How to Fix a Scratch on a Rim Plus Causes and Prevention

Rims play a big role in the appeal of cars. Shiny ones contribute to a vehicle’s resale value, which is why many owners take good care of them. Any damage, such as scratches, on the rims can deal a blow to the car’s aesthetic and cost.

Ways to Repair Scratches on a Rim

If your daily driver’s rim has scratches, you can use a clear coat pen or a scratch remover to remove them. Note that these work best with minor scratches. For deeper ones, it’s better to seek professional help.

Clear Coat Pen

Clear coat or touch-up pens have car paint that matches the color of the vehicle. They can cover up minor impurities, such as scratches and chips.

These pens are easy to use, but you have to find the color that matches the paint. Find the information sticker (usually on the dashboard) that shows the paint color code.

Clear coat pens are also inexpensive, as you can get one for as low as $5.00. However, note that they only hide (not fix) scratches.

Scratch Remover

Removers have abrasives (rough or sharp materials). Applying them to the scratched area evens out the surface around the damage. They’re also slightly cheaper than other options with prices starting at $10.

While it’s an effective way to deal with minor issues, scratch removers have disadvantages. For one, misusing them could worsen the damage by leaving unwanted marks on the rim.

Causes of Scratches on a Rim

Tire rims can get scratched from driving over potholes and hitting curbs. They can also form due to harmful debris, brake dust, flat tires, use of incorrect cleaning methods or products, and salted roads.

Driving Over Potholes

Potholes are arguably the biggest reason for rim scratches because they’re common in cities and highways. Driving over them could damage your rim, depending on the angle and speed you hit the hole.

Not only do potholes cause scratches, but they could also lead to punctured or bent wheels. You can prevent these by avoiding or slowing down when approaching potholes.

Hitting Curbs

Similar to potholes, hitting curbs causes damage to your rims, otherwise known as “curb rash.” Curb rash could result from the slightest contact when moving at high speeds.

You may even notice minor scratches after hitting curbs at slow speeds because of the friction it generates. The only way to prevent curb rash is by driving carefully near the gutter.

Road Debris

Road debris comes in different shapes and sizes, and some can leave scratches. The most harmful ones are sharp objects, such as shards of glass, as they could cut through your wheel or kick up and scratch the rim.

You can prevent damage done by road debris by avoiding them. In rare instances, where you have to drive over them, it’s best to slow down and make sure they don’t hit the tires.

Brake Dust

Whenever you step on the brake, the brake rotor and pads compress to stop the vehicle. This causes friction between the two, resulting in metallic particles wearing off the pads or the rotor.

The resulting residue could stick on the car wheels, leading to damage or even decreased braking performance. Experts advise cleaning off the residual brake dust to avoid further issues.

You can use wheel cleaners to scrub away the metallic particles and other harmful dirt on the tire. Ensure you get the right cleaning solution that caters to your wheel coating and finish.

Another way to prevent brake dust from building up is by using brake dust repellents or shields. You can also replace your brake pads with ceramic ones because they don’t produce metallic particles.

Incorrect Cleaning Method or Material

As mentioned, there are wheel-cleaning solutions that cater to various coatings and finishes. Look for one that matches your rim specifications to avoid damaging them. Besides scratches, using the incorrect solution could lead to severe issues, such as corrosion.

Similarly, using abrasives to clean the wheels could also lead to scratches. That’s why it’s not recommended to use hard-bristle brushes to scrub off the rims. Using a soft microfiber towel is usually good enough to get rid of dirt and rinse off the solution.

Road Salts

Road salt is a deicing chemical (sodium chloride) spread on roads to reduce snow and ice on the pavement, limiting accidents caused by slippage.

The chemicals found in road salts react negatively with the material used to make rims. This leads to damage, such as corrosion and marks. Over time, it could even reduce the wheel’s durability.

It’s advised to wash the salt off your vehicle every 10 days to prevent damage. Rinse and scrub the wheels with warm water, the appropriate cleaning solution, and a sponge or microfiber towel.

How Much Does a Scratched Rim Repair Cost?

Repairing a scratched rim depends on the severity of the damage and the rim type (material). The four commonly used materials for rims are steel, chrome, aluminum, and plastic.

Generally, steel and aluminum repair ranges from $50 to $150, while chrome-plated rim repair starts at $200 and could go over $500. Plastic, on the other hand, can’t be repaired, so it’s often replaced instead.

How to Repair Scratches on Rims

You can opt to fix the scratch yourself if you’re not willing to spend money on the repair. To fix scratches on rims, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Wash the rim with soapy water to remove dirt and grime. Ensure it’s dry before proceeding.
• Step 2: Use 240-grit sandpaper to sand down the scratched area to smooth out the surface.
• Step 3: For deeper scratches, use a metal-reinforced filler on the damaged area.
• Step 4: Once the filler is dry, sand the area again with 320-grit and then 600-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
• Step 5: Apply a primer to the sanded area before applying matching paint.
• Step 6: Lastly, apply a clear coat as an additional layer of protection and to give the rim a glossy finish.

Remember to wear gloves and a mask since you’ll be handling chemicals.