How to deal with scratched car rims?
3 Answers
If the rims are scratched, you can go to a professional rim repair institution to have them fixed. The polished area should appear very bright now, and you need to consider the original wheel hub color for paint mixing, coloring, and drying treatment. After smoothing the putty, you need to repaint the wheel hub. Before painting, it's best to use old newspapers to isolate the edges of the hub to avoid getting paint on the tires.
My car's alloy wheels got scratched a few days ago too, and I managed to fix it myself. If the scratches aren't too deep, you can try a DIY repair. First, prepare fine sandpaper, wheel rim paint, and clear coat, and wear gloves for safety. Gently sand the scratched area with the sandpaper until smooth, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. After cleaning, apply matching wheel rim paint, wait for it to dry, and then spray a layer of clear coat for protection. The whole process takes about one to two hours and costs very little, just a few dozen yuan for materials. After finishing, the wheel rim will look almost as good as new. But remember, this only works for minor scratches; severe deformation or cracks require professional treatment to avoid affecting driving safety. When parking, be mindful to stay away from roadside pillars to prevent scraping, and regular inspections can help prevent problems before they occur.
I always find wheel scratches quite annoying, and it's a matter of whether it's worth repairing. The cost depends on the situation: minor scratches can be fixed with a DIY kit for just a few dozen yuan; moderate scratches may require professional repair, costing around 200-300 yuan; but if the wheel is severely deformed and needs replacement, it could cost anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand yuan. My advice is to first assess the extent of the damage—minor scratches can be ignored without major issues, though they look unsightly, but deep damage can weaken the wheel's strength, potentially causing imbalance or unstable tire pressure at high speeds. Consider the age of your vehicle and your budget—it might be worth repairing for a new car, but for an older one, you might just live with it. In short, don't rush the decision—take photos and consult a car-savvy friend or an experienced mechanic, then weigh the cost-effectiveness before acting. Learning more about wheel maintenance can save you both hassle and money.
