What to Do If Your Rims Are Scratched? Common Wheel Repair Methods

What to Do If Your Rims Are Scratched? Common Wheel Repair Methods

No matter how careful a driver you are, scratches and scuffs on your rims are almost unavoidable. Parking too close to the curb or brushing against road debris can easily damage your wheels. Not only does this affect the appearance of your car, but it can also pose safety risks over time.
So, what should you do if your rims are scratched? Here are several proven ways to restore your wheels to their original shine.

1. Minor Scratches: DIY Repair

If the damage is only a light surface scratch without exposing the metal, you can fix it yourself with a few simple steps:

Clean the surface – Wash the wheel with a neutral cleaner to remove dirt and grease.

Sand it smooth – Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 2000 grit) to gently sand the scratched area until it blends with the surrounding surface.

Touch up and polish – Apply touch-up paint that matches the original color, let it dry, then polish the surface to restore shine.

This quick and affordable method is ideal for minor scratches on aluminum alloy wheels.

2. Moderate Damage: Professional Repainting

For deeper scratches that expose the metal or larger areas of paint peeling, professional repainting is recommended.
The process includes:

Removing old paint and oxidation;

Filling and smoothing the scratches;

Applying high-temperature paint to restore the factory finish.

After this process, your rims can look as good as new—at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

3. Severe Damage: CNC Refinishing or Wheel Replacement

If your rims have deep gouges, bent edges, or cracks, CNC refinishing or complete replacement may be necessary.
CNC machining restores the wheel’s metal texture with high precision, but if the structure is compromised or cracked, replacing the rim is the safest choice.

4. Prevention Is Better Than Repair

To avoid frequent wheel scratches, follow these tips:

Keep a safe distance from curbs while parking;

Clean your wheels regularly to prevent brake dust corrosion;

Use clear protective film or rim protectors for extra safety.

5. Upgrade Option: Forged Wheels for Strength and Style

If you’re considering replacing your wheels, forged wheels are a premium upgrade worth investing in.
Compared with traditional cast wheels, forged wheels are denser, stronger, and lighter, which improves handling, reduces fuel consumption, and enhances overall driving performance.

Our brand specializes in T6-grade aerospace aluminum forged wheels, offering multiple sizes, styles, and custom options. Each wheel is designed for superior durability, precision, and visual appeal. Whether you seek track performance or refined street style, we can craft the perfect forged wheel solution for your vehicle.