How much does wheel and rim repair cost?

Based on real quotes from businesses in United States.

$62

TYPICAL 

$100

$125

Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

  • Steel and chrome wheels are generally less expensive to fix than aluminum or alloy wheels

  • Wheel rim damage that affects its structural integrity requires replacing the entire wheel

  • Recovering used wheels from auto salvage yards could save you money

Damage to your car’s rims or wheels (synonymous terms) can occur in many ways, ranging from mild cosmetic scrapes and scuffs to bends, dents, or cracks that can cause a tire to leak air or deflate completely. 

In many cases, a skilled rim repair professional can fix the issue. In severe cases, such as cracking or breakage, they might recommend replacing your rim with a new or reconditioned wheel.

Whether you have a badly damaged wheel or just want to improve the look of the rim, use this rim repair cost guide to learn more about wheel repair services and their pricing. 

Total cost of rim repair

Nationwide, repairing damaged rims can cost $62–125, including labor and materials, with the national average rolling in at $100.

Rim repair generally includes 3 services: 

  • Scratches or scuffs. Simple refinishing of scratches and scuffs usually costs the least to complete at $50–500, depending on type of rim and severity of damage. This service entails sanding down the scratch or scuffed surface, repainting or powder-coating the wheel, and applying a clear coat if needed. In some cases, such as plastic-clad wheels, full wheel replacement is the only solution to curb rash—damage caused by repeatedly scraping your wheel on the curb. 

  • Bent wheel repair. Repairing a bent rim can cost $50–150, depending on the wheel’s material. Steel wheels and chrome wheels can generally be bent back into shape. Bent aluminum or alloy wheels will most often require a brand-new or reconditioned rim because, unlike steel rims, they are not malleable when heated. 

  • Gouged or cracked rim repair. Deep gouges or cracks in the wheel weaken their structural integrity. You should always replace wheels with these types of issues. New wheels can cost anywhere from $75 to thousands of dollars each. 

Cost factors

The price of fixing your car’s wheel depends on several variables, including: 

  • Wheel material and construction

  • Wheel finish

  • Severity of damage

  • Availability and price of painting materials

  • Damage location—a simple scratch on a flat surface is cheaper and easier to repair than on a lip or stylized portion of the wheel.

How to save money

Some common ways to save money on rim repair costs include: 

  • Skip the dealership. Instead of performing the work themselves, car dealerships typically outsource wheel repair to a local body shop or wheel repair shop, mark up the prices, and resell the service to you. Or they may attempt to sell you a pricey original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement wheel. Skip the dealer and head straight to the wheel repair shop. 

  • Shop around. Get estimates from 3–4 highly rated wheel repair shops using Yelp’s “Request-a-Quote” feature. Then contact the shops again to see if they’ll beat the lowest quote you received.

  • Head to the junkyard. If your wheel needs replacement, or if it costs too much to repair, head to your local auto salvage yard, which may have good wheels from a wrecked car. Even if the wheel isn’t perfect, it may cost less to recondition it, compared to repairing or replacing your severely damaged wheel. 

FAQs

Can you repair all rim damage?

Experts can repair damage that hasn’t impacted the wheel’s structural integrity. Damage to the bead seat—where the tire meets the wheel—and any deep gouges or cracks require replacement of the wheel or rim, since repairing those issues can be dangerous for the car and driver.

How much does rim welding cost?

When you want a rim welded, it generally means the wheel is cracked and allowing air to escape from the tire. Cracks are not repairable, as they impact the wheel’s structural integrity, so you’ll need a new wheel. 

How much is a new wheel?

According to Justin Cupler, former ASE-certified technician and shop manager, “The cost of a new wheel varies greatly with the size and type of wheel (steel is generally cheapest), the brand of vehicle (luxury and premium cars generally have pricier wheels), the wheel’s construction, and its rarity. Expect to pay as little as $75 for a steel wheel, whereas high-end alloy wheels can cost $1,000 or more each.”

What does a bent rim feel like?

A bent rim will cause the entire vehicle and steering wheel to shake at virtually all speeds. The shaking will become more intense as your speed increases. A bent wheel can make a car very difficult to drive, so you should have the vehicle towed to a wheel repair body shop as soon as possible. 

Find a rim repair professional in your area.

How are Yelp’s cost estimates calculated?

Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.

How are Yelp’s cost estimates calculated?

Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.

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