Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

[thedoc46]

As someone who takes so much care in not getting any dings, chips or scratches in my car, you can imagine how gutted i was to get out my car this morning, and notice this. Car is a new 2015 picked up in Feb. Enjoyed spending time on these forums making sure its been getting the best care an owner can give it.

No idea even how it happened.. Only that it was within the last 24hrs, since i regularly QD my car and wheels, so that its always looking its best.

I'm guessing a rock on the road perhaps? Even so, i consider myself pretty alert when it comes to driving always on the look out for any road hazards, and i like to keep my distance from the car infront so i have time to react to any road hazards. Anyway can't go backwards, only forwards, and something happened here. Probably a rock, that blended in with the road so that i didn't know i hit it. Do not recall a noise either !

Never park anywhere near other cars cos of ding hazards, my car is selectively parked where things won't get at it. Example near grass beds, where gardeners could get close with their trimmers..

s.happens as they say.... It can't easily be repaired. I've already called a wheel specialist. I guess i could touch up the black at least. Not sure if i'll be able to do a good job in wetsanding cos of the angle. so it really would just be a touch up. The clear coat on the actual machined alloy is definitely gouged, and there's no fixing that. I could get a new rim for $250. But that's a lot of money... but ultimately thats what it may come down too.. Either that or live with it.

[davey g-force]

Re: Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

Sorry to hear that - I feel your pain.

Pity I can't see the pic. I have repaired the rims on my Audi before with pretty good success. They are an aftermarket rim with a machined lip though, not sure what yours look like.

[Top Gear]

Re: Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

Yeah, these things happen (usually rocks). The black is just black paint and can be touched up enough to disappear, and the silver looks like polished aluminum, so it can be cleaned/polished. Both are easy to reach with a foam pad on a DA, too. For comparison, my wheels are painted with a special "hypersilver" two stage metal paint that is impossible to match. I have a few scratches and somehow they tend to fade away with washings, etc. Another option is to get with the dealer and have their "wheel guy" look at it (they can be hacks, but it's worth an opinion).

[Don]

Re: Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

Davey, can you see it now?

[Don]

Re: Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

Unfortunately, this is one of the typical things that happen to cars that are actually driven. Depending on what part of the country you're in, that scratch will open the wheel up to corrosion and some real nasty damage. You might check with a wheel repair shop or just get some touch up paint and use the tip of a toothpick to apply it. OR, you can just keep driving it, never letting the wheel stop spinning and no one will see it.

[The Guz]

Re: Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

Well that is unfortunate. Have you tried some compound on those areas? It won't remove it but it could make the area look a little better. I'm surprised a wheel shop can't repair them. Could be the machined finish under the clear coat. The black should be able to be easily repaired as that is just paint and cleat.

[davey g-force]

Re: Gutted, huge scratch on rim.

Davey, can you see it now?

I can now, thanks Don.

I agree, touch up paint and/or compound. It probably won't be perfect, but acceptable.

The wheel repairs I've successfully done in the past were on the machined outer lip, so different to this case.