Can Wheel Hubs Be Repainted?

[Autumn]

According to the "Regulations on Motor Vehicle Inspection Work Procedures," repainting wheel hubs does not require reporting, but the size of the wheel hubs cannot be changed. For changes to the vehicle body color, Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that if the color change area does not exceed 30% of the vehicle's surface, no change registration is required. Conversely, if it exceeds 30%, it must be filed and registered within 10 days after the color change. Precautions for Vehicle Color Change: Before changing the color of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to consult the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to confirm whether the region permits color changes. If the region does not support this practice, the filing procedure cannot be processed after the change, and the vehicle must be restored to its original color. Documents required for applying to change the vehicle body color: "Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form." Identity proof of the vehicle owner and agent. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle driving license. Additionally, according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," owners are no longer required to apply to the vehicle management office in advance. They can first change the vehicle color, install body kits, replace the engine, etc., and then apply for change registration with the vehicle management office. According to Article 10, registered motor vehicles must apply for change registration with the local vehicle management office under the following circumstances: Change of body color. Replacement of the engine. Replacement of the body or frame. Whole vehicle replacement due to quality issues. Change of use nature, such as commercial vehicles converted to non-commercial use or vice versa. Change of the vehicle owner's residence in or out of the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Furthermore, according to Article 15 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles must display emblem patterns as prescribed and install alarms and signal lights. Other motor vehicles are prohibited from displaying, installing, or using emblem patterns, alarms, or signal lights that are exclusive to or resemble those of the aforementioned vehicles. Article 56 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the body color is changed without following the prescribed change registration procedure, the public security traffic management department may issue a warning or impose a fine. The vehicle may also be impounded and required to revert to the original body color.

[LaKaleb]

Changing wheel colors is super common, I've done it myself several times. The most hassle-free method is using spray wrap—it works just like regular spray paint, and matte colors give a particularly premium feel. The best part is even those with no DIY skills can manage it. If you're not happy with the result, you can peel it off in one piece, just like plastic wrap. One minor downside is that frequent car washes can cause the edges to lift. I've also tried vinyl wraps—nowadays even chrome finishes can be achieved, but it requires a skilled installer. Remember to register the color change with the DMV afterward, and avoid overly reflective colors. Last time my friend went with neon green and got pulled over by traffic police, wasting 800 bucks on a re-wrap.

[LaIsabella]

Choosing the right wheel color modification depends on the material. For my car's cast alloy wheels, the safest approach is to sand off the original paint and apply a baked enamel finish. Before painting, it's crucial to degrease and clean the surface thoroughly—otherwise, the paint will bubble. High-temperature baked paint can last up to three years without fading, though removing and reinstalling the wheels is quite labor-intensive. Some people take shortcuts by using spray paint, but that starts peeling within two to three months. After modification, I strongly recommend getting a wheel balance—don't ask how I know this. Last time I skipped it, and at 110 km/h, the steering wheel was shaking like it was breakdancing. Opting for a color close to the OEM shade is more hassle-free, and currently, matte gunmetal gray looks exceptionally premium in person.

[OJace]

Wheel color change is definitely doable, it's a common service at auto detailing shops. Chrome wrap is the hottest trend right now, blindingly shiny under sunlight, though it costs three times more than regular vinyl. If you're on a budget, anodizing is an option - 200 yuan can cover all four wheels, even allowing for color-blocking effects. After recoloring, always have the mechanic check the valve stems - I learned this the hard way when aged valves got painted over and caused slow leaks that nearly ruined my wheels. Remember to preserve the OEM logos during color changes; painting them completely black makes wheels look like knockoffs. Dark colors on alloy wheels reduce heat dissipation in summer, so southern drivers should think twice about choosing black finishes.