Is it necessary to repair scratched car rims?

[LaHaley]

Whether scratched car rims need to be repaired depends mainly on the severity of the scratches. If the scratches are minor and the primer is not exposed, repair is unnecessary. However, if the scratches are deep and the primer is visible, then repair is required. Methods for repairing rims: Inspect the damage. If the inner part of the rim is not affected, a simple repair can be done. Use paint thinner to clean around the scratched area and remove dirt. For deep scratches where dirt is hard to remove, a toothpick can be used to thoroughly clean the area. To avoid accidentally painting unaffected areas, carefully apply masking tape around the scratched area. Prepare the brush tip and apply touch-up paint. Since the paint will shrink slightly as it dries, it's best to apply it slightly raised. After painting, allow about a week for complete drying. Once dry, use waterproof paper soaked in soapy water to smooth the surface. After wiping with waterproof paper, use a polishing compound to restore shine, and then apply wax.

[DeNorah]

Having driven for over a decade, I can confirm that repairing wheel rim scratches is indeed necessary, especially if they're deep enough to compromise the structural integrity of the rim. Last time I scraped my rim against a curb and ignored it, rainwater seeped in and corroded the aluminum alloy, nearly causing imbalance at high speeds. Repair isn't complicated: light scratches can be DIY-treated with polishing compound for just a few dozen yuan; deeper ones require professional filling and polishing, costing between 100 to 500 yuan. Neglecting them isn't just about aesthetics—rust can spread, affecting tire airtightness and even leading to blowout risks. I recommend addressing scratches immediately to avoid costly rim replacements later. Regularly inspecting rims and adopting preventive habits like maintaining distance from curbs when parking and slowing down over potholes can save both hassle and money in the long run.

[BrooklynLynn]

As a car appearance enthusiast, I always want my car to shine, so wheel scratch repair is essential. Last time my wheels got scratched by stones, they looked terrible and ruined the overall visual effect. At gatherings, my friends even joked about my car being neglected. After the repair, it instantly looked refreshed: minor scratches can be polished by yourself with a set of tools costing just a few dozen bucks; for deeper ones, take it to a shop—it’ll be done in an hour or two, starting from around a hundred yuan. If left untreated, scratches may spread and accumulate dirt, making stains harder to clean and causing the wheels to age and rust more easily. Especially for metal wheels, corrosion prevention is key—protecting the surface extends their lifespan. I think investing a little in maintenance also helps retain the car’s resale value.

[OCorbin]

I'm a cost-conscious person, so wheel scratch repair needs to evaluate cost-effectiveness. For minor superficial scratches, leaving them alone is fine; but deep ones may crack or corrode, and replacing a new wheel would cost thousands, which is even worse. Last time I assessed: repair costs start from around a hundred yuan, much more economical than replacement—for example, plastic wheels are easy to DIY, while alloy wheels require professional repair costing one or two hundred. Safety is crucial in the balance; wheel issues affect driving balance, especially at high speeds where risks are greater. So I suggest ignoring light scratches, but repairing deep ones promptly. Don't waste money on unnecessary things, but don't skimp when it's needed.