What to Do If the Wheel Hub Gets Scratched?
2 Answers
The solution for a scratched wheel hub is: 1. Use paint thinner to clean the area around the scratch to remove dirt, and use a toothpick to clean deeper scratches; 2. Apply adhesive tape around the scratch; 3. Use a fine brush to apply touch-up paint; 4. After the touch-up paint has completely dried, use waterproof paper dipped in soapy water to smooth the surface; 5. Use a polishing compound to restore shine and apply wax. The wheel hub is the rotating part of the wheel that connects the tire's inner rim to the wheel's core via spokes, also known as the rim, steel rim, or wheel disc. Types include painted wheel hubs and chrome-plated wheel hubs.
A couple of days ago, I accidentally scraped my car against a roadside bollard, which left some scratches on the alloy wheels. It was heartbreaking, but I managed to do a quick fix. For minor scratches, you can gently buff them out with toothpaste or fine sandpaper, then cover them up with a touch-up pen specifically designed for alloy wheels. The cost is minimal—just a few dollars will do the trick. If the scratches aren’t deep and don’t affect driving safety, you can even ignore them. However, if the damage is severe, such as deformation or chipping, don’t attempt a DIY fix. Instead, take it to a professional shop for repair or replacement. Minor repairs usually cost around a hundred dollars, while major repairs or replacements can run into hundreds or even thousands. Most wheel scrapes happen when parking or turning too close to obstacles, so remind yourself to pay extra attention to blind spots and develop the habit of moving slowly—prevention is key. Regularly checking your wheel condition is crucial to avoid more serious chassis issues.
