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Phoenix Rim Repair | Express Wheel Repair & Powder Coating

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Your Wheels Are Two-Faced, Part 2

8/28/2019

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​Your Wheels Are Two-Faced, Part 2

Picture
Photo Credit: Taras Chernus
This month, we continue with our discussion about wheel hardware and design from last month.

At Phoenix Rim Repair, we are familiar with wheel structure because we work with naked wheels (wheels without tires) every day. There is a lot to wheels and rims that the lay person is completely oblivious to. Behind the visible cosmetic face (outer facing wheel surface) there are many important components making up a good wheel and its relationship to your vehicle. What are these? Read on to learn more about the secret life of your wheels.

Dish
The exterior of a 3-piece wheel, the dish is the portion of the wheel that sits beyond the spokes. In contrast, a “deep-dish” wheel spoke sits below the outer lip and is mainly for aesthetic purposes. Important to note here is that the deeper the dish, the more susceptible the wheel face is to damage from impacts. The wheel can become bent on the outer edge or crunch the dish against a spoke causing it to crack. This kind of crack is difficult to repair to the level needed because it’ll lose some of its original strength and integrity.

Spokes
Wheel spokes are located between the plate and outer wheel edge. Spokes support the wheel’s edge and help it to resist impacts. As you are probably aware, spokes vary greatly in appearance - from the typical 5-spoke pattern to more minimalist designs, and even some unusual wheel concepts. These designs are responsible for its resistance to damage, so not only is appearance important, the material integrity is equally so. In certain cases, a welding repair could possibly make the wheel a detriment to safety and performance.

Bolt Circle
Self-explanatory, the circle design that the wheel lug bolts appear is called the bolt circle. The Bolt Circle Diameter, or BCD plus the number of bolts used makes up the “bolt pattern”. For instance, 5 lug bolts at a 5.25-inch BCD can be described as a 5x5.25” bolt pattern. Bolt patterns vary between auto manufacturers, model types and years. For example, despite earlier models, many BMW wheels are 5x120mm. On the other hand, most Mercedes wheels are 5x112mm bolt pattern. This is why it is typically impossible to cross-mingle wheels between other car brand and models.

If you missed the first part of our list, click here to go to last month’s post.

Call or fill out our quick quote form and see what wheel improvements we can do for you!
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Your Wheels Are Two-Faced, Part One

7/24/2019

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​Your Wheels Are Two-Faced, Part One

At Phoenix Rim Repair, we are familiar with wheel structure because we work with naked wheels every day. There is a lot to wheels and rims that the lay person is completely oblivious to. Behind the visible cosmetic face (outer facing wheel surface) there are many important components making up a good wheel and its relationship to your vehicle. What are these? Read on to learn more about the secret life of your wheels.

Plate
First things first, the essential core. Around the center bore is a hefty metal plate with the function of connecting all the major players in the wheel  - the lug bolts/holes, wheel core, and axle. This sweet spot spoons the surface of the rotor. This configuration happens at the center of the wheel and is responsible for the integrity of the entire wheel-axle setup.

Valve Stem
Not to be forgotten, is the stem used to air-fill tires that must protrude through the wheel surface. This consists of a small hole drilled in the wheel to make way for the air valve. This hole can make one side of the wheel lighter than the other, meaning a good spin balancer will have to compensate for it. Valve stems come in all types, from snap-in rubber stems to fancy metal stems with rubber gasket seals.

Center Bore
Anything but a bore, the circular hole in the middle of the wheel is perhaps the most exciting aspect of wheel fit and performance. The center bore refers to the size of the hole where the spigot/axle fits through. This bore is also known as spigot size, and refers to the diameter of hole, usually measured in millimeters. The wheel’s center bore must match the spigot size of the car's axle seat.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) wheels are made to fit snugly on their original axle seats of their designated cars. However, when dealing with aftermarket wheels, care must be taken to ensure that the size is the same or slightly larger than the OEM center bore size - large enough to fit over the axle. Many aftermarket wheels are designed to accommodate this and will have center bores larger than the OEM size. Hub-centric spacers can be used to fill the overage and keep the wheel functioning properly.

Our list continues next month, so stay tuned…

See what we've been up to this summer on Instagram and follow us on Facebook.
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Off-Roading Wheels: Size Isn’t The Only Thing That Matters

6/30/2019

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​ Off-Roading Wheels: Size Isn’t The Only Thing That Matters

Here at Phoenix Rim Repair we see trucks, SUVs and Jeeps with big wheels that have been bent or damaged while off-roading or require some powder coating for that extra eye-pop effect. But properly outfitting your vehicle to enjoy unpaved terrain might involve more than you realize.

Bigger is Better
Yes, when upgrading to larger rims and tires, the bigger the better, especially for those who want solid off-road handling and grip. For this reason, the suspension will need to be lifted. A lift of just an inch or two will provide room for bigger wheels. The diameter needs to clear the brakes or else you’ll be going nowhere.
Don’t forget that the wheel and tire upgrade will weigh more and may affect the daily performance of your engine when it comes to speed. That doesn’t matter much though when you are off road at going slower speeds.

What is Backspace?
When it comes to off road rims, you need to be concerned about more than just the diameter and width of the wheel. Consider backspacing – it is the measurement of the space between the mounting face and the inside edge of the wheel. Your lift kit will let you know the maximum amount of backspace allowable. That’s because as backspace increases, the wheel moves further into the wheel well. For off road rims, you want to decrease backspace and move the wheel away from the well for maximum balance.

Offset, What?
In addition to diameter, width and backspacing you’ve got to consider offset as well. Offset measures the distance between the center of the wheel and the mounting surface. Backspacing is measured in inches and offset is measured in millimeters. When you are upsizing for off road rims, you will want to decrease the offset from OEM to move the wheel further out on your vehicle. A decreased offset provides more space between the inside edge of the tire and the suspension. It may take a zero or negative offset to push the wheel far enough out for adequate clearance.

Alloy is King
You want a tough alloy wheel for off-roading. Alloy wheels will provide durability and strength without added weight. Steel might seem like a better choice but it is far too heavy. You may save over 10 pounds per wheel in unsprung weight by going with alloy over steel. Forged aluminum will generally weigh less than cast. Those terms refer to how the material is formed into the wheel.

Once you’re equipped, this site will help you find places in Arizona where you can test out your spiffy new wheels. And if any damage should happen to your rims, you know where to bring your ride to get your wheels like new again.

Check out what we’ve been up to on Instagram and follow us on Facebook.
Off Roading in AZ bent rim repair
Photo Credit: NeonBrand
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Stop! In the Name of Love: Brakes

5/31/2019

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​ Stop! In the Name of Love: Brakes

 Screech. Sqeak. Sqqqk. Embarrassing car sounds.

Sometimes they are a minor annoyance, sometimes it’s very embarrassing.

We’re talking about noisy brakes.

Most modern brakes are disc brakes. These cast-iron discs are squeezed between two brake pads that provide the level of friction necessary to bring the wheels to a stop. It’s important to know that you should never expect to have complete silence from your breaks at all times. In fact, if you have high-performance carbon-metallic brake pads installed, they are actually prone to making noise. Original brake pads will make less noise, but pay attention to older brakes that may be noisy due to needing to be replaced.

Common Causes of Brake Noise Include:

Worn Pads
Brake pads undergo a tremendous amount of stress every time you apply your brakes. If you’re like most people, this stress is happening many times, every single day. Over time, the pad will naturally wear down and need to be replaced.

Brake pads come with a built-in wear indicator. In fact, there are different kinds of indicators. A mechanical indicator makes noise to signal that it is time to replace the pads. If you wait too long, you are risking further damage to your vehicle and yourself.

As brakes heat up, they become noisy and less effective. Brake pad-related noise is often caused by the metal in the pad. To minimize noise from your brake pads, use pads that contain more organic brake material (Kevlar, resin, rubber, fiber, etc).

Whatever type of brake pad you choose can easy and affordable fix. However, if you allow the pads to wear down for too long, you risk damaging the rotor, which is not so cheap to replace.

Pad Vibration
If the brake pads are vibrating against the rotor, that may be what is causing the noise. This may happen just before your vehicle comes to a complete stop. There are a few ways to counter this problem. Brake damper pads might do the trick, or you could try an anti-squeal compound that comes in a spray or liquid-application form.

Brake Rotor Rust
A layer of surface rust can occur very quickly, since the rotors are exposed to the elements. Many modern wheels are designed in such a way that the vehicle’s rotors are easily visible. While rotor rust can be an eyesore, it doesn’t pose much of a problem.

As mentioned, you can expect some occasional sounds from your brakes. However, if you feel it’s something beyond the norm, it’s wise to have your brakes checked out by a professional brake specialist.

At Phoenix Rim Repair, we not only service rims, color-coating wheels, and wheel repair, we know other great professionals in the auto industry. Great looking wheels are one thing, but having a safe vehicle with working brakes and parts is the complete package. We can typically provide recommendations for certain services not in our range of expertise.

What are you waiting for? Fill out an easy quote form and we’ll contact you quickly with a full quote.
Picture
Photo by Daniel Minárik on Unsplash
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All Bent Out of Shape

4/28/2019

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​All Bent Out of Shape

It has happened to all of us – a chewed or bent rim. The wheel is seriously bent out of shape, and so are are we about it. Not only are bent wheels and rims unsightly, and potentially dangerous, a damaged rim can cause performance issues as well. Most of the time a bent rim can be repaired, but in some cases it is advisable to replace the wheel outright. Fill out our fast quote form and we can determine the difference based on your photos. We can straighten that rim for you for a fraction of the cost of a replacement.

If one or more of your rims are bent, it can cause the following problems:
  • Unnecessary suspension wear and tear
  • Vibration or a shaking steering wheel syndrome
  • Inconsistent, premature tire wear

At Phoenix Rim Repair, it is all in our name. Our qualified techs can restore your bent rim quickly.

Advantages of wheel straightening are:
  • Less wheel damage = more safe
  • Maintain and restore wheel surface finish
  • Car looks more attractive, no visibly damaged wheels
  • Cost efficient

Perhaps the rim is severely cracked or damaged beyond repair, or would present a safety concern. This is not a problem, we have resources and can help you find a reasonable wheel replacement. Our goal is to help you have a great looking wheels no matter what kind of car you drive. We want you to get back out onto the road as fast as possible.

Call or fill out our quick quote form and see what we can do for you!
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The Sun is Shining, it is Time for Your Wheels to Shine Too! Refini-shine-ing!

3/30/2019

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The Sun is Shining, it is Time for Your Wheels to Shine Too - 
​Refini-shine-ing!

With the warmer months approaching, it is the perfect time for spring cleaning your wheels and thinking about refinishing them to give them a fresh, shiny, eye-catching look that will last for many seasons to come.

This month we are answering some common questions about wheel refinishing.

Won’t Wheel Refinishing Fade?

The longevity of wheel refinishing depends largely on the quality of work and how and where you drive. If you use dirt roads, hilly areas or unkempt roads with debris and hazards every day, then your wheels will experience much more potential damage than someone who drives predominately on city highways for short distances, for instance. Your wheels can also begin to look bad if you are constantly in stop-and-go traffic – brake dust will begin to build up on the surface of your wheels and start to affect the finish and vibrancy of your wheel surface.

In addition to where you drive and how often, being careless while driving can cause your wheels inadvertent curb rash and other dents and dings due to driver-inattention that will need to be repaired in addition to a refinishing coating for your entire wheel. Being cautious when driving with distractions in the car – passengers, mobile phone use, being sleepy or drinking alcohol, poor weather conditions, etc. – can help keep your wheels free from damage.
​
In addition, getting a high-quality wheel refinishing job done can make a big difference. Here at Phoenix Rim Repair, we see a lot of wheels come in with prior shoddy refinishing work done, from poor welding jobs, to coating just one face of the wheel (the outer facing wheel instead of the whole wheel inside and out), to air-bubbles and other defects that could be avoided if the proper time and attention was taken while improving and protecting the wheel.

Why Spend the Money on Wheel Refinishing?

Wheel refinishing might seem costly depending on what size and type of wheels you currently have (and what prior damage might need to be repaired). Prior dents, dings, rust, straightening and other damage can add to the cost of your refinishing. Chrome 24-inch wheels on an SUV will of course cost more than standard 13-inch alloy wheels on a sedan.

However, wheel refinishing is not nearly as costly as other automobile services, repairs or replacements. Wheel refinishing is a good investment – protects and improves your wheels and enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle.

The cost to refinish is worth it, especially if you work the with best in Phoenix – Phoenix Rim Repair – we guarantee all of our work. And if you happen to get a scratch or ding in the future we can always refinish one wheel at a time, as needed, just snap a photo of your damaged wheel and fill out our easy quote form and we can provide you a quote.

The fresh look of refinished wheels through priming, clear coating, painting and other services is worth the money if you want your car to look ready for a show room, or a hot date.

Follow us on Instagram to see what we're up to and what we can do for you!
Phoenix Rim Refinishing Repair Best Porsche
A recent wheel job here at Phoenix Rim Repair - the best wheel refinishing in Arizona.
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Phoenix: We’ll Help You Pimp Your Ride, Starting with the Wheels

2/7/2019

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​ Phoenix: We’ll Help You Pimp Your Ride, Starting with the Wheels

If you have been following us on Instagram, Facebook or this blog, you know by now that color-coating is a popular and easy way to upgrade the appearance of your ride. Check out this Cadillac we worked on recently. Black, on black, on black – we took it from basic to bold!
Cadillac Tesla Porsche Honda wheel color coating black Phoenix AZ
We're proud of this beauty. All of our work is always guaranteed.
The right customization can add color and character to a car to make it your own.

There are three ways you can do this:

Powder Coating
A technique specifically for metals that sprays a thin layer of powder onto the wheel’s surface. That powder is baked on to achieve a uniform durable finish. This technique is used to repair dings and scratches or to match your wheel’s existing color.

Color Details
Pin-striping wheel details and edges, and brake caliper coating are two ways to add unique pops of color to your wheels. Or color the whole wheel into a custom color you select here at Express Color Coating/Phoenix Rim Repair.

Finishes
Common wheel finishes are chrome, machine polished and powder color-coated wheels. Each gives your vehicle a distinct look to set it apart from the rest. Don’t be basic!

Some prefer to refine and refinish their original wheels, while others ramp up their vehicle personality and presence on the road by adding bold colors to turn heads.

Know Before You Go
First, know the size of your wheel because it’s diameter needs to match your tires. You can find that on your tire. You’ll also want to know your wheel’s offset, or the distance between the hub mounting surface to its center line. If the new wheel has a different offset from what you’re using now, the tires may rub on the inside or outside, eventually causing tire failure.

Wheels also come in a variety of materials. For example, alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels, which will give you speed and also reduce the heat the brake system endures.

If you’re unsure of how to measure your wheel or what type you want, bring your car by Phoenix Rim Repair and Express Color Coating and we’d be happy to take a look and give you a quick quote.
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How to Survive a Road Trip this Winter

1/7/2019

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​ How to Survive a Road Trip this Winter

The last slightly measurable dusting of snow in the Phoenix area happened in 1998, but that doesn’t mean that places just a few hours away like Prescott and Flagstaff don’t get a good share of snowfall every winter.

Many people choose to forego the crazy airport chaos and instead decide to drive to see family and friends over the holidays or during a winter vacation.

We want to help you out with safety on the road in snowy and wet conditions, (after all we wouldn’t want you to be in an accident, and ruin those wheels!).

Tire Tread & Pressure Check
Start by checking the tread of your tires. A quick check can be performed with a penny. Insert your penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down, facing you. If you can see all of Abe’s head, your tread has worn down to less than the recommended 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.

Next, check your tire pressure – as temperatures drop, so does the pressure in your tires. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires will lose air pressure. Having properly inflated tires is not only good for your safety, but also good for gas mileage.

Invest in Good Wipers
It’s difficult to drive safely if you can’t see. Don’t wait to replace your windshield wipers if yours are streaking, skipping, or smearing. Most auto shops and retailers can look up the proper size for your year, make, and model of car. The last thing you need is to be on a slick road with poor visibility.

Slow and Steady Wins the Winter Road
You and everyone else on the road who is stuffed full of eggnog and holiday food (or eager to go eat it) just want to get to where you are going. We get it. However, speed is your enemy in rainy or snowy conditions. It’s time to slow down and use caution. This can help increase traction in the slush and snow. Everything will take a little longer on wet pavement than on dry pavement, so when turning, stopping, and when driving in general, slow it down.

Avoid Cruise Control
Using cruise control in inclement weather conditions is not recommended. Road hazards (including other inexperienced-in-weather drivers) are heightened and your foot needs to be ready for action! In addition, using cruise control while driving on wet roads can increase the chances of hydroplaning.

Headlights Help
Visibility in the winter is often low thanks to daylight savings time, fog or mist. Keep your headlights on to increase your visibility to other drivers and to avoid low visibility dangers.

Take a Raincheck
If the weather is particularly nasty, try to wait it out or avoid it all together. Fewer people on the road during less than ideal conditions improve safety for everyone, and can provide just the excuse you needed to have a cozy day inside by the fire/space heater/radiator sipping spiked eggnog.

Lastly, winter and rainy conditions can cause minor scrapes and dings to your wheels because it can be harder to control your vehicle in those conditions. We are always here to repair or refinish your wheels should they succumb to any damage on that winter trip you took.

Don’t delay! Snap a couple of photos of your wheels and fill out our quote form and we’ll respond typically within a day.  
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What’s Shaking? Is It Your Steering Wheel?

12/31/2018

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What’s Shaking? Is It Your Steering Wheel?

A common complaint we hear here at Phoenix Rim Repair is a shaking, or vibrating steering wheel. This can be an easy fix most of the time, but sometimes there is some additional investigative work that needs to be done in order to figure out what the issue is. So many things can cause a steering wheel to shake. If the problem isn’t addressed quickly, it can result in additional damage and require expensive repairs. No one likes expensive! Read below to discover ways you can avoid a shaking steering wheel.

Check for Loose Parts:
Inspect and adjust any inadequacies - nuts, bolts, fittings, positioning, etc. Have your tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles.

Regular Wheel Alignment:
Annually, or each time you purchase new tires or have some sort of tire-related maintenance performed, be sure to obtain a digital, professional all-wheel alignment.

Invest in Proper Tires:
If you are living in a cold or warm climate most of the time, seasonally-appropriate tires can make a world of difference. Invest in a quality tire that is designed for your city’s terrain and climate.

Regular Check-ups:
Every 4,000 miles (or whatever the recommended service is for your vehicle or tires), take your vehicle to visit a professional auto repair technician. They are trained to locate mechanical issues before you notice them on the road.

Tire Pressure:
This can change drastically as temperatures fluctuate. Tire pressure should be monitored at least every two weeks, if not more.

Drive Smart:
Avoid road hazards, curbs (put down that cell phone!), speedbumps and other obstacles that may wreak havoc on your wheels and tires (i.e.: potholes). The more aware you are when driving the better off your ride, and wheels will be.

Hand-torque Only:
Damage form over tightened or too-loose lug nuts or bolts can be avoided by non-machine tightening only. Get personal with your wheels, use a hands-on approach.

​Check us out on Instagram to see what we’ve been up to! We hope to see you for repair or color-coating in 2019!

From all of us at Phoenix Rim Repair and Color Coating, Happy New Year!
Audi Driver Phoenix Vibrating steering wheel repair
Photo Credit: Andraz Lazic
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How to Tell If You Have Quality Wheels

11/29/2018

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​How to Tell If You Have Quality Wheels

Phoenix Wheel Rim Coloring RefinishingCredit: Jesse Collins
With wheel manufacturers all over the world and different styles and brands of vehicles we see daily, we’d like to discuss: what are the ingredients of a quality wheel?

Since we are in the business of wheel repair and refinishing, we frequently notice the finish of wheels immediately. We notice if the wheel has been properly maintained. We can see the condition and type of protective finish on each wheel. Even if wheels are older, they can still look as good, or better, than newer wheels if they have a quality protective finish and are cared for well.

To learn how to care for your rims, click here to read our wheel cleaning tips.

Who Made Your Wheels?
Wheel manufacturers also plays a role in wheel quality -  how well a wheel will perform and endure wear and tear - and how the wheel stands the test of time, and well, all those close-curb-encounters too! The Manufacturer’s longevity and reputation for quality is something to consider when purchasing wheels, whether they come with your vehicle or are purchased separately. Simply because a wheel manufacturer has a history in racing wheels, doesn’t mean those wheels are the best for everyday road use. Sometimes racing wheels are a very different wheel or too much of a wheel than you might need. Do your research and don’t assume.

Where and How Were Your Wheels Produced?
In addition to the manufacturer, consider the origin of production – there are quality standards that must be adhered to in places like Japan, Germany and wheel plants elsewhere. There can be different criteria for wheels sold with vehicles versus those wheels that are produced and sold aftermarket, or separately. These different standards can involve things like durability, metal, structural integrity, dimensions and finish. Not all wheels are created equal.

Do They Fit In?
A quality wheel will have a good relationship with its essential parts such as the tire, brake, bolts, clearance, width, and its general orientation to the automobile that it is attached to. All of these factors play a role in fit and performance. There are research, development and design teams to help facilitate the production, equipment and installation process to be in peak order for all parts to work in sync. This creates a quality experience for the driver and thus is an integral part of a quality wheel.

Do you have quality wheels?

Do they still look like quality wheels?

If not, we can restore your wheels back to looking like new – we can refinish, repair or give your wheels that glossy candy coated color you’ve been dreaming about.

As December approaches, why not think about a gift for yourself or a loved one? That would be a lasting gift for them and everyone else to stare at!

Not sure? Fill out our fast quote form and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.

Click here to see what we’ve been up to on Instagram.

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