General Questions
Find answers about The Wheel Exchange, including our wheel exchange process, PVD chrome wheel repair, shipping times, core deposits, finish warranties, and how we source refinished OEM wheels.
Important for Exchange Purchases
An exchange purchase requires you to have the exact same wheels in size and style to send back after receiving your new wheels. The finish or color can be different.
Please read the Full Description in each listing for complete exchange details, core deposit requirements, return conditions, and any product-specific instructions.
▸ Wheel Repair & Exchange Questions
Do you offer wheel repair?
Yes. We offer repair and refinishing services for many OEM wheels and can assess damage to determine the best option. We also offer a wheel exchange process that allows customers to receive refinished OEM wheels without waiting for their original wheels to be refinished.
Can you repair PVD chrome wheels?
Yes. We perform full restoration on PVD chrome wheels, including stripping, re-coating, and applying a fresh clear coat. If we have your wheel in stock, our exchange process can help get you back on the road faster. Warranty coverage depends on the finish type and product purchased.
How long does a PVD wheel exchange take?
With The Wheel Exchange, many exchange purchases offer zero downtime because we ship your refinished replacement wheels first. Once your new wheels arrive, the physical swap at a local tire shop typically takes about 60–90 minutes. After installation, you return your original wheels using the included return shipping labels.
Does your PVD Chrome match original OEM chrome?
Yes. Our PVD chrome coating is designed to provide an OEM-style chrome appearance with strong durability and corrosion resistance. We follow application methods intended to maintain consistent color, gloss, and finish quality. If you are concerned about matching a specific wheel, vehicle, or finish, contact us before ordering.
Do my exchange wheels need to be the same finish?
No. For exchange purchases, the wheels you return must match the same size and style as the wheels purchased, but the finish or color can usually be different. For example, you may be able to return a factory painted or polished wheel for an exchange purchase in a PVD chrome or powder-coated finish, as long as the size and style match the listing requirements.
▸ PVD Chrome & Finish Quality
What is DuraChrome PVD?
DuraChrome™ is our proprietary brand name for the PVD chrome coating used on many of our bright chrome and black chrome wheels. The process we use is based on the patented Permastar PVD process for wheels. It uses no hexavalent chrome and is designed to provide a durable, corrosion-resistant wheel finish.
Is PVD the same as traditional chrome?
No. PVD chrome is not the same as traditional chrome plating. Traditional chrome is commonly electroplated, or “dipped,” while PVD is a lighter, more environmentally friendly coating process. PVD can deliver a chrome-like appearance, but it requires different repair and refinishing techniques than traditional chrome plating.
Can you powder coat over peeling PVD?
No. Peeling PVD layers must be chemically stripped before refinishing. Powder coating over a failing PVD finish can cause bubbles, adhesion problems, and additional peeling. Proper preparation is required for a durable repaired finish.
Have you tested your PVD finish?
Yes. Our PVD finish has undergone over 2,000 hours of salt spray testing and 500 hours of CASS testing. Test results are available on request.
What is PVD Chrome coating?
PVD coating is a thin-film coating process in which a solid material is vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited onto the wheel surface. The wheel PVD process is also called sputtering. PVD coatings are known for high surface hardness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and long-term durability.
On our wheels, the DuraChrome™ process creates a chrome-like metallic finish and is followed by a powder-coated clear coat for added durability and corrosion protection. PVD wheels can be used year-round, including in winter climates where road salt is present.
Because PVD is engineered for durability, it is not intended to be a pure show-car finish. Minor finish characteristics, such as slight orange peel or small surface imperfections, may be present. We guarantee that visible imperfections will not be seen from 2 feet away when the wheel is in the normal installed position on the vehicle.
DuraChrome PVD vs. Chrome Plating
▸ Shipping & Delivery
How long does it take for my order to ship?
Shipping times vary depending on the product type, wheel style, finish, and current inventory status. Some products, including many center caps and tires, are available to ship right away. Some wheel orders may also ship quickly when inventory is available.
Other wheel orders may require refinishing, preparation, or transfer before shipment. Please allow up to 10–14 business days for wheel orders to ship. If your order is expected to take longer, our team will contact you with an update.
How long will it take to receive my order after it ships?
Most orders ship with UPS or FedEx and typically arrive in 1 to 4 days transit time, depending on destination.
Use the shipping map below as a general guide for transit timing. Actual delivery times can vary by carrier, route, weather, and service level.
▸ Buying & Selling Wheels
Where do your wheels come from?
We source OEM wheels from take-offs, salvage, and OEM surplus. Each wheel is reviewed for suitability before being sold, repaired, refinished, or used in our exchange program.
Will you buy take-off wheels?
Yes. Please contact our sales team if you have take-off OEM wheels available. We may be interested depending on wheel style, condition, quantity, finish, and current inventory needs.
▸ Contact & Helpful Links
Need more information? Review the helpful pages below for additional details about our products, warranty, exchange process, and core returns.