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Humans are lucky. When we get scrapes, gashes, or cuts, our bodies go Doctor Who and regenerate. Cars, however, are much less advanced. They might be able to parallel park without a driver, but scuff up a rim, and that ride’s appearance is marred for life. At least until some nice human fixes that too. 

Damaged wheels are one of the most common issues plaguing automobiles, and it’s no surprise. Traversing America’s crumbling roads mean even quick trips to the grocery store can be akin to navigating an American Ninja Warrior course. Road debris, potholes, and uneven curbs destroy car wheels with scratches, chips, cracks, and dents. Sometimes they can be repaired, sometimes you’re better off buying an entirely new wheel. 

The editors at The Drive have screwed up all shapes and sizes of wheels, so we’d like to help with that. Below we examine the different types of damage and how to deal with them. Pop your feet up and let’s get into it. 

Estimated Time Needed: An hour to a weekend

Working on your car can be dangerous and messy, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to ensure you leave the same way you entered.

We’re not psychic, and we’ve never toured your garage, so here’s exactly what you might need to get the job done.

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking—that’s also well-ventilated). Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink.

First, try using wheel polish to buff it out. If that doesn’t work and the damage remains, you’re going to have to sand it down and repaint it. When spraying paint and/or clear coat, be sure to use a respirator with the appropriate filters, regular masks aren't going to cut it.

Professionals have machines designed to form bent wheels back into shape. We recommend taking your wheel to your trusted shop. Or, you know, buy a new one.

Leave this stuff to the professionals. Because they have experience working on these issues, they’ll know when the damage is significant enough to affect the performance of the wheel. If it is repairable, they have the tools to do the job properly. 

Some DIY people fill gouges and scratches with bondo like on a car, but we are not those people. Don’t be those people.

You’re going to need chrome polish and a working elbow for this one. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide, “How To Restore Chrome.” 

Similar to restoring your chrome, fixing light corrosion on aluminum or other alloy wheels can be accomplished with metal polish. After washing, apply small amounts and work in with a microfiber towel or applicator. Remove the polish with an untouched dry section of towel or a fresh one. 

If the issue remains, it might need to be professionally restored.

Many wheel repairs are done simply by sanding the wheel down past the point of the damage, but this can be a bad idea if too much is sanded off. Most importantly, sanding the wheel rim, where most of the curb rash occurs, could create an abnormal edge on the wheel. It might not seem like a hazard while you’re sanding, but a “sharper” edge could react to impacts differently, including damaging the tire or wheel’s structural integrity. 

Additionally, be wary of taking too much material off of the wheel. This could not only change the look and design of the wheel, it could also affect weight and balance. 

Professional shops and garages have all sorts of tools you don’t, so they can get things done at a higher level of quality and in faster time. Here are a few of the things they use that you probably don’t have.

There will come a time when buying a new rim makes more sense than restoring your old one. We’re not ones to waste anything, so that old set of wheels can be reused! They are perfect for housing your winter tires (that way you don’t have to switch back and forth), or they could be used for a track car. Remember the three Rs! 

As much as The Drive loves to put the "you" in do-it-yourself, we know that not everyone has the proper tools, a safe workspace, the spare time, or the confidence to tackle major automotive repairs. Sometimes, you just need quality repair work performed by professionals you can trust like our partners, the certified mechanics at Goodyear Tire & Service.

You’ve got questions, The Drive has answers!

A. Extremely simple repairs start around $100-150. Extensive repairs can cost hundreds of dollars. Always compare the price of a new wheel with the price of the repair before making any decisions.

A. You can, but you might not want to. When you begin sanding, you’ll first take off the clear coat and/or the paint coat. If you get down to the metal, you’ll need to address the now-bare metal by repainting it or replating it.

A. To speed up the process of sanding, we recommend using a cordless drill or air tools.

A. Compare the time and money you will spend fixing the curb rash with the cost of an all-new rim. Time is valuable. Is that worth it to you?

A. With most things, including wood and car parts, you will need to sand the surface before painting it. This type of surface allows the paint to adhere better to the thing receiving the paint.

We’re here to be expert guides in everything How-To related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below and let’s talk! You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram, here are our profiles.

Jonathon Klein: Twitter (@jonathon.klein), Instagram (@jonathon_klein)

Tony Markovich: Twitter (@T_Marko), Instagram (@t_marko)

Chris Teague: Twitter (@TeagueDrives), Instagram (@TeagueDrives)

DEWALT 20V Brushless Impact Driver and Hammer Drill Combo Kit

3M Chrome and Metal Polish

Chemical Guys Buffing Pad Kit

Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com

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