How to Deal with Damaged Rims?
2 Answers
Methods for handling damaged rims: 1. Clean the rims: This makes it easier to inspect all scratches, the depth of the scratches, and whether the rim is cracked or broken. Rims with surface cracks, deformations, or complete fractures cannot be repaired. After cleaning the rims, dry them with a towel. Make sure to clean them thoroughly and use oil-removing wax paper to finish the cleaning. 2. Painting and oiling: After smoothing the body filler, repaint the rim. Before painting, it's best to use old newspapers to isolate the edges of the rim to avoid getting paint on the tires. Then, aim the rim spray at the body filler applied in the previous step and lightly spray back and forth a few times. 3. Filling rim scratches: Since the scratched areas of the rim are rough, it's necessary to smooth them out with fine sandpaper.
I've encountered wheel rim damage several times. As someone who has been driving for years, my advice is to first calm down and carefully assess the extent of the damage. For minor surface scratches, you can buy a wheel repair kit from an auto parts store and fix it yourself with simple sanding and painting. However, if there's deformation or cracks, don't take it lightly - this affects wheel balance, causing steering wheel vibration while driving and making tires prone to air leaks. Last time I tried fixing a slightly deformed rim myself, I still ended up needing professional repair with a wheel straightening machine at a specialized shop. Small issues might be repairable, but serious damage requires rim replacement. Safety should always come first - don't cut corners. When driving normally, avoid scraping curbs to prevent many problems. Also, make it a habit to check rim condition during regular maintenance and address any issues promptly.