Our Automotive Blog: Insights and Tips from Metro Wheels & Accessories

by Tim Gowens

Alloy wheels can make a big difference in a car or motorcycle, with improved handling and a beautiful appearance. Because of this, enthusiasts have been upgrading to larger wheels for years, replacing basic steel wheels and hubcaps to set a vehicle apart from others and to provide a smoother ride.

The staging area at the wheel repair facility.To capitalize on this trend, manufacturers have begun to change their styling to appeal to consumer demand for larger and flashier wheels, equipping even everyday vehicles like SUVs, compact cars, vans and motorcycles with larger-diameter alloy wheels.

While they look great, alloy wheels present a problem. Wheels from European manufacturers like Volvo, as well as 2- and 3-piece wheels, like BBS, tend to be soft and are more easily damaged. When they are damaged - bent or curbed, among other potential issues - do you need to completely replace them?

Replacing your wheels - through a dealer or local performance wheel shop - can cost hundreds of dollars and take days, depending on the severity of the damage.