What things might affect a wheel refurbishment?
You should be aware that we are refurbishing your wheel and not manufacturing it from new, so there are limits as to what can be achieved. The clear majority of the wheels we refurbish achieve the standards that we are all looking for.
However, there are circumstances where the desired refurbishment is not always achievable and in some circumstances a full refurbishment cannot be performed at all.
Any significant flaw in the alloy wheel limits the desired effect on the outcome of the refurbishment. Sometimes identifying these flaws will not be possible until a full chemical strip has taken place and the bare metal is visible for our technicians to inspect.
Sometimes older wheels, excessively corroded wheels or previously welded wheels can prevent a full refurbishment taking place or prevent obtaining the desired factory finish.
There have been occasions where aftermarket alloy wheels create their own problems due to inferior aluminium. These wheels may be too brittle or could consist of soft aluminium composite which could cause refurbishing problems.
Identifying these issues may not be achievable until a chemical strip has taken place.
We genuinely cannot tell you in advance if there are to be unforeseen problems where we cannot proceed.
Why might a diamond cut not be possible?
There are a few reasons why an alloy wheel cannot be re-cut to achieve a diamond cut effect. The principle reason is if the wheel has been cut or re-lathed on more than one occasion, then it is possible any further cuts may not be achievable.
Every time an alloy wheel is cut, a small amount of material is shaved off from the face of the wheel and it may not be thick enough to take any further material off.
If this is the case, then a different effect should be considered such as a polished or chrome effect or just re-painting the wheel. These options eliminate the dangers of over-cutting.
Creative Wheels will not re-cut a wheel if we believe the alloy has been cut too many times already.
Another reason a wheel cannot be re-cut is because of damage to the face of the wheel.
If a wheel has a deep impact mark, an insertion weld or filler weld may be an option to bring the level back to a height that can then be re-cut.
Sometimes a light colour line may appear known as ‘mapping’ on the spokes after the diamond cut process. This is due to the material being cut away from the leading spoke and shaving away a thin layer of metal exposing the primer underneath.
Every wheel is different and our technicians will do everything to minimise this ‘mapping’ from happening.
However, you cannot be sure how much, if any, will appear after cutting. Although it should be minimal, it is deemed acceptable.
Why might welding repairs not be possible?
At Creative Wheels, we employ several qualified welders, so however badly damaged your alloy wheels are, wherever possible, our staff will repair your wheel.
However, there are a few occasions where a successful repair is not possible and if this was the case, one of our team members will explain exactly why in detail.
The main reason a wheel cannot be repaired is due to the number of cracks in a single wheel. We have known a wheel to have as many as six cracks. This is deemed unacceptable for repair due to safety and only a replacement is the answer.
Welding a cracked alloy will give you the desired result but it will not be as good as a replacement. For this reason, there is no guarantee against further cracks appearing.
When are diamond cut filler welds used? And why?
Diamond cut wheels often have missing pieces of alloy on the edge of the wheel due to extensive damage.
To achieve a successful diamond cut refurbishment, the alloy must be filled with the same material as the wheel.
This can only be achieved by TIG welding, filling the damage back to a desired height ready for refurbishment and finally to proceed with the diamond cut process.
There is one slight flaw in this method. If you look closely there will be a very slight discoloration in the diamond cut finish.
The process of inserting a new piece of alloy into the missing area may cause a slight insertion line caused by the filler weld. This is deemed acceptable and will not be clearly visible upon close inspection.
When might TPMS valves be replaced or renewed?
TPMS valves should and do last a long time. However, they are rarely removed, even when changing tyres.
For the process of a fully refurbished wheel, the TPMS valve and sensor will need to be fully removed and although every care is taken to remove the TPMS valve, they can be stubborn to remove due to the age and condition.
Occasionally damage can occur and therefore a replacement will be required.
Creative Wheels will not accept any responsibility for damage due to the removal of a TPMS valve.
The manufacturers of TPMS valves and sensors state that TPMS valves are a serviceable item and therefore it is recommended a valve stem service kit is fitted at every tyre replacement.
Creative Wheels offers a valve service stem kit or a complete replacement and have the computer equipment to programme the sensor to the vehicles on-board diagnostic (OBD) socket for correct measurement.
We only supply OE TPMS valve stems or full replacement by HUF.
There are many issues with cheap alternative replacements and therefore Creative Wheels will never offer a cheaper or inferior TPMS alternative.
Does Creative Wheels offer a guarantee?
At Creative Wheels, we believe that our service is unrivalled, due to the fact that we use the latest technology and materials available, coupled with extensive staff training.
Some companies will offer a guarantee of some description but many will not guarantee a diamond cut wheel for any amount of time.
We offer a six month warranty should your fully refurbished wheel suffer from deterioration within a six month period due to inferior materials or workmanship.
Our underlying determination is to be the leading wheel refurbishing company in this area and to achievethe highest possible results in alloy wheel refurbishing.
Should a warranty claim be required, we will undertake a full refurbishment, free of charge, or in some circumstances, at the company’s discretion, a refund will be offered as a final settlement.
A claim will only be offered for a full refurbishment if deterioration has occurred for no apparent reason.
Claims resulting in broken lacquer from curb damage, scuffing or pot-hole impacts will be excluded from any form of guarantee.
Third party involvement such as poor tyre fitment or cleaning with harsh abrasives will also be excluded from our guarantee.
Please be aware that if the lacquer is broken then oxidisation will occur in time which will produce a milky or discoloured appearance to the lacquer.