Should Scratched Car Rims Be Repaired?
3 Answers
Scratched car rims should be repaired for the following reasons: 1. The design of the rim is to allow the wheel to rotate, serving as a support structure and an indispensable part of the vehicle; 2. Rims are made of metal, and if worn or damaged, a significant portion of the rim can produce metal shards that puncture tires, posing a serious risk to high-speed driving; 3. Although rims are durable, repairing them can extend the vehicle's service life; 4. After repair, the gap between the rim and the tire becomes smaller, making it harder for small stones or nails to enter. Properly repaired rims can prevent the dangers of tire blowouts or rollovers.
The severity of wheel scratches depends on the situation. As a young car owner who just bought a new vehicle, I'm particularly sensitive about appearance. Obvious scratches on the alloy wheels can be really frustrating, and repairing them can make the car look fresher. For minor superficial scratches, leaving them untreated isn't a big issue, but deep scratches that damage the surface coating may lead to aluminum corrosion, especially in humid coastal cities. For repairs, you can choose between DIY or professional services: buying a repair kit for a few dozen yuan allows you to sand and repaint yourself, though the results won't be as perfect as professional work; a full refurbishment at a detailing shop might cost a few hundred yuan, which is slightly more expensive. To prevent scratches, park further away from curbs. Overall, spending some money on repairs is worth it, especially for new cars to maintain their stylish look.
Having driven for decades, scratched rims are nothing unusual. Minor scratches can be ignored and driving remains unaffected—repairing them is purely unnecessary. However, if the damage reaches the rim edge or exposes bare metal, immediate attention is required. Otherwise, rainwater infiltration leading to rust may cause slow air leaks or even deformation, compromising driving safety. For repairs, it's advisable to entrust professionals; their equipment ensures even and durable paint application at a cost of approximately 200-500 RMB. Replacing a new rim is generally too expensive for minor scratches. Practicing good driving habits (avoiding sharp turns that scrape hard objects), regular rim cleaning, and applying anti-rust wax are more practical and cost-effective preventive measures. From a safety perspective, severe scratches necessitate repair to eliminate significant hidden risks.
