What are Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels?

Diamond cut alloy wheels are high-end wheels that have a shiny finish and protective lacquer coating.

Read on and find out what a diamond cut alloy wheel is, what makes them different from regular alloys, and what you can expect to pay for diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment.

 

What are Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels?

‘Diamond cut’ is a type of finish that is applied to an alloy wheel.

A process of painting, cutting and lacquering leaves the wheel with a dual tone and a shiny surface.

The term ‘diamond cut’ comes from the machine used to produce the alloys, which uses a diamond-hard tip.

Models such as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class all come with diamond cut alloy wheels.

 

How Much Does Diamond Cut Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Cost?

Diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment costs anywhere from £130 for smaller wheels to upwards of £1,000 if you are having all four diamond cut alloy wheels refurbished.

 

What's the Difference Between Diamond Cut and Regular Alloys?

Both standard alloy wheels and diamond cut alloy wheels have certain benefits and maintenance requirements.

 

Standard Alloy Wheels

Standard alloy wheels are made from a mixture of aluminium and other metals, like magnesium.

Designed to provide a durable alternative to steel wheels, standard alloy wheels can improve the handling and fuel efficiency of your car.

With a smooth finish that can be painted with a clear protective layer to limit corrosion and enhance their appearance, you can maintain standard alloys by cleaning with mild soap and water and inspecting them regularly.

 

Diamond Alloy Wheels

Diamond cut alloy wheels have sharp edges and a chrome-like finish.

Like standard alloys, diamond cut alloy wheels are made from aluminium.

However, the manufacturing process is more complex.

Diamond alloys are painted with a clear protective layer and then put through a machine that uses a diamond-tipped cutter to create a polished surface appearance.

You should avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your diamond cut alloys, opting to wash by hand using a pH-neutral wheel cleaner, instead.

 

Are Diamond Cut Wheels Better?

There are various pros and cons to diamond cut alloy wheels.

Pros

• Improved heat dissipation
• Option to personalise your alloy wheels
• Lighter than steel wheels
• Enhanced corrosion resistance
• Possibility of increased resale value
• Aesthetically pleasing

 

Cons

• Higher manufacturing costs
• Susceptible to scrapes and damage
• Regular maintenance required
• Refinishing challenges

 

When choosing between standard alloys and diamond cut, you should consider these pros and cons to decide which wheels are better for you and your vehicle. 

 

How to Maintain Diamond Cut Wheels

Diamond cut wheels require maintenance to stay in optimal condition.

If you treat them like standard steel wheels, you will end up continually needing to re-cut them.

You will need to ensure the integrity of the lacquered coating on the diamond-cut sections.

You can clean the wheels using mild car shampoo and a soft sponge.

Make sure that you use a non-acidic alloy wheel cleaner and avoid using any harsh chemicals or solvents on your diamond-cut wheels.

If you do, this can dissolve the lacquer and discolour the metal.

 

How Long Do Diamond Cut Alloys Last?

Diamond cut alloy wheels will usually begin to show signs of corrosion within two years.

Their lifespan is likely to be shorter if you tend to drive at higher speeds or over gravelly terrain.

 

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