I'm sure lots of threads have been posted concerning this, but is there a relatively simple method for repairing minor abrasions on the wheel rim---short of taking the car to a shop? I scraped the front passenger rim on a curb today because I'm an idiot and wasn't paying attention. I've never done this before and it bothers me.
2010 MINI S with stock 16" wheels, nothing exotic.

Thanks.

paddy

 

Are there just paint scuffs, or did you do damage to the alloy wheel itself? Scrapes or deep indent?
There are "over-the-counter" DIY kits to fix wheels; usually involves some filling, sanding and painting.

- Erik

 

I actually did this for the 2nd time about a week and a half ago and I am having my wheel re-powder coated. There is a good how to but, I can not find it. Granted it's like 6 or 7 years old.

 

There are scrapes/abrasion extending approximately 4-5" along the edge of the rim---cosmetically irritating (to me because I know it's there). I doubt anyone would notice unless they were looking for it. I'd just like to repair it/make it less aggravating without spending a lot of money. I'll be due to take the car in in a month or so to have my tires switched-out for snow tires (I'm in Denver). Is this something a tire shop (Discount Tire, and they also sell wheels of course) might be able to address? Or does anyone know of an over-the-counter fix I might be able to attempt myself? I looked on Amazon but didn't find anything that looked promising.

Again, appreciate the help.

 

You could always ask Discount Tire. Maybe the sub out the work or even do it themselves. A decent body shop should be able to give you an estimate. With some research and work on your part you might be able to do the repair yourself, depending on your skill level and interest. Doing it right can be extremely time consuming. Probably the hardest part would be color matching the paint since touching up the damage without repainting the entire wheel may make the "fix" stick out more than the damage.

You might also want to post a few pics. Much easier to judge what is involved that way.

 

I took it to Discount Tire this morning to have them look at it. They send it out. I was told it would be approximately $100, 24 hour turn-around time, and I think I'll have it done this week. It just bugs me, and I'm not about to try it myself, as I'd only screw it up. Oh well. My own fault for getting distracted. Live and learn.

 

I got a small ding on my black alloy rims parallel parking a couple weeks ago...I was pissed!

 

I feel your pain. What bothers me is that this is my second Mini, and in eight years, this is the first time I've done something like this. Maybe I was due.

 

Pretty good track record if you ask me, and a relatively cheap fix. I would suggest giving yourself a break, accidents happen, that is why they call them accidents.

 

Yeah, I'm over it. It's just that I'm normally really good about taking care of things that I care about. Anyway I've forgiven myself. Thanks.

 

Damn $100! Its costing me $75 for powdercoating.