Topic: Value Guides
What Are Mag Wheels Worth as Scrap?
Clean scrap mag and alloy wheels are worth roughly A$2.50—$3.00 per kilogram in Adelaide. That rate applies once the tyres, valve stems and wheel weights are off — and those are the three things most people forget.
This guide covers what makes a wheel worth more, how to tell alloy from steel, and how to prepare wheels before you bring them in.
Current mag wheel scrap rates
| Wheel condition | Indicative rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean alloy wheels | A$2.50-$3.00/kg | Tyres, weights and valves removed |
| Alloy wheels with tyres on | Assessed in store | Tyres must come off before weighing |
| Chrome-plated alloy | Assessed in store | Plating may affect the rate |
| Steel wheels | Priced as steel | Magnetic – see steel prices |
Rates reviewed 3 November 2026. See mag wheel scrap prices for current figures, or call 08 7225 9998.
Mag wheels are really aluminium
The name 'mag wheel' comes from magnesium, which some early racing wheels were made from. Today almost all 'mag' wheels are aluminium alloy. The name stuck.
That matters for scrap value. Alloy wheels are graded as a specific aluminium category — worth less per kilo than extrusion, because of the alloy mix and the attachments they usually carry. For more on aluminium grades, see what scrap aluminium is worth.
Alloy or steel? The magnet test
Not every wheel is alloy. Many base-model cars, trailers and spare wheels use steel wheels.
Magnet does not stick — alloy wheel. Graded as aluminium.
Magnet sticks — steel wheel. Graded as steel, at a much lower rate.
Appearance — alloy wheels usually have open spoke designs; steel wheels are often plain with a hubcap.
Steel wheels are priced as steel — see our steel scrap guide.
Three things to remove first
1. Tyres
Tyres must come off before a wheel is weighed. A tyre adds considerable weight that is not metal. Tyres are also a separate waste stream — a tyre shop can remove and dispose of them, usually for a small fee.
2. Wheel weights
The small balance weights clipped or stuck to the rim. These are lead, zinc or steel — a different metal from the wheel. Remove them and keep them separate. Lead weights are worth selling on their own; see what scrap lead is worth.
3. Valve stems
Rubber or metal valve stems should be removed. They are small, but they are not aluminium.
Many tyre shops will remove tyres from old wheels. Since you will be scrapping the wheels anyway, ask them to take the weights and valves off at the same time.
What else affects the rate
Chrome plating — chrome-plated alloys are accepted but may grade differently.
Paint and powder coating — common, and accepted.
Damage — bent or cracked wheels are still scrap-grade aluminium.
Centre caps — plastic caps should be removed.
Mixed wheels — keep alloy and steel wheels separate.
The magnet test used here works on every metal — see our guide to sorting scrap metal before selling.
Where scrap wheels come from
Upgrades — people replacing factory wheels with aftermarket ones.
Damaged wheels — bent or cracked from potholes or accidents.
End-of-life cars — wheels removed before the car is scrapped.
Tyre shops and mechanics — accumulated old wheels.
Home renovators and car owners upgrading their wheels.
Selling mag wheels in Adelaide
Bring cleaned wheels to SA Copper Scraps at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. They are graded, weighed on calibrated scales and paid before you leave.
For tyre shop and mechanic volumes, call 08 7225 9998 first. See our mag wheel buying service for regular loads.
Frequently asked questions
What are mag wheels worth as scrap?
Clean alloy wheels sit around A$2.50—$3.00 per kilogram on current Adelaide benchmarks, once tyres, weights and valve stems are removed.
Do I need to remove tyres from mag wheels?
Yes. Tyres must come off before the wheel is weighed, since they add weight that is not metal. Many tyre shops will remove them for a small fee.
Are mag wheels made of magnesium?
Almost never, today. The name comes from early magnesium racing wheels, but modern 'mag' wheels are aluminium alloy.
How do I tell alloy wheels from steel wheels?
Use a magnet. It will not stick to alloy wheels but will stick to steel wheels. Steel wheels are priced as steel, at a much lower rate.
Should I remove wheel weights?
Yes. Wheel weights are lead, zinc or steel — a different metal from the wheel. Remove them and keep lead weights separate, since they can be sold on their own.
Are damaged or bent wheels worth anything?
Yes. Bent or cracked alloy wheels are still scrap-grade aluminium and are accepted.
Why are alloy wheels worth less than aluminium extrusion?
Alloy wheels are a specific alloy mix and usually carry attachments like weights, valves and coatings, which is why they grade below clean extrusion.
Do you accept chrome-plated wheels?
Yes. Chrome-plated alloy wheels are accepted, though the plating may affect the rate.
Do you buy steel wheels?
Yes, but they are priced as steel rather than alloy, at a much lower rate.
Where can I sell mag wheels in Adelaide?
SA Copper Scraps buys alloy wheels at 12 Belfree Dr, Green Fields SA 5107. They are weighed on calibrated scales and paid before you leave.
Final word
Magnet first to confirm it is alloy, then tyres, weights and valves off. Keep the lead weights — they are worth selling separately.
Call 08 7225 9998, or see current mag wheel scrap prices.
