What to Do If the Car's Alloy Wheels Are Scratched?
3 Answers
If the alloy wheels are scratched, you can take them to a professional wheel repair facility for restoration. Here is some relevant information about scratched wheels: Severe Cases: Consider going to a car detailing shop or a body repair and paint shop for restoration. The main process involves using an angle grinder and a wire brush to polish the scratched area until it is leveled. The polished area will likely appear very shiny, so it's necessary to mix paint matching the original wheel color, apply it, and then dry it. This ensures the appearance matches the original car without noticeable differences. Minor Cases (No Impact on Use): Consider installing vehicle-specific plastic wheel covers. These covers are designed to enhance the appearance of the exposed alloy wheels, providing a more aesthetically pleasing look.
I've been driving for almost 30 years, and rim scratches are quite common, especially when parking by the roadside. Don't panic right away—before taking any action, check the depth of the scratch: if it's just a superficial surface scratch, you can use a rim repair pen to touch it up yourself, costing just a few dozen to a hundred yuan. For deeper scratches that may have reached the metal layer, you can sand it smooth yourself and then spray paint; there are repair kits available on Taobao. For severe scratches, it's best to seek professional repair services—they'll handle grinding, filling, and repainting as a complete process. The cost depends on the rim type and extent of damage: alloy rims can be fixed for a few hundred yuan, while steel rims are cheaper but prone to rust, so repairs should be done promptly. Prevention is key—keep a safe distance from the curb when driving, and consider installing rim protectors to avoid repeated scratches. Remember, minor scratches aren't a big deal, but significant ones can affect wheel balance and pose risks at high speeds, so timely repairs are necessary. Plus, rim aesthetics also impact resale value, so don't delay repairs for too long.
As an ordinary person who drives frequently, when my rims get scratched, I think about how to fix it on a budget. If I can do it myself, I won't spend money hiring someone. First, clean the rims thoroughly with detergent to assess the depth of the scratches—for shallow ones, buy a cheap touch-up pen for around ten yuan to cover them, and for deeper ones, purchase a rim repair paste from Taobao to apply. If all else fails, take it to a small shop for polishing and buffing, which costs just a few dozen yuan. Don’t fall for the hype about replacing the entire rim unless it’s cracked or bent. For prevention, park closer to the inner side of the road or apply inexpensive protective stickers. Scratches are normal and don’t affect driving safety—they just look a bit unsightly. The material of the rim also matters: alloy rims are easier to repair, while steel rims are cheaper but need rust prevention. Overall, spend a little to fix small issues, and don’t let it occupy too much of your mind.
