Is It Serious If the Wheel Hub Gets Scratched by the Curb?
3 Answers
If the wheel hub gets scratched by the curb and the situation is severe, it is serious and should be repaired at a maintenance shop. Precautions for wheel hub repair: 1. During the wheel repair process, pay attention to the safety of the tire to prevent a tire blowout during repair, which could cause harm and loss; 2. The repair should not be scheduled immediately after stopping the vehicle, as the heat generated by friction in the tire has not yet dissipated, and the wheel may deform. Immediate repair at this time can cause stress and damage the wheel; 3. Before repair, check the wheel surface for cracks. If cracks are present, they should be addressed first. Otherwise, hasty repair may not only fail to solve the problem but also cause greater damage to the wheel.
After the wheel rim got scratched by the curb, I first assessed the scratch depth: If it's just a minor surface scratch, it's generally not a big deal—mainly affecting the wheel's appearance without impacting daily driving. Most car wheel rims nowadays are made of sturdy materials, and even after getting scratched, I've safely driven for months on short urban trips. However, deep scratches on the edges or spokes may weaken structural integrity, increasing risks at high speeds. Aluminum alloy rims are relatively easier to repair—professional shops can polish or repaint them, while steel rims need rust prevention. It's advisable to maintain sufficient distance when parking to avoid further bumps and to include rim checks during regular maintenance for peace of mind. On social media, many car enthusiasts share their repair results, spending a few hundred bucks to restore rims to like-new condition—a worthwhile consideration for car lovers.
Daily driving and parking inevitably lead to scratched rims: my own car has multiple curb marks. Minor scratches are no big deal—the rims function perfectly, and driving remains unaffected. As long as there are no severe dents or cracks, they’re fine for daily commuting. However, deep scratches might cause future issues, like edge damage leading to rim deformation or tire leaks—I once experienced a slow leak but got it fixed promptly. Repair is simple: just polish during a car wash at low cost. Also, note rim material differences: alloy is lighter but prone to scratches, while steel is durable but less stylish—choose repairs based on your needs. Better urban parking skills can reduce the frequency, as these are mostly minor issues.
