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How to Fix Curb Rash on Alloy Wheels: Complete Repair Guide

Published on January 15, 2025 by Speedline Mags Team

Hitting a curb is one of the most common ways to damage alloy wheels. That frustrating scrape along the rim edge - known as curb rash or kerb damage - can make your entire vehicle look neglected, even if the rest is immaculate. The good news? Curb rash is almost always repairable, and in many cases, you can restore your wheels to like-new condition.

What is Curb Rash?

Curb rash refers to the scratches, scuffs, and gouges that occur when your wheel rim makes contact with a curb, parking barrier, or road edge. This type of damage typically affects the outer edge of the wheel face where it's most exposed during parking or turning maneuvers.

The severity can range from minor surface scratches that barely penetrate the clear coat, to deep gouges that expose bare metal and remove significant amounts of alloy material.

Assessing the Damage

Before deciding how to fix curb rash, you need to evaluate the severity:

Minor Curb Rash:

  • Surface scratches in clear coat only
  • No exposed metal visible
  • Smooth to the touch with minimal depth
  • Easy DIY repair possible

Moderate Curb Rash:

  • Scratches through paint to bare metal
  • Visible gouges but less than 1-2mm deep
  • May have multiple impact areas
  • DIY possible but professional recommended

Severe Curb Rash:

  • Deep gouges removing significant material
  • Multiple damaged areas
  • Structural concerns if near bead seat
  • Professional repair required

DIY Curb Rash Repair for Minor Damage

For minor surface scratches, you can attempt repair at home. You'll need:

  • Sandpaper (400, 800, 1500, 2000 grit)
  • Touch-up paint matching your wheel color
  • Clear coat
  • Polishing compound
  • Microfiber cloths

Steps:

  1. Clean Thoroughly - Wash the damaged area with soapy water and dry completely.

  2. Sand the Damage - Using 400-grit sandpaper, carefully sand the damaged area to smooth out scratches. Progress through finer grits (800, 1500, 2000) for smoothness.

  3. Apply Filler (if needed) - For small gouges, use body filler designed for metal. Apply thin layers, letting each dry before adding more.

  4. Prime and Paint - Apply automotive primer, then your color-matched touch-up paint in thin, even coats.

  5. Clear Coat - Apply several thin layers of clear coat for protection and shine.

  6. Wet Sand and Polish - Once fully cured, wet sand with 2000-grit, then polish to blend with surrounding finish.

When to Choose Professional Repair

While DIY repairs can work for minor scratches, professional repair is recommended when:

  • Damage exposes bare metal over large areas
  • Deep gouges require significant filling
  • You want invisible, factory-quality results
  • Multiple wheels need repair
  • Wheel has diamond-cut or complex finish
  • You lack tools, materials, or confidence

Professional Curb Rash Repair Process

Professional wheel repair shops follow a comprehensive process:

  1. Damage Assessment - Evaluate all areas of damage and check for structural issues.

  2. Wheel Removal - Often remove the wheel for complete access and quality work.

  3. Surface Preparation - Thoroughly clean and degrease the damaged area.

  4. Material Removal - Grind or sand away damaged material to create smooth base.

  5. Filling and Shaping - Apply professional-grade filler and shape to original contour.

  6. Sanding and Smoothing - Progressive sanding to create perfectly smooth surface.

  7. Priming - Application of quality primer for paint adhesion.

  8. Color Matching - Precise color matching to your wheel's original finish.

  9. Painting - Multiple thin coats applied in controlled environment.

  10. Clear Coating - Professional-grade clear coat for protection and gloss.

  11. Curing - Proper curing time for maximum durability.

  12. Final Finishing - Polishing and blending to make repair invisible.

Cost of Curb Rash Repair

Repair costs in Cape Town typically range:

  • DIY Materials: R200-R500
  • Minor Professional Repair: R400-R800 per wheel
  • Moderate Damage: R800-R1,200 per wheel
  • Severe Damage: R1,200-R1,800 per wheel

Compare this to R3,000-R15,000+ for a replacement wheel, and professional repair becomes very economical.

How to Prevent Curb Rash

Prevention is always better than repair:

  • Park Carefully - Approach parking spaces slowly and at an angle that protects your wheels.

  • Use Your Mirrors - Check your side mirrors to gauge distance from curbs.

  • Mind Your Turning Radius - Be aware of your vehicle's dimensions during tight turns.

  • Install Parking Sensors - Consider adding parking sensors if your vehicle lacks them.

  • Avoid High Curbs - Watch for unusually high curbs and parking barriers.

  • Drive Cautiously - Stay alert, especially in unfamiliar parking areas.

Can Curb Rash Affect Wheel Performance?

Minor curb rash is primarily cosmetic and won't affect performance. However, severe damage can:

  • Compromise the wheel's bead seal, causing air leaks
  • Create stress points that could lead to cracks
  • Expose metal to corrosion
  • Affect wheel balance in extreme cases

This is why even cosmetic damage should be addressed - it can become a functional problem over time.

DIY vs. Professional: Making the Right Choice

Choose DIY when:

  • Damage is superficial (clear coat only)
  • You have time and patience
  • You're comfortable with detail work
  • Budget is tight
  • Perfection isn't critical

Choose Professional when:

  • Damage reaches bare metal
  • You want invisible results
  • Multiple wheels need repair
  • Wheel has complex finish (diamond-cut, textured)
  • Time is limited
  • It's for resale or lease return

Finding Quality Curb Rash Repair in Cape Town

When selecting a professional wheel repair service, look for:

  • Experience specifically with alloy wheel repair
  • Before/after photos of previous work
  • Color-matching capabilities
  • Warranty on repairs
  • Insurance approval if needed
  • Mobile service options
  • Reviews from previous customers

Conclusion

Curb rash doesn't have to be permanent. Whether you tackle minor scratches yourself or trust professionals with more significant damage, repairing curb rash is almost always more cost-effective than replacing wheels. The key is assessing damage honestly, using proper techniques, and knowing when to call in experts.

For professional curb rash repair in Cape Town, contact Speedline Mags. Our experienced technicians can restore your wheels to factory condition with repairs so good, you'll forget the damage ever happened.

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