User 121523

Here's a tip: never drive when you're hungry and groggy

I bumped my rear-right wheel (stock) against the curb on Sunday and there was some very noticeable cosmetic damage. It's kind of like http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autopia/WheelRepair1.jpg, but larger. Sorry, but I don't have an actual image at the moment.

Is it worth paying a shop like http://www.wheelrepairsanjose.net/ to repair it? How much should I expect to pay?

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

you have the website, just call them. im sure they can give a better estimate then we can.

imo i wouldnt worry about fixing it. its only a stock wheel. if it was aftermarket then yea i would worry about it

rominl

iTrader: (4)

whether it's worth it or not that's totally your call. some people can't stand having curb rashes on their wheels. to fix them, i don't think it should be more than 200 bucks. sometimes it might even make sense to look on ebay and see if anyone is selling take offs in good condition, they can go very cheap

Modeler

All of my wheels have curb rash like that. It is unavoidable in urban environment where you have to parallel park.

BinaryJay

Like Modeler says, rash happens it's almost just a matter of time. I'd just live with it, clean it up a bit with some sandpaper and paint if it really bothers you and just wait until it happens again.

Otherwise you're spending tons of money on something that will happen again, unless you live in the boonies. It seems like curbs are getting higher and higher these days... or is it that my tires keep getting skinnier and skinnier.

Around here alloy refinishing costs around $250 per wheel, and more if you have to have them mount/unmount the tire. Plus, you'll have a car without a wheel for a number of days at least. Too much inconvenience and cost. Unless you have $600 wheels or something...

Stormforge

if it bothers you, then have the curbed wheel repaired. but be warned that the repaired wheel should be left in your garage for about 1 month (more if possible) to let the paint cure.

i know a buddy of mine who had his amg wheels repaired and drove right away on the refinished wheel. after a couple of months driving, the paint start to flake/chip. he had no problems with flaking/chipping when he let the wheel cure for a few months.

another thing you should be aware of is that the repaired wheel's color may not match completely with the other undamaged wheels. you may want to consider if slight mismatch in finish/color would drive you bonkers or not. food for thought.

e39ng

I had some wheels repaired before http://www.wheelsamerica.com and it costs about $100 each.

stvincent

iTrader: (5)

like rominl said, worth paying is totally up to you. when i had my new wheel curbed, i was soooo pissed at myself. thought about getting it fixed right away, but got over it since it wasn't too noticeable from distance. btw my buddy just had his stock rim fixed on MB.. about 115 plus 15 for mounting tires..

Bavaria

I agree with e39ng's cost estimate. My dealer uses a local wheel repair outfit which has their people come to the dealership once a week. It costs $100 to repair a cosmetically damaed wheel (personal experience). I imagine a more seriously damaged wheel (ex. bent) would cost more. I would ask your dealer who they use. Mine wouldn't tell me, but I found out from another source. In the future, I will call them directly and possibly save some bucks by bringing the wheel to them, thereby possibly saving myself their travel costs.

dunnojack

sand and polish yourself.

stocks aren't worth it.

patricksr5

I had wheels repaired on my Audi a few years ago for $125/wheel. The guy works out of Livermore and will come to your house. Let me know if you want his number and I will try to find it. He did a great job...wheels looked like new after he was done.

jjscsix

Here in Houston "Wheels America" does if for $140 if you bring the wheel in (that price includes dismounting and remounting the tire). The price is regardless of damage as long as it can be repaired. When they're done you won't be able to spot where the damage was.

jjscsix

I've done that on minor damage. Just depends on how deep it is.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

factory wheels are painted. sand and polish and that won't get you anywhere

User 121523

Thanks guys. Seems like I'm better off just living with it. Still makes me sad every time I see it, but I suppose I'll learn to let it go.