BYD Sealion 7 Wheel Repair & Painting Review

BYD Sealion 7 Wheel Refinishing: Why Consider It?

The BYD Sealion 7 is turning heads with its distinctive design. However, many owners find themselves considering wheel repair or a new paint job, either because the original wheel design isn't quite to their taste or due to minor damage like scratches and corrosion from daily driving. Since wheels significantly impact a vehicle's first impression, owners often pay close attention to their condition. Wheel restoration and painting for the BYD Sealion 7 can be a great way to express your personal style and enhance your vehicle's overall appeal.

In this case, the owner of a BYD Sealion 7 visited 'Today's Car Ulsan Branch,' a partner shop, shortly after taking delivery of their new vehicle. Despite traveling from Gyeongju, the car had less than 100km on the odometer, indicating a desire for customization right from the start. This highlights that wheel repair and painting aren't just about fixing damage; they're also about creating a unique look for a new car.

The Satin Black Wheel Painting Process

The owner debated between gloss black and satin black finishes before ultimately choosing the sophisticated 'satin black' for their BYD Sealion 7 wheels. Satin black offers a subtle sheen, providing a look that's both refined and sporty, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. The process began with thoroughly cleaning the wheel surfaces. A high-pressure sandblasting technique was employed to remove any contaminants, rust, or old paint, ensuring optimal adhesion for the new coating. This preparation step is crucial for a high-quality finish.

Following surface preparation, the satin black paint was meticulously applied. This involved multiple thin coats to achieve a uniform and smooth finish, avoiding any drips or imperfections. The technicians utilized specialized equipment and their expertise to ensure a flawless result.

An interesting observation during this project was the difference in wheel and tire sizes between the front and rear axles of the BYD Sealion 7. The front wheels are fitted with 235/50R19 tires, while the rear uses 255/45R19. The wheel offsets also differ front to rear. It's essential to consider these specifications when planning any wheel repair or replacement to maintain the vehicle's driving stability and performance.

While the owner inquired about caliper painting, they decided to proceed only with the wheel refinishing for this visit. Adding a pop of color to the calipers can further enhance the vehicle's appearance, but even just changing the wheel color can dramatically alter the car's overall aesthetic. The finished wheels transformed the BYD Sealion 7, giving it a clean, premium look in the elegant satin black finish, appearing as if they were factory-installed.

Wheel Repair & Painting Installation Process:

1. Surface Preparation: Wheels are thoroughly cleaned, and old paint, rust, and contaminants are removed using methods like sandblasting to create a perfect surface for new paint.
2. Primer Application: A specialized primer is applied to ensure maximum adhesion and durability of the topcoat.
3. Painting: Multiple thin, even coats of the chosen paint color (in this case, satin black) are applied using professional spray equipment.
4. Curing: The painted wheels are cured, often in a specialized oven, to harden the paint and ensure a long-lasting, durable finish.

The entire process for wheel repair and painting typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, though the exact time and cost can vary based on the wheel's condition and the complexity of the work required. For this BYD Sealion 7, the service was performed at a partner shop in Ulsan, South Korea. While specific pricing depends on the shop and the extent of the work, similar services in Korea can range from approximately ₩150,000 to ₩300,000 per wheel (roughly $110-$220 USD), depending on factors like damage severity and paint type.