Understanding Curb Rash and Repair

Curb rash is the automotive equivalent of rug burn. However, instead of skinned knees sliding across the carpet, it involves the outer edge of your vehicle’s wheel coming into contact with a curb or another hard object while driving by. The friction usually leaves scratches or dents in the wheel and can affect both alloy and steel wheels.

What Causes Curb Rash?

• Parking improperly or poor driving habits can cause curb rash, such as not being careful while pulling into a parking spot, not being aware of your surroundings while parking, or not paying attention while reversing.
• Hitting a pothole or speed bump at high speed.
• Sudden impact with an object, such as a rock or debris in the road.
• Taking a turn too closely.

Risks of Curb Rash

While curb rash is primarily a cosmetic issue, it can also lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed. For example, if the curb rash is deep enough, it can expose the metal underneath the wheel’s finish, which can then rust. Rust can weaken the wheel and make it more susceptible to cracking or bending. In addition, severe curb rash can also affect the balance of the wheel, which can lead to vibrations and uneven tire wear.

How to Repair Curb Rash

Whether you attempt to fix curb rash yourself or take it to a professional depends on the severity of the damage and your comfort level with DIY projects. Here’s a DIY guide to fixing minor curb rash at home:

Materials Needed:

This is suitable for mild curb rash that only affects the paint layer. You'll need:

• Sandpaper (different grits)
• Putty (optional)
• Primer
• Matching touch-up paint
• Clearcoat
• Safety gear (gloves, mask, eye protection)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cleaning the area: Thoroughly clean the wheel with soap and water to remove dirt, grease, and debris.
2. Sanding: Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the damaged area gently. If there are deeper gouges, use coarse sandpaper first, followed by finer grits to smoothen the surface. Be careful not to sand beyond the damaged area.
3. Applying putty (optional): For deeper scratches, apply a small amount of automotive putty to fill in the gaps. Once dry, sand it smooth.
4. Priming: Apply a thin layer of primer specifically designed for wheels. Let it dry completely.
5. Painting: Use touch-up paint that matches the color of your wheel. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat for a smoother finish. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
6. Clear coat (optional): Apply a clear coat for added protection and shine.

Professional Curb Rash Repair

For more extensive curb rash involving deeper scratches, exposed metal, or even bent rims, it's advisable to seek professional help from a body shop or wheel repair specialist. The team here at Huber Collision Center has the expertise and equipment to properly assess the damage, repair the rim structure if needed, and perform a refinishing process that involves:

• Sandblasting or media blasting to remove paint and rust.
• Applying epoxy putty to fill in deeper gouges.
• Priming and painting the wheel.
• Clear coating for a lasting finish.

Remember, attempting a DIY fix on severe curb rash might not yield a professional-looking result and could even worsen the damage. You may also find that matching the paint of your wheel isn’t an easy feat. So before you take a DIY approach, consider the extent of the damage, whether or not you have access to the right materials, and your DIY skills. Book an appointment with us for professional curb rash repairs from a certified body shop in Fredericksburg, VA.