Wheels are among the most important components of an automobile because they grant mobility. It is always wise to invest in good quality wheels, as they are reliable and more resistant to wear and tear. Contemporary and shiny wheels on a car greatly increase its aesthetic value, so you can drive in style. We are all familiar with the painted alloy wheels and powder-coated wheels, which are both true and tried. There is nothing wrong in going with something traditional or old school, unless you are all about innovation and glitz.
Nowadays, appearance matters more than anything else, which is why ‘car fashion’ is a serious thing. Many modern and elite vehicles are featuring diamond cut alloy wheels because their sophistication and elegance is to the next level. These wheels are often sighted among high-end cars like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes Benz; although more mainstream car brands are also adding them to their latest models. If you go and look around a car showroom, the ones fitted with diamond cut alloy wheels will definitely stand out, thus it is hard to resist the magnetism.
What are Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels?
The magnificent ‘diamond cut’ is achieved by putting the alloy wheel on a lathe and then machining off its painted surface to leave a glossy finish. After that, the wheel is lacquered to prevent (or at least slow down) the process of corrosion. The finesse of the chiseled surface makes it sparkle like an immaculate CD, which dazzles the spectator. Since the painted surface is partially or entirely shaved off, a considerable part of the alloy wheel is removed. For this reason, diamond cut alloys cannot be repaired or refurbished more than two times; stripping too much of the wheel logically renders it unusable.
It is easy to tell the difference between a conventional painted alloy wheel and diamond cut alloy wheel upon close inspection. In case of diamond cut, one can observe fine little incision marks from the cutting machine, which catch the light. The diamond cut wheels appear to be two toned (black in the insides and silver on the outside), whereas the painted wheels are essentially monochrome. However, as the wheel surface undergoes wear and tear, it can be difficult to distinguish between the diamond cut and traditional wheel design after sufficient time has passed.
Pros and Cons of Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
If looks are important to you and you desire wheels that complement your beautiful car, diamond cut is the clear winner. It provides a chic and sleek appearance, whereas traditional alloy wheels give a clean matte look. Diamond-cut wheels enhance your car aesthetic and increase its economic value. If you would prefer something economical and long lasting, the traditional wheels are more your speed. The average life of diamond-cut wheels is 2-3 years, but standard alloy wheels last much longer despite being cheaper.
Most wheel specialists suggest a powder coat refurbish for diamond cut alloy wheels that have deteriorated beyond repair. While brand new diamond cut alloy wheels look stunning, the luster is short-lived; painted alloy and powder coated alloy wheels are more resilient. Repairing or replacing diamond cut alloys is also more expensive than the traditional options. Diamond cutting is a detailed procedure that exhibits precision, thus it is far more time consuming than customary restoration.
Diamond cut alloy wheels are not suitable for every kind of automobile. You may have to consult an expert technician if you wish to add them to an old car. Many auto insurers do not offer coverage for repair or replacement of diamond cut alloy wheels due to the high costs. Therefore, it is necessary that you opt for a policy that supports your car fashion choices.
Diamond cut alloy wheels are designed to evacuate water, so they provide better traction on wet and slippery roads. They mitigate the risk of crashes and collisions in rainy/cold season, and thereby prevent fatal auto accident injuries. On the other hand, lacquer does not stick well to the sleek diamond cut edges, so water gradually seeps through and gives it a cloudy appearance.
John Adams is a technology enthusiast, lifestyle blogger, and paralegal at a personal injury law firm. He writes about widespread social and legal issues, aiming to help readers solve problems the smart way, rather than the hard way. He also loves sharing personal views on technological developments and trending life hacks.