Does a scratched tire rim have any impact?
2 Answers
Tire rim scratches do have an impact. As a crucial component of a vehicle's chassis and tires, the wheel hub plays a vital role in supporting the stability of the car. If the wheel hub is scratched, it is necessary to repair it. The wheel hub is the rotating part of the tire's inner rim connected by columns to the wheel core, which is the metal component mounted on the axle that supports the tire center. Methods for repairing wheel hub scratches: 1. Inspect the damage; if it hasn't reached the inner side of the wheel hub, use paint thinner to clean the area around the scratch and remove dirt. 2. For the deepest part of the scratch, use a toothpick to thoroughly clean it. 3. To prevent accidentally painting unrelated areas, apply adhesive tape around the scratch. 4. Prepare the brush tip and apply touch-up paint; after the paint dries and contracts, apply it slightly raised. 5. After painting, wait for it to dry completely to complete the repair.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many cases of scratched rims. From a safety perspective, minor surface scratches aren't a big deal—they mostly just affect the appearance, and tire pressure can still be maintained normally. However, if the scratches are too deep, especially if they damage the rim edge or sealing surface, it could lead to air leakage. Over time, the tire may slowly lose pressure, and at high speeds, it might even cause imbalance and vibration. Once, my car had a scratched rim that I didn't address promptly, and later, the tire pressure warning light came on. A check confirmed it was due to a slow leak caused by a rim crack. I recommend that car owners inspect their rims when checking tire pressure. Minor issues can be DIY-fixed with touch-up paint or sanding tools, but for serious damage, head to the repair shop immediately—safety should always come first.
