Sometimes you may have noticed some bumps and scratches on the rims of your car. If you have ever hit a curb or had an accident, then these scratches are likely due to curb rash.
Curb rash can be very unsightly and make your car look old and beaten up. However, there is no need to worry, as there are ways that you can fix curb rash and repair your rims.
To fix curb rash, start by cleaning the area with soap and water. Next, sand the area with 1500 grit sandpaper. Once you have finished sanding, apply a primer to the area. Finally, paint the area with touch-up paint that matches your car’s color.
Fixing curb rash is a simple process, though mostly it varies on the severity of the damage. For deeper scratches that have gone through the paint, you may need to apply a new coat of paint to your rims.
If the scratch is only surface level, then touch-up paint should suffice. In any case, taking care of curb rash as soon as possible will help to prevent rust and further damage from occurring.
What Is Curb Rash?
Curb rash is a term used to describe the scuffed, scraped, or scratched area on the edge of a wheel rim. Curb rash typically happens when a driver hits a curb, but can also be caused by potholes, debris on the road, or even parking too close to another car.
Curb rash can range in severity from light scuffs to deep scratches that expose the metal beneath the paint. In some cases, curb rash can even lead to bent or cracked rims.
Why You Should Fix Curb Rash
While curb rash may not seem like a big deal, it can be quite dangerous. Here are some of the reasons you fix curb rash:
1. Causes Rust
Scratched rims can easily become rusty, which can weaken the structure of the rim and cause it to fail. In extreme cases, a rusty rim can even cause a tire to blow out.
2. Affects Tire Pressure
In case you have a small scratch on your rim, it may not seem like a big deal. However, over time that scratch can become larger and deeper. Once the scratch goes through the paint and exposes the metal beneath, it can cause the tire to lose air.
3. Decreases the Value of Your Car
When you are planning on selling your car, curb rash will decrease its value. Most buyers are not willing to pay as much for a car with damaged rims. Its cosmetic value also decreases, making it harder to sell.
How to Fix Curb Rash at Home – Step by Step Guide
For light scratches and scuffs, you can fix curb rash at home with some basic supplies. Here’s what you need to do:
Step One – Clean the Area
Start by cleaning the area with soap and water. This will remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the paint from adhering to the rim.
Step Two – Sand the Area
Next, sand the area with 1500 grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out any rough edges and prepare the surface for paint.
Step Three – Apply a Primer
Once you have finished sanding, apply a primer to the area. This will help the paint to adhere better and provide a smoother finish.
Step Four – Paint the Area
Finally, paint the area with touch-up paint that matches your car’s color. If you don’t have touch-up paint, you can purchase it from an auto parts store.
For deeper scratches that have gone through the paint, you may need to apply a new coat of paint to your rims. If the scratch is only surface level, then touch-up paint should suffice.
How to Protect Your Car From Curb Rash
Instead of waiting for the damage to happen, you can take some preventative measures to avoid curb rash. Here are a few things you can do:
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
1. Use Wheel Covers
Wheel covers can help to protect your rims from scuffs and scratches. They typically attach to the rim with Velcro or clips and can be easily removed when necessary.
2. Avoid Hitting Curbs
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The best way to avoid curb rash is to simply avoid hitting curbs. Be careful when parallel parking and always look for any obstacles in the way.
3. Check for Debris on the Road
Before you drive, take a moment to check for any debris on the road. This includes things like rocks, glass, or even nails. If you see anything in the way, be sure to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Curb Rash Always Be Fixed?
Curb rash can usually be fixed with touch-up paint or a new coat of paint. However, in some cases, the damage may be too severe to repair. If your rims are bent or cracked, you will need to replace them.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Curb Rash?
The cost of fixing curb rash depends on the severity of the damage. For light scuffs and scratches, you can typically fix it yourself with touch-up paint for less than $100. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to pay a professional to repair or replace your rims.
Can Tires Protect Against Curb Rash?
Tires can help to protect against curb rash, but they will not completely prevent it. If you hit a curb hard enough, you may still damage your rims.
Tires help by absorbing some of the impacts and cushioning the rim from the force of the blow. However, they will not completely prevent damage.
Can Scratched Alloy Wheels be repaired?
Yes, scratched alloy wheels can be repaired. However, the severity of the scratch will determine whether you need to replace or repair the wheel.
Light scratches can usually be fixed with touch-up paint, while deeper scratches may require a new coat of paint. If the scratch is severe enough, you may need to replace the wheel entirely.
How Do You Fix Gutter Rash on Alloy Wheels?
Gutter rash is a type of curb rash that occurs when your wheels scrape against the gutters. To fix the gutter rash, you will need to sand the area and apply a new coat of paint.
What Causes Curb Rash?
Curb rash typically occurs when you hit a curb with your car. However, it can also be caused by debris on the road, such as rocks or glass.
A curb refers to the raised edge of a street or sidewalk that is typically made of concrete. Hitting this with your car can cause the paint to chip and scratch.
You can take some preventative measures to avoid curb rash such as using wheel covers, avoiding hitting curbs, and checking for debris on the road.
If you do hit a curb, the best way to fix curb rash is by sanding the area and applying a new coat of paint. You can usually do this yourself with touch-up paint for less than $100.
However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to pay a professional to repair or replace your rims.
Conclusion
To fix curb rash start by sanding the area with sandpaper. Once you have finished sanding, apply a primer to the area. Finally, paint the area with touch-up paint that matches your car’s color.If you don’t have touch-up paint, you can purchase it from an auto parts store.
For deeper scratches that have gone through the paint, you may need to apply a new coat of paint to your rims. If the scratch is only surface level, then touch-up paint should suffice.
Tires can help protect your rims from curb rash, but they will not completely prevent it. If you hit a curb hard enough, you may still damage your rims.
Tires help by absorbing some of the impacts and cushioning the rim from the force of the blow. However, they will not completely prevent damage.
For more information, check out these other articles:
Fast and Easy Ways To Remove Plasti Dip From Rims
3 Tricks To Remove Rust From Steel Rims and Wheels
6 Best Color Rims for a Silver Car (With Images)