
Typical Rim Repair Costs
Type of Rim | Wheel Is Scratched or Scuffed | Wheel Is Bent | Wheel Is Gouged or Cracked |
Steel Wheel | $50-$150 for sand, putty, and paint, onl ... | If bending back the wheel weakens the me ... | Steel wheels can’t really crack, but a g ... |
Aluminum/Alloy Wheel | $50-$150 for sand, putty, and paint. Ori ... | Bent alloy wheels usually can’t be repai ... | A cracked or gouged alloy wheel should b ... |
Chrome Wheel | Repairing damage and then re-plating can ... | Most chrome-plated wheels are steel unde ... | A cracked or gouged chrome wheel will us ... |
Plastic clad wheels | There aren’t any good ways to repair pla ... | A bent plastic clad wheel probably has a ... | Gouged or cracked plastic cladding can n ... |
How much does it cost to fix a bent rim?
Whenever you notice a bent in your rim, engage the services of a mechanic to get it to fix. This often cost $75 or less which is cheaper than replacing a rim. Always check with your mechanic to inquire if it’s something they can do before making any purchase.
How much does it cost to replace a rim?
When the damage involves a bent alloy rim, it’s usually difficult to fix this rather replacement is recommended. This means that a gouged or cracked alloy wheel should be replaced immediately. This can cost upwards of $500 but not less than $200 because it will involve repairing and re-plating. At what point can damaged rims be repaired?
How to repair rims with Curb rash or scratches?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Clear-Coating and Polishing the Rims
- Spray a thin layer of clear coat over the rims. Shake the can before beginning, and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the rim.
- Let the clear coat dry for 30 minutes, then add another layer. Avoid touching the rim to see if it’s dry, which could smudge the finish.
- Allow the clear coat dry for 12-24 hours. ...
How much does curb rash repair cost?
You may also want to pick up a can of spray clear coat to add polish to the rims. All in all, it should cost between $50-$150 to fix curb rash on your rims. Beside this, how much does it cost to repair a scratched rim?

How much does it cost to fix a rim with road rash?
A cracked or gouged alloy wheel should be replaced in almost all cases. Repairing damage and then re-plating can cost upwards of $500, and typically no less than $200.
Is it worth repairing curb rash?
The main reason we think you should fix curb rash before selling a car, however, is that it's surprisingly cheap to do. While many drivers get upset at the idea of damaging a wheel on a curb, the simple truth is that fixing curbed wheels can be done without great expense at prices that can go as low as $50 per wheel.
Is curb rash a big deal?
Curb rash can also cause dangerous structural damage to your wheels like bending, cracking, severe gouging, chunking, among other things. Let us list a few dangers contributed by curb rash damage: A wheel with structural damage can break apart. Damage to the tire's sidewall can result in unexpected blowouts.
Can RIM rash be fixed?
But don't despair right away — unless you scored a direct hit that damaged the wheel structurally, the “curb rash” you caused probably can be fixed and the wheel restored to a like-new appearance.
How do you fix a deep curb rash?
The Refinishing ProcessClean the damaged area.Cover the tire and the valve stem (if near the damaged area).Sand out the scratches and jagged edges with coarse sandpaper.Cover the scratched area(s) with Bondo putty.Gently sand the putty until smooth.More items...
Can hitting a curb cause damage?
Hitting a curb can do some nasty damage to your tires, let alone other vehicle components including the suspension. Even striking one at turtle-like speed can wreck your day!
How do you fix a rim rash?
0:4712:04Fix Curb Rash Wheels at Home - Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo light scratches. And even some pitting. And what we're going to do is utilize different levels ofMoreTo light scratches. And even some pitting. And what we're going to do is utilize different levels of sandpaper. We're going to sand down each one of these problem areas to a nice smooth finish. There
How do you fix scuffed rims?
0:2614:05How to Repair Rims with Curb Rash or Scratches - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo just get soapy water whatever you want to use in. This case I'm just using dish soap and waterMoreSo just get soapy water whatever you want to use in. This case I'm just using dish soap and water you want to remove as much dirt as possible. So you have a clean rim to work on.
How do I stop curbing my wheels?
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle's rims protected from curb rash is to install wheel rim protectors. Rim protectors are a great product to keep rims safe from damage while also complementing your car's overall look. These products are an easy DIY project, and take little time to install.
Can you sand down curb rash?
To fix curb rash on rims, sand the damaged areas down with 400-grit sandpaper. Put spot putty on a putty knife and use it to fill in the damage so the rim is even and level. Mask the tire and car so only the rim is showing—be sure to cover the valve stem, lug nuts, center cap, and brake pads.
Can you fix curb rash on chrome rims?
If replacing a damaged chrome rim is out of the question, and the repair options are all either too expensive or not satisfactory, we have another option for you: Apply RimBlades (or RIMSavers) to your chrome wheels. This will cover up most types of curb rash and give your vehicle a nice look.
How much does it cost to fix BMW curb rash?
If you're not going for the factory refinish on the silver 437; curb rash is much simpler. The factory finish is a machine finish vs that would be sand down and repaint. Should cost under $200 to repair.
How much does it cost to scratch a scuff?
If Scratched or Scuffed – $50 to $100, however, this expense isn’t a must. It’s usually done for cosmetic reasons only. If Bent – Depending on how is the bend, welding might be needed, with expenses in the $50 to $150 area. If no welding is needed, many jobs can be carried out for less than $50.
How to fix a curbed wheel?
When fixing a curbed wheel, the procedure typically starts by eliminating all of the dirt, particles, and protective surfaces from the rim, according to the Cars. com website. Next, the broken spot is sanded down, covered with a filler, sanded once again, and lastly buffed to get a smooth surface with no scratches. Then, the broken spot will have to be primed and painted to match the initial color and topped with a clear-coat surface. This is typically the procedure for scratches and scuffs, without any bending or cracking that is too visible.
What is plastic clad rim?
Plastic clad: Similar looking to the chrome one, a plastic-clad rim will be much lighter and less expensive for the maker to develop. As it’s made from plastic, any sort of damage done to this kind of product can be almost impossible to fix because, the majority of the time, the rim will break and need to be replaced.
Can you sandblast chrome plated rims?
Chrome-plated: When it comes to curb rash, many chrome-plated rims can be sandblasted and re-plated; nevertheless, for a lot of them, the rate of this repair work can typically be close to buying a brand-new rim, the primary reason most individuals choose to simply get a brand-new similar rim.
Scratched Rims Repair Cost
Scratches, curb rash, bends, and cracks are typical damage that wheels and rims can sustain. Buying a new set of wheels can be costly enough. But getting them repaired in a shop could cost you roughly $50 to $400 for each wheel. The cost varies due to the size and type of the wheel and the extent of the damage.
Factors Affecting the Scratched Rim Repair Cost
Generally, the wheels are among the most easily damaged parts of a car. The cost of getting them repaired tends to vary. It depends on certain factors, such as the wheel size, the type of metal, damage, and the additional services required.
Cost to Repair Scratched Rims and Other Types of Wheel and Rim Damage
There are different kinds of wheel and rim damage. They are the following:
Finding a Shop to Repair Scratched Rims
Most of the major auto body repair shop chains do not repair wheels. But some shops deal specifically in wheel repair. You can easily do a Google search to find the nearest wheel and rim repair shop in your location.
How to Repair Scratched Rims by Yourself
Is the cost of getting your wheels repaired in a shop giving you pause? This is typical, especially if the damage to your wheels is only minor. If so, you have the option to repair your scratched rims on your own.
Conclusion – Scratched Rims Repair Cost
Scratches, curb rash, bends, and cracks are typical damage that wheels and rims can sustain. Buying a new set of wheels can be costly enough. But getting them repaired in a shop could cost you roughly $50 to $400 for each wheel. The cost varies due to the size and type of the wheel and the extent of the damage.
How to remove paint from a car wheel?
Some professionals use a body shop type method. This method involves media blasting the wheel to remove the paint before applying epoxy putty, primer and paint to the wheel. This method brings great results. It’s a great way to remove all the paint and rust from the wheels. You would need a bunch of tools, including: 1 Air compressor 2 Air hose 3 Sandblasting gun 4 Sand 5 Goggles 6 Gloves
How to repair a sagging tire?
Here’s a general overview of the process: Clean the damaged area. Cover the tire and the valve stem (if near the damaged area). Sand out the scratches and jagged edges with coarse sandpaper. Cover the scratched area (s) with Bondo putty. Gently sand the putty until smooth.
What is the best way to protect your wheels from future damage?
A professional wheel repair job is a great investment, so of course you would want to protect it. There’s a good chance your wheels will get scraped up again. The best way to protect your wheels from future damage is to get rim protectors. RimSavers is a leading brand for rim protectors.
Is there a substitute for professional wheel repair?
But there’s no substitute for professional repair. You’re not only paying for the professional’s time. You’re also paying for their years – or even decades – of training and experience. There’s an art and science to wheel repair. You can learn the science in an hour. But it’ll take a lifetime to learn the art.
Can a repair person make a wheel look new?
But it’ll take a lifetime to learn the art. A good repair person can make a heavily damaged wheel look new . That’s because they’ve repaired hundreds or thousands of wheels. Practice makes perfect. So if you ask us, the rates professionals charge are worth every penny.
How much does it cost to fix a curb rash on a car?
You may also want to pick up a can of spray clear coat to add polish to the rims. All in all, it should cost between $50-$150 to fix curb rash on your rims.
How to fix curb rash on rims?
To fix curb rash on rims, sand the damaged areas down with 400-grit sandpaper. Put spot putty on a putty knife and use it to fill in the damage so the rim is even and level. Mask the tire and car so only the rim is showing—be sure to cover the valve stem, lug nuts, center cap, and brake pads.
What is curb rash?
Curb rash is damage, like scuff marks, scratches, or gouges, on the rims of your tires from hitting curbs or other obstructions. Though curb rash is unsightly, you can fix it yourself with time, patience, and dedication. Steps.
How to cover a rim with primer?
Spray the primer over the entire rim. Shake the can of primer thoroughly before using it. Hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) from the rim. Then, spray the entire rim using short back-and-forth motions. Work from the top of the rim down to the bottom. Aim to cover the rim in a thin, even layer. ...
How to fix a scuffed car?
Apply spot putty to the scuffed areas and let it dry. Any kind of automotive spot putty will work. Squeeze a small amount of the product onto a putty knife and use it to fill in the damaged area. Aim to cover the area in a very thin layer. Then, let the putty dry, which typically only takes about 30 minutes. ...
How to repair a scuffed metal ring?
2. Sand the scuffed areas with 400-grit sandpaper. Use 400-grit sandpaper to even out the metal in the damaged area. Don’t go much beyond the damaged area—there’s no need to do more work than necessary. Keep sanding until the damage is smoothed out. ...
How to clean rims with paint thinner?
It’s important to clean the rims before moving forward so that the primer and paint will adhere well to the metal. Put a small amount of paint thinner on a lint-free cloth and use it to wipe down the rims.

First, Check For Possible Tire Damage
Estimating Rim Damage Repair Costs
- More often than not, the rims take the brunt of curb-car encounters. The type of rims you have and the extent of the damage are the two factors that will determine the cost of repair or replacement. The more exotic or upscale the rim, the more a repair is going to cost.
The Best Way to Save Money – Prevent Curb Rash
- Aside from unrealistic preventative measures, like never parallel parking or controlling all outside forces of traffic, there are other options to save your rims and prevent the high cost of curb rash repairs. RimBlades and RimSavers were created to improve the appearance of your vehicle and save you money. RimBlades stick to your alloy wheels and conform to protect easily. RimSavers…