Kerb Damage to Alloy Wheels: Repair or Replace?

Scuffs: the cosmetic end

Light scuffs are scrapes on the outer edge of the rim where paint and lacquer have been rubbed away. The metal underneath may be bare but is not deeply cut or distorted. These are usually straightforward to put right through alloy wheel repairs and repainting.

Even cosmetic damage deserves attention. Bare aluminium exposed to road salt can start to corrode, and the lacquer can lift around the edges of the scuff over time.

Gouges and missing material

A gouge removes metal, leaving a groove or chunk missing from the rim. Shallow gouges can often be filled, shaped and refinished. Deeper ones need careful assessment, because the rim lip is part of what holds the tyre in place and keeps air in.

Whether a gouge can be repaired depends on its depth, its position and the design of the wheel. We would not promise a repair without seeing it in person.

Remember that a repair on the rim lip is not purely cosmetic. If the lip is uneven, the tyre may not seat evenly and can lose air slowly, so the repair has to leave the surface true as well as smooth.

• Shallow groove on the outer lip: often repairable
• Deep gouge near the tyre bead area: needs careful assessment
• Chunk missing from a spoke: likely a serious concern
• Several gouges around the rim: may add up to a larger job

Cracks: a safety matter

A crack is a different category of problem. Cracks can occur after a hard impact, and they may be hard to see: a hairline mark on the inner barrel or near a spoke is easily missed. Signs include a tyre that keeps losing air, a visible line in the metal or a wheel that has suddenly started to vibrate.

If you suspect a cracked wheel, stop driving on it and have it inspected. A cracked alloy can fail without warning. Wheels with cracks are generally not something to gamble on, and replacement is often the safest outcome.

Checking for bends

A kerb strike can also bend the wheel without leaving much cosmetic damage. Look for vibration through the steering wheel or seat at certain speeds, a slow puncture, or a wobble you can see if you spin the wheel on a raised car. A bent wheel may be possible to straighten, depending on the damage.

Hitting a kerb hard can also affect tracking, suspension components and the tyre sidewall. Check the tyre for bulges or cuts, and if the car pulls to one side afterwards, have the steering and suspension looked at.

How to decide between repair and replacement

Repair tends to be sensible when the wheel is structurally sound and the damage is cosmetic or modest. Replacement tends to make sense when there are cracks, serious distortion or heavy loss of material, or when the wheel is so badly corroded that refinishing would not be durable.

The type of wheel matters too. Some designs, finishes or sizes are harder or more expensive to replace than others, which can tip the balance. Cost depends on the damage and the wheel, so an inspection comes first.

What to do after a kerb strike

Check the tyre and wheel as soon as you can. Keep an eye on tyre pressure over the next few days, and be alert to new vibrations or noises. If you are unsure, have it looked at rather than carrying on.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we carry out alloy wheel repairs, refurbishment and wheel straightening, and we will tell you plainly if a wheel is not worth repairing. Bring it in and we will assess it.

Frequently asked questions