effort. If you prefer to drive your car to our location, we can offer both secure parking and a valet service – ensuring that the rest of your car will look as good as your refurbished alloys!

Overall, we are committed to providing a fast, premium and affordable service that will delight our customers. For extra peace of mind, we also offer a 12 month warranty on all of our work. For more information on how we can help you, telephone our office or pop down to our West London location to see how we operate in person.

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As we saw on the M25 recently, when a large swathe of the road was closed for several hours thanks to foot-deep craters in the tarmac, potholes are a serious problem. Even the smaller ones you encounter on everyday journeys can cause damage to your wheels and tyres – and with the cold weather approaching these potholes are only going to increase in number. It’s not just potholes that can be problematic, however, even speedbumps can have the same effect!

These road features are a particular problem because they can cause dents and cracks. This is of especial concern to those with large alloys, as these require tyres with lower-profile sidewalls, which are more likely to sustain crack damage because there is less surface area and less flexibility to absorb impacts. Even the most careful drivers can be subject to the odd knock or bump, and so it’s important to constantly check your wheels and tyres.

The easiest way to check for cracks is to regularly check your tyre pressure. If the air in a tyre goes down faster than usual, this is usually a reliable indicator that you have a small crack or dent – even if you can’t see it with the naked eye. It’s obviously unwise to continue driving on this wheel, particularly because in these wet conditions a large amount of water could be seeping in through the crack, getting underneath the alloy’s protective layer and corroding what’s underneath.

The good news, however, is that you don’t need to buy new alloys if this problem occurs. Diamond Alloys have a high quality welding service that will have your alloys looking as good as new, not to mention performing like they did when you first got them. Our experts examine every inch of your alloys and wheels before repairing and balancing them, giving you a thorough alloy wheel service that usually takes less than 24 hours.

Want to know how the repair service works? We start by grinding out both sides of the crack to remove any contamination, then weld either side to ensure that the repair has maximum strength. Once this is completed, we grind down the weld so it’s flush with the rest of the alloy, ensuring that it doesn’t damage the inside of the tyre. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, we can also refurbish the entire alloy to have it sparkling like new.

If you’d like a quotation for repairing cracks you’ve spotted, or think there’s a problem and would like our experts to take a look, get in touch today.

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We’re constantly bringing you handy hints and tips about best practice in cleaning your wheels and alloys. We do know, however, how easy it is to cut corners when following advice – we’ve all done it – so we thought we’d bring you a guide to things you absolutely shouldn’t do! If you have any questions about our tips below, or want us to give your alloys a top-quality service before you commence your own cleaning regime, get in touch.

Cool your wheels before cleaning
Never clean your wheels when they’re warm. Not only will this hurt you, but you may end up damaging the wheels and alloys. Remember that brake pads take a lot of time to cool, so make sure you leave enough time between your drive and clean.

Avoid inappropriate substances
Never use household products to clean your wheels, as substances like washing up liquid can damage their surface. The same goes for acid-based cleaners and tyre shine products. If these are all you have available to you, don’t use them – it may save you time in the short term but you’ll spend more money and time in the long run repairing the damage they cause.

Refrain from steam cleaning
Steam cleaning can remove the protective coating in your alloys, and damage the surface of your wheels. If in doubt, don’t do it!

Every wheel deserves care
Don’t try to wash all your wheels at once – if you’re moving round all of them simulataneously you’re likely to leave a cleaning product on them for too long whilst you deal with the others, leading to damage and corrosion. Always wash the wheels one by one!

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As soon as November appeared the weather has turned, and we’re now besieged by cold and rain as well as those early dark nights! Not only does this mean you’ll do much more driving with the lights on, but it’s also a sign that your wheels are now much more exposed to damage. There are, however, easy ways to minimise potential problems and care for your alloys and tyres. As it’s a busy time of year, we’ve put our top types in an easy-to-remember list.

Clear away brake dust.  Brake dust is hugely corrosive, and will do significant damage to your rims if left alone. Created by the friction between brake discs and brake pads, this dust will cling stubbornly to your alloys unless you regularly clear it away. A regular cleaning regime is the best possible prevention of damage from brake dust – see our previous blogs for a step-by-step guide.

Liberally apply cleaning fluid. Cleaning fluid, even top-quality fluid, is many times cheaper than new alloys. Don’t be shy about using lots of cleaning fluid – your investment will save you money later on.

Every tool should be appropriate to the job.  It’s tempting to use an old towel or similar when you’re cleaning, but it’s worth investing in the proper tools for your cleaning regime. They’re not expensive, and having things like a microfibre wash mitt and proper cleaning fluid will make the task easier and more enjoyable.

Apply wax. Wheel wax will seal in the shine of your alloys – keeping them looking sharp all through the winter! It also means you can use a less intensive cleaning regime after application, saving you time and effort throughout the cold weather when you’d rather be inside.

Never be afraid to get expert help. We have a huge range of cleaning tips on our blog, alongside a high-quality repair and maintenance service that will have battered or unloved alloys looking as good as new.

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1.How long have you been working at Diamond Alloys?
I have been working here for 6 weeks now, and I’m enjoying every minute.

2. What do you do at Diamond Alloys?
I look after the general enquiries that come in daily, as well as looking after our trade customers, contacting new trade accounts to advise them about and encourage them to try our services.

3. What is a typical day at Diamond Alloys like?
It’s very busy. The phones don’t stop ringing and bookings are coming in and out constantly. The company has been working hard to establish and build a reputation of quality and exceptional service, so it is a great time to have joined to build on this.

4. What type of trade customers would benefit from using Diamond Alloys services and why?
Body shops, high end taxi and chauffeur companies, prestige and performance self-drive companies. We have recently introduced a donor wheel service for our trade customers who need their vehicles on the road at all times. In this way, our trade accounts won’t lose valuable revenue by keeping their fleet active.

5. How quickly do you turn around wheels, and why is this so important for trade?
Most of our wheels have a turnaround time of 48 hours, it is very important for trade that they don’t lose their business. Customers want things done as quickly as possible.

6. What do you love about working with trade accounts?
Building that relationships with them, so you always get to have that little banter before speaking about business.

7. What makes good customer service?
Always going that extra mile, so the customers will keep building awareness of our services.

8. What are the most common questions trade accounts ask?
The most common questions asked by trade is simply how long will the wheels take and when will your driver be with us. We offer a 48 hours turn around service for diamond cutting, standard finish and custom finish jobs. We know how important is for trade accounts to have their wheels done as quickly as possible so we also have a fast track service. I am in communication with the driver and workshop so am able to estimate delivery times for clients.

9. Which is the most popular service customers ask about?
Diamond Cut, which is what we are specialists in.

10. What extras can customers look for at Diamond Alloys that competitors don’t offer?
Other than our great service, we also offer secure parking, a premium valet service and tyre fitting with free balance.

11. How does it help to work closely with the technicians?
It helps a lot as we can always go to them with any questions we may have about wheels. I have learnt a lot since I’ve been here and this knowledge helps me talk to customers with confidence and ensures they get the finish they want.

12. What’s the workshop atmosphere like?
The workshop atmosphere is great, always up beat while insuring all work is getting done.

13. What motivates you to do a good job?
My Family.

14. Tell us about your life out of the office, what do you like doing in your spare time?
Outside Diamond Alloys, I like to play sports mainly football as well as watching. I’m also a DJ so that keeps me very busy on the weekends and some evenings.

15. If you won the lottery, what would you do?
Buy myself a pub!

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Once you’ve cleaned your wheels and rims thoroughly, you’ll want to make the most of your hard work by sealing the rim – something you should do every three months. Your first step is to buy a sealant that’s suited to use on wheels – if you’re unsure of which to use, there are plenty of useful forums and articles on the internet that will provide guidance.

When you’ve selected a sealant, coat the rim thoroughly and leave it to dry. Once dried, buff the surface with a clean microfibre cloth before repeating the process two or three times.

After this, it’s time to give your tyres some love. Use a foam applicator pad to coat your tyres in a water-based dressing, which will nourish the rubber and improve the way it looks.

Once this is done, you’re ready to re-attach your wheels. Experts recommend applying copper grease to the thread of each wheel nut before re-attachment, to help you achieve a smoother fit. Once all the wheels are on, and the car has been lowered back down to the ground, tighten the wheel nuts using a torque wrench, then stand back to admire your handiwork. It might be time for a cup of tea, too!

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