Is Wheel Hub Scratches a Big Deal?
2 Answers
If the wheel hub is only scratched without deformation, and the tire shows no bulging, peeling, or air leakage, the impact is minimal. Here is some relevant information about wheel hubs: 1. Introduction: The wheel hub is the rotating part of the wheel rim connected to the tire's inner contour via spokes, serving as the central metal component mounted on the axle that supports the tire. It is also known as the wheel rim, steel rim, or simply the wheel. Wheel hubs come in various types based on diameter, width, manufacturing method, and material. 2. Types of Wheel Hubs: Wheel hubs are also called wheel rims. Depending on the characteristics and requirements of different vehicle models, the surface treatment processes for wheel hubs vary, mainly categorized into painted and electroplated types. Electroplated wheel hubs further include silver electroplating, water electroplating, and pure electroplating, among others.
I've encountered wheel rim scratches several times myself. Basically, it's just surface scratches caused by scraping against curbs while parking, which really don't affect daily driving much. After the paint layer on metal rims gets scraped off, oxidation and rust spots may gradually appear, but aluminum alloy rims are somewhat more corrosion-resistant. The biggest concern is deformation - if the impact is severe enough to make the rim uneven, you'll notice obvious steering wheel vibrations at high speeds. From my experience, minor scratches can be left alone, but for serious ones, get a wheel balance check at a repair shop first. I remember spending 300 yuan once to fix scratches mainly for aesthetics, but the mechanic said as long as the aluminum rim structure isn't deformed, it's safe.
