Does a slight scratch on the wheel rim edge have any impact?
2 Answers
There will be some impact if the wheel rim edge is slightly scratched, but the impact is not significant. It is recommended to repair it. Methods for repairing the wheel rim: Carefully check whether the scratch extends to the inner side of the wheel rim. If it cannot be simply repaired, just use paint thinner to slowly wipe the surrounding bruised area and remove the dirt. If the scratch on the wheel is deep and the dirt next to the scratch is difficult to remove, then tools are needed—just a small toothpick can thoroughly clean it. Impact of wheel rim scratches: If the wheel rim is scratched on the surface and only the paint is chipped, it does not need to be replaced. Sometimes the scratched area is large and may look very severe, but it still does not need to be replaced because the performance is not affected—only the appearance is compromised.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I think a slight scrape on the wheel rim edge is usually not a big deal, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If it's just the surface paint that's chipped off, exposing a little bit of metal, the car can still be driven normally without much impact. I've scraped mine before and continued commuting daily for over a year without any issues. The key is to check regularly to see if the scrape starts to rust. Rust can corrode and weaken the rim over time, affecting its appearance. More seriously, if the scrape is deep and causes deformation, it might lead to poor tire sealing, slow air leakage, or steering wheel vibration at high speeds. I think most minor scrapes can be ignored—just spray some rust inhibitor during car washes to delay the problem. But if you're concerned, take it to a shop for a quick inspection; a light polish won't cost much. Just be more cautious around curbs when driving, and don't stress too much about it.
