Category Archives: Diamond Cut Alloys

PUR Wheels and Porsche

PUR Wheels had its chance to do something cool to Porsche when it showed off the tuned version of its wheels on a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. PUR Wheels is based in New York and it has gained a cult following for its unique take on alloys.

For this Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, PUR Wheels decided to go for PUR 9INE three-piece alloy wheels. The wheel designer has had experience with installing 9INE alloys on other cars as seen with its monoblock 9INE alloys on a BMW 650i Coupe and the F12 Berlinetta. The wheels on the Porsche are 22 inches in diameter while a pop of DaVinci Red lip is visible from the wheels which match the red brake callipers of the Porsche. A Matte Modern Black face can also be seen on these supercharged alloys.

Do you like these stunning alloys on this Porsche Cayenne? At Diamond Alloys, we offer a variety of different techniques which include a bespoke alloy refurbishment, standard refurbishment and our most popular Diamond Cut service. Just give us a call on 0845 370 8881 and we will be happy to give you a quote!

Keep your tyres on your rims for longer

Tyres should always last for as long as possible so that you can get the best value from your rims. It’s really important to take care of your tyres because of the increasing shortage of good tyres. This is mainly due to the closure of manufacturing plants and the rise of new specialty tyres that don’t go with older cars. What you should do is increase the life of your current tyres

 

Top tips on how to increase the lifespan of your tyres
• Ensure your tyres are pressurised: This is something that specialists can do for you. Tyre pressure really affects the quality of your driving experience as well as how long your tyres can last for. Try and get your tyre pressure checked at least once a month.

 

• Balance your wheels: Your wheels should be balanced regularly; one way to ensure you do this is by rotating the wheels when you change your car’s oil.

 

• Avoid potholes: Potholes wreak havoc on the health of your tyres and wheels. Always pick high quality tyres and avoid potholes every time. One way to avoid hitting them is roll over the potholes instead of trying to avoid it once you have hit it.

 

• Look at the tread wear: Keep on track of wheel alignment is a good way to assess the tread wear of your tyres. One way to look at tread way is insert a coin through the wear bars. If the coin’s head is visible through the bar, it’s time to change the tyres.

 

• Avoid harsh weather exposure: Weather can be your worst enemy and it is said that the icy weather of winter and the summer heat can be detrimental to the health of your tyres. With these top tips, you can understand how to keep your tyres lasting for longer so you can get more value from the rims that you have on the wheels.

Are bigger wheels going to be better for your car?

Bigger wheels are definitely on the rise as they are hugging the body frames of many cars from your classic saloons to luxury performance car models such as the Aventador. Let’s look at whether these wheels will be better for your car in the long run.

Bigger wheels look fantastic
One reason why bigger wheels have been chosen by many drivers is because of the style accent that it gives the exterior. They capture attention of anyone who sees the car going down the road in addition to any extra details such as rims standing out as well.

Wheels should be in proportion to your car

Despite the craze towards big wheels at the moment, the standard option for a good driving experience is to have wheels that are in proportion to the size of the car that you own. While it might be tempting, wheels that actually fit your car is the better option whether you are driving a Ford or a Ferrari. The thing you also need to know about larger wheels is they are heavier and this will lead your car to be slower – this isn’t ideal if you have a sports car or you like the sporty cars.

Lightweight wheels are ideal
In order to keep performance razor-sharp, it’s important to look for wheels or alloys that will enhance performance, not drag it down. This is something bigger wheels are guilty of because of their heavier weight. When a wheel is rotating, it should be going at the same speed. If the wheel is heavier, then it can be harder to have control of. Lightweight wheels do not have this problem at all. Lightweight wheels are easier to steer because the weight is shaved off them.

Low profile tyres are best
Low tyre sidewalls help to keep the tyre’s tread flat on the ground which is better for performance. Bigger wheels are more trouble because they can’t stay as flat on the ground as low profile tyres can. Forged low profile tyres supercharge performance because they are lighter off the ground.

Forging wheels help the car be more lightweight
Alloy wheels which are forged are ideal because they have more strength and they can resist the elements and effects better such as cracking and bending. Wheel manufacturers know that forging wheels is a process that can be expensive despite its benefits which is why cast centres are paired with forged barrels in the ‘spinning process’.

Ultimately, replacing your standard wheels with lightweight alloy wheels which are not as big or bulky enhances your car in a way that bigger wheels can’t do. It does this by considerably improving how the tyres interact with the road and the driving performance. Improved performance is a top priority for automotive enthusiasts who want the best in performance for driving.

Staff Interview with Yosef

1. What do you do at Diamond Alloys?
II receive or remove the wheel and check for any damage the tyre and alloy may have. I then strip the wheel, help prepare the wheel for refurbishment and then when the alloy is complete I prepare it ready to be fitted and balanced.

 

2. What did you do before joining Diamond Alloys?
I was a technician at my local garage.

3. Why did you want to work in a workshop environment?

I have always worked in a workshop environment since I left school. I think it is what I do best. Plus I love cars, so it is great to be working in the industry.

4. What’s the best part of your job?

To see happy customers driving away with their alloy wheels refurbished.

 

5. What would you do if you were not a tyre fitter?
I would be a world champion touring car racer.……my ambitions are small!

 

6. How would you like to progress your skills at Diamond Alloys?
I would like to learn every aspect of the organisation, learn new skills on the job,  and help expand the business.

 

7. What are your alloys like on your own car?
Expensive!


8. If you could drive any car, what would it be, where would you drive it and who would be sitting next to you?

Nothing beats a spiritual drive by myself in my very own Escort Cosworth…what a car!

 

9. What gives you job satisfaction?
I get job satisfaction out of working with a team because I think this makes the work more efficient and gives you great team spirit. I joined Diamond Alloys for few months but already feel part of the team.

 

10. Should customers remove and replace tyres on their own?
If they have the right equipment. If not then good luck with that! Diamond Alloys customers offer removal, refitting and balancing for FREE all part of the service, so I would suggest people let us just do it for them.

 

 11. What advice can you give customers on how to maintain their tyres?
I would recommend they check their tyres before and after any long journey regularly checking the thread depth and tyre pressure. You can check the thread depth by using a 20p coin, you just need to insert the coin into the main grooves of your tyre and if the outer band of the 20p coin is visible, your tread depth may be illegal and you should have them checked by a qualified tyre specialist. Keep an eye of budges too as this is an indication there is a problem with the tyre.  Also, to extend life of your tyres make sure you read our caring tips for wheels and tyres.

 

12. What keeps you out of trouble in your spare time?

I attend race meetings and I am a big fan of British Touring Car Racing

 

13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I see myself driving in a Racing Championship sponsored by Diamond Alloys.

 

 

Great Feedback from Another Happy Customer

We love to receive feedback from our customers and we have had plenty of positive feedback this week.  We are always pleased to see our customers drive away happy with their newly refurbished alloy wheels. To achieve this our trained technicians always work closely with clients to ensure their alloy wheels get the refurbishment they desire.

 

Latest customer Amar came into our wheel refurbishment to refurbish the alloys of his Mercedes Benz AMG last week and he was very impressed when he collected his newly finished Diamond Cut wheels.  He was very happy, not only because his alloys looked exactly how he wanted, but also with the service that came with the work and  left us some great feedback along with some superb pictures of his finished wheels “Thanks to Diamond alloys and Emily for great custom and service”.

 

Take a look at Amar’s stunning alloy wheels which have been diamond cut first and then silver painted.

If your alloys have seen better days, had a few scrapes and dents, then give us a call on 0845 370 8881 and we can recommend a service for you.  You can choose from a range of alloy wheel refurbishments including a bespoke refurbishment, a standard refurbishment or our most popular service a Diamond Cut. Take advantage of our special offer in June, visit our Facebook page now!

Where would we be without wheels?

From some of the pictures that have already been revealed, Renaud Marion’s rendering of wheel-less vehicles is taking the online world by storm. The French artist has called his series of photographs ‘Air Drive’ and it definitely gives a futuristic look on how cars could work without wheels. Traditional thinking would be that wheels are essential features of any car which is why ‘Air Drive’ is so compelling. Marion said that he was inspired by classic cartoon series like the Jetsons and 80s classics like Back to the Future.

Marion envisioned wheel-less cars on models like the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Cadillac DeVille and the Jaguar XK120. The results in the photography look almost cosmic, like cars that belong in outer space with NASA probes. This photography series proves the importance of wheels in being the defining features that make a car truly a car. This is one thing that all enthusiasts from Ferrari fans to Lamborghini aficionados can agree on – the wheels make the car the finished product we expect.

Whether for pleasure or for work it is essential that your wheels are kept in top condition to not only keep you safe but to also extend their life. Extending the life of car tyres is an integral part of keeping  your car in good shape, make sure to read our tips.

At Diamond Alloys we offer a balancing service for FREE and if your alloys are in for repair we can also quote your for new tyres too! Give us a call on 0845 370 8881 and don’t forget to give us a like on Facebook, we have just launched special offers only available on Facebook and Twitter!

Staff Interview with Paul

diamond-alloys-powder-coat41.What do you do at Diamond Alloys?

I am the head painter, responsible for all the quality control we carry out. I am very lucky as I have an experienced team of painters and prep guys who help me to ensure we always do a first class job.

2.How did you get into the alloy wheel repair business?

I tried a few things in my career until an opportunity came up and I turned my hand to painting. I am very happy here at Diamond Alloys and I have natural skill for colour mixing and matching.

3. What did you do before?

My last job was as a glass blower producing neon signs, so a little different, but I guess still creative.

4.What is your favourite paint effect?

A chrome effect. We are often asked for chrome alloys but what I usually suggest is to choose a chrome effect. In fact chrome-plated alloy wheels are more delicate than other alloy wheels and to refurbish them is more expensive plus the quality declines more quickly than a standard paint refurb.  A chrome finish lasts longer and is good value for money.

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5.What’s the best part of your job?

I love all aspects of my job. I enjoy working with a great team that cares about the finish we achieve which is a very important philosophy at Diamond Alloys. I like the creative part of my job, it is really exciting trying always new effects and rewarding to find the perfect wheel and colour match a customer is looking for.

6. What was your worst job?

Office work. I feel restricted by the tasks and I couldn’t be creative.

7. What would you do if you were not a painter?

Maybe I would be involved in building work. I like producing finished products that customers can really enjoy.

8. What are your alloys like on your own car?

They are not too bad actually. They probably need a bit of attention, but I am so busy at work they always seem to be back of the queue. 

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9. If you could drive any car, what would it be, where would you drive it and who would be sitting next to you?

I would choose a comfortable cruising car, a Range Rover with all the gadgets and gizmos with a beautiful lady by my side.

10. What is your job satisfaction?

Making sure we offer a professional service to the highest standards which means we treat every alloy the same; it makes no difference if they are a supercar, a classic car or an everyday run around, they all get star treatment.

11. How should customers look after a painted alloy?

I would recommend they clean at least once a week and they avoid using acidic or chemical cleaners. Also, avoid mechanical car washes as the types of brushes that are used in some mechanical car washes can have a negative impact on your wheels. I would recommend they use microfibre wash mits because they are efficient without being abrasive.

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12. Who is your inspiration?

My mum.

13. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pilot.

14. Should customers be wary of smart repairs?

Yes, it is not a total refurbishment. You will always get a better and lasting finish by using a centre compared to a smart repair. Also we take a lot of care to ensure the wheels are removed to repair and fixed back properly. You get an all-round service at Diamond Alloy.

15. Has the new powder coat system improved your job? And if so, how?

Tenfold! It is much faster, you get much better coverage over the surface of the wheel. All alloys come in different sizes and designs, some have lots of spokes and a wet paint finish made it difficult to get inside the spokes, so it was very time consuming, but the new powder system makes it easier to apply the powder in the hard to reach areas, it almost sucks the paint into place!

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16. What do you think of the new system?

To say I am impressed is an understatement!

17. Why does powder coating give a better finish than just painting a wheel?

Well, the paint sort of melts onto the wheel when it is hot, evening out the finish beautifully. The heat sort of helps the paint to flow.

18. What has been the main advantage of adding this new system?

Well quality of finish for sure. But also we can now turn the wheels around much faster, not only does it mean we can get through more wheels in a day but for the client it means they can have the wheels back on their car and they can be back on the road without too much delay. We know this is really important to the customer and it helps keep their costs down too.

Wheelsandmore gives the Vanquish vibrant styling

German tuning company Wheelsandmore are getting better and better with their work. They turned their attention to the Vanquish by Aston Martin. The details are simply mouth-watering: from the pistachio-chrome exterior colour to the 6Sporz2 alloy wheels, Wheelsandmore has done a fantastic job giving the Vanquish a glossy exterior styling that is drenched in the richest shade of pistachio. Wheelsandmore is also offering 20 inch 3-spoke forged alloys as well as 21 inch carbon alloys from the 6Sporz2 set. The tuning company is also involved with the components of the car – they included a stainless-steel valve controlled exhaust system. This system has allowed the Vanquish to have an extra slice of 25 horsepower with the option of having a cat-replacement kit and a practical F1 air filter package. This pistachio chrome Vanquish looks like it will conquer the competition without a doubt.
Do you like the bespoken alloys on this Aston Martin Vanquish? At Diamond Alloys we are well equipped to offer you a great bespoke alloy wheel refurbishment, give us a call on 0845 370 8881 now!

What Drivers Need to Know About Potholes

Current statistics show that there are around 1.6 million potholes in England and Wales that affect motorists. Research from Kwik Fit found that one in five motorists has tried to avoid oncoming traffic when a pothole is spotted ahead. Potholes are the subject of much controversy and frustration for many drivers because of the damage that they can cause including dents, scratches and excessive wear to the tyres of your car. According to Kwik Fit research, over 7 million Brits have damage their vehicles from driving over  potholes.

Where are people most affected by potholes?
This is a problem that affects the UK as a whole; however, there are some regional trends that exist. Some of the pothole problems are experienced in regions such as:
• The West Midlands: over 70% of drivers in the West Midlands say that they have to take matters into their own hands to avoid potholes.

• Scotland: Over 40% of those surveyed by Kwik Fit said they had to take evasive action against potholes.

• Wales and the South West: Both regions have responded with 29% of drivers saying they avoid potholes.

What’s the damage?
It ranges from issues affecting the suspension, wheels and bodywork of the car. The exhaust system is also affected from potholes. If your tyres are losing air, it might be down to a dent in the alloy caused by a pot hole.

At Diamond Alloy, we can fix the damage that is done to your alloy wheels as we know how serious potholes are and how they affect your car. If you want to give your scuffed or dented alloys a new lease of life, then give us a call on 0845 3708881 and we will be happy to advise how we can refurbish them along with a quotation.

 

How Powder Coating works

Powder coating is a technique used to coat any metal with a coating. It is one of the most versatile methods of making metals look glossy or matte (depending on what you want) as well as being able to apply plenty of special effects available. The automotive industry has taken to powder coating especially for alloy wheels repairs.

 

 

The details of the Powder Coating process

The basis of powder generic levitra online coating is when pigment and resin are ground to powder and then sprayed onto the surface of the metal, in the case of cars it is usually the alloy wheel metal. The finished results speak for themselves: it offers a high quality finish that is completely even and uniform making a great base surfaced to apply the finished paint effect or finish.

 

At Diamond Alloys, we use start the process by cleaning the alloy thoroughly in our Aquablast machine to remove dirt and grease. If there is corrosion we will also acid dip the alloy to ensure the wheel is stripped back to basics. It is only at this stage can the powder coating process start. Powder coating is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. This differs from conventional liquid paint and does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then baked in a specialist oven to allow it to flow and form a “skin” creates a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. After the process, the wheels are given some time to cool down before the desired paint colour and lacquer are applied. Finally the tyres are balanced and re-fitted to the tyres. The process itself is done by trained specialists and experts who know how to successfully apply powder coating on alloys for a stunning finish.

 

 

The results

Powder coating is the ultimate choice for discerning car owners who want the best for their performance cars as it gives a beautifully uniform layer to start from providing a smoother finished result. Another advantage of powder coating includes its environmental attributes as the powder coating produces less hazardous waste and the overspray from the process can be recycled.

 

How would it work for you?

Whether you have an Aston Martin or an Alfa Romeo in the garage, the marque of your car will not affect whether or not you can have powder coating on your alloy wheels. The details that matter are fine-tuning your personal specifications such as the diameter of your alloy wheels and the special effects options such as a high gloss finish. Once you know what you want for your alloy wheels, powder coating your alloys with Diamond Alloys will offer you a great result.

 

 

Powder coating  can be applied to any colour or finish. We offer a wide range of alloy wheel refurbishments including a bespoke alloy refurbishment, standard refurbishment and our most popular Diamond Cut service. Give us a call on 0845 370 8881 and we can recommend a service for you.