It’s important to understand that your car is much like a home. It has aesthetic and practical components that contribute to how well you drive. Although some parts may seem impractical than others, each serves a purpose in maintaining your vehicle in top condition.
It’s not uncommon for car owners to be cautious about driving along curbs, especially since their vehicle’s alloy wheels are almost like a magnet for scratches and dents. Its vulnerability is necessary to serve its purpose, which is why it’s important to take any damage it receives seriously.
Why do aesthetics matter?
On the aesthetics side, alloy wheels make a great complement to your vehicle as a glossy finish to your car’s frame. Since it positively contributes to your car’s look, it can also be too noticeable when you have scratched alloys. These small yet bold damages can put your car’s resale value down considerably. Besides the aesthetic damage, secondhand car buyers have more reasons to be suspicious about alloy wheel scratches. This is because scratched alloy wheels can be a safety hazard just as much as an aesthetic issue.
What’s the danger of neglecting alloy wheel damage?
Alloy wheels allow your brakes to keep cool since they can bend around corners easily. This enables you to manoeuvre your vehicle with ease. However, an alloy wheel’s properties make it a little more vulnerable than steel. Since scratched alloy wheels initially don’t affect your driving, it can be hard to notice its gradual deterioration. It’s more noticeable to experience damage by driving over potholes, which can create a noticeable bend or crack on the wheel, resulting in a need to have a new fitted tyre.
Neglecting your alloy wheel’s damage can lead to a build-up of brake dust and erosion. This causes your car to be more difficult to handle, especially during tight turns. Additionally, these scratches’ budding corrosion can sink into your tyres, creating an increased risk for deflation. What makes these problems deadly is that they’re gradual complications that are hard to notice until it’s too late.
How do I deal with damaged alloy wheels?
Thankfully, shallow scratches are easy to handle with an alloy repair kit. Since it’s much cheaper than a professional service at a garage, it’s a viable option for people who don’t want to bother with expensive fees for small damages.
First, clean the wheels with a washing-up liquid to remove all the dirt and grease. Next, sand down the damaged area to flatten any protruding areas. Using finer sandpaper, sand the area again to soften the remaining rough edges. Using a damp cloth, wipe away the dust and allow it to dry.
Next, it’s time to repair the damaged area by filling in the gaps and cracks. You can use a fillet putty or filler spray, depending on what your alloy repair kit has. Aim to apply enough ample material to make it level with its surroundings. Allow the filler to set, then use fine sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. Repeat the initial cleaning process and apply paint in thin layers to bring back its shine.
It’s important to note that you may end up with a functional alloy wheel with a less than aesthetically appealing coating. This is why most car owners prefer getting a professional detailing service from experts for level coating and especially for major damage to their alloy wheels.
Conclusion
It’s dangerous to underestimate the damage your car receives regularly. This is why car owners need to be attentive to their car’s damages before or after a long drive. Noticing these minor issues immediately will prevent any major repair needs in the future.
Although you can perform a DIY solution for your damaged alloy wheels, it’s best to consult professionals for expert treatment. At Wicked Rims, we provide professional wheel refurbishment in Essex to prevent your car’s minor damage from turning into expensive issues. Contact our garage today, and our experts will treat your car with the best service your money can buy!