Alloy wheel repair is the cost-effective alternative to wheel replacement for curb rash, scuffs, scrapes, and minor bends. A new factory alloy wheel can run $400-$1,200 depending on your vehicle. A repair is typically a fraction of that, and on most damage, the finished wheel looks indistinguishable from the original. Frank's Automotive in New Braunfels coordinates alloy wheel repair through our refinishing specialists, often in combination with collision work so you get one estimate, one invoice, and one pickup.
What's involved
Common alloy wheel repairs:
- Curb rash repair — the most common damage. Where the wheel scraped a curb during parking, leaving a flat shiny scratch through the finish. Repaired by sanding the damaged area, refilling, contouring, and refinishing to match the wheel
- Scuff and scratch refinishing — light damage that hasn't compromised the wheel structure but looks bad
- Color matching — silver, gunmetal, machined, polished, black, hyper-silver, two-tone — most factory finishes can be matched
- Minor bend correction — alloy wheels with slight bends from pothole impact can sometimes be straightened without re-machining. Heavy bends or cracks usually mean replacement
- Coordinated with insurance for collision-related wheel damage (we'll handle the claim)
The work is done on-site or through our wheel-refinishing partner, depending on the type of damage. Either way, the warranty and quality are ours.
When to bring it in
Repair makes sense when:
- Curb rash is visible — usually the front-passenger wheel from parallel parking attempts
- Scratches or scuffs are visible but the wheel structure is intact
- A pothole hit caused a small flat spot or vibration at highway speed (we'll check for bend first)
- You're prepping the vehicle for sale or trade — clean wheels significantly affect appearance
Replace instead of repair when:
- The wheel has a crack — cracks compromise structural integrity and air pressure
- A large bend is causing severe vibration or air loss
- The inner bead surface is damaged (where the tire seals to the wheel)
- The wheel has been previously repaired in the same spot
We'll inspect and tell you which makes sense for your wheel.
Why Frank's for alloy wheel repair
We're an I-CAR Gold Class collision shop, so wheel work that's part of a larger collision claim flows through our standard insurance process. For standalone curb-rash repair, we coordinate with a specialist refinisher to keep cost down and quality up. The work is covered by our lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Walk-ins welcome for a wheel inspection — most cosmetic repairs we can quote in five minutes. Request an appointment or call (830) 627-3939.