Curb Rash on Your Wheels: Can It Be Fixed?

It happens to almost everyone. You parallel park a bit too close, or take a drive-thru turn too tight, and hear that awful scrape. Now your nice alloy wheel has a chewed-up edge. The good news is that most curb rash can be repaired so it looks close to new.

Cosmetic damage vs. structural damage

Cosmetic curb rash is scuffs, scratches and gouges on the outer lip or face of the wheel. It looks bad, but the wheel still holds air and rolls straight. This type can almost always be repaired.

Structural damage is a different story. Watch for:

• A crack anywhere in the wheel
• A bent lip, or a wheel that wobbles when it spins
• A tire that keeps losing air after the hit
• A new vibration in the steering wheel at highway speed
• The car pulling to one side after hitting the curb

If you notice any of these, have the wheel checked soon. Read more about bent vs. cracked rims. A hard curb hit can also knock your alignment out, so see wheel alignment 101.

How curb rash repair works

1. Inspect the wheel for cracks and bends first.
2. Sand the damaged area smooth.
3. Fill deeper gouges and shape them to match the wheel.
4. Refinish with primer, colour-matched paint and a clear coat.

Some finishes, like diamond-cut or machined faces and chrome, need special work and can be harder to match. We’ll tell you what to expect before we start.

Why not just leave it?

• Corrosion: scraped spots expose bare aluminum. Ontario road salt can get in and cause the finish to bubble and peel.
• Resale value: damaged wheels are one of the first things buyers and dealers notice.
• Lease returns: wheel damage is a common charge when you return a leased car.

How to avoid curb rash

• Tilt your passenger mirror down when parallel parking, if your car can do this.
• Take wide turns at drive-thrus and tight parking lots.
• Consider tires with a rim protector lip if you have low-profile tires.

Wheel repair in Waterloo

President Tire & Wheels is at 632 Colby Drive, Waterloo, serving Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge. Bring your wheel in and we’ll tell you if it’s a quick cosmetic fix or needs more attention. See our wheel repair page or call (226) 698-1667.