No matter how meticulous you are about keeping your car in pristine condition, it is inevitable that curb rash will occur. In the auto industry, curb rash – also known as gutter rash – is damage to a vehicle’s wheel rims or hubcaps caused by rubbing against the curb. It can also be caused by hitting other obstructions, such as potholes. The damage can include scuff marks, scratches and sometimes gouges. If you’re not careful, blemished rims can also lead to damaged wheels. Here’s how to prevent curb cash.
Wash your wheel rims
Making sure your rims remain clean is important for your car’s overall aesthetic and value. You can clean your rims simply by using a cloth to wipe the rims down. There are many car wheel cleaners, foaming mousse and protectant gels on the market. In a 2022 independent review by Forbes Magazine, the top products for wheels were Meguiar’s G180132 Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner (rated best overall) and Turtle Wax T-18 All Wheel and Tyre Cleaner (rated best for tough stains).
Wheel rim protectors
Wheel rims protectors keep rims safe from damage without detracting from your car’s overall look. Wheel rim protectors are affordable and are an easy DIY project.
Be careful when parallel parking
Parallel parking against curbs is the number one cause of curb rash. Make sure you leave ample room between your car and the gutter.
Be mindful of potholes, particularly after heavy rain
Be mindful of your surroundings when you’re on the road, especially after lengthy periods of rain. Potholes are caused when the water on the roads is compressed under the weight of traffic. This compressed water pops out any weak point in the bitumen forming a pothole. Hitting a pothole can cause curb rash, rim scratches and even bent rims which could damage the tyre itself.
How do you repair curb rash yourself?
You can save money by repairing your wheel rims yourself. This step-by-step video uses sandpaper, a rotary tool, abrasive wheel buffing polishing wheel set, paint stripper, spray bottle and metal polish to transform damaged wheel rims into smooth rims.
Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop – a one-stop shop for tyres, mags and rims
Specialising in a range of quality products, our Wacol workshop is the number one destination in Brisbane for tyres, mag wheels, rims and everything four-wheel drive related. Need new tyres or rims for your car or 4WD? With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop has the best tyres in Brisbane, suitable for many makes and models. For top brands in Brisbane – at affordable prices – call Noel’s Progress Road Pitstop on 07 3271 1509 or visit our website.