Fixing Scuffed Alloys: Everything You Need to Know

Scuffed alloys can ruin the crisp look of your vehicle, even if the rest of the car is in good condition. They can also inhibit the handling and the safety of your vehicle in some cases. This blog zooms in on what exactly alloys scuffs are, what causes them, and how they can be fixed. 

What are scuffed alloys?

Scuffed alloys are wheels on your car which have visible scratches or scrapes. A lot of people use terms such as ‘scuffed alloys,’ ‘kerbed alloys’ and ‘scratched alloys,’ interchangeably, so it’s important to understand exactly what you’re dealing with before you start looking for a solution. For example, kerb rash can be a cause of what we would call scuffed alloys. 

For example, when talking about scuffed alloys, we are referring to any alloys which have visible problems, regardless of what caused them. This is why ‘scuffed alloys’ is such a common term.

A common misconception is that alloy scuffs are solely an aesthetic issue, but this is not entirely the case. Whilst they are primarily detrimental to the look of your vehicle, there are also some safety concerns that come with alloy damage. As well as safety issues, alloy scuffs which are left unrepaired can inhibit the lifespan of your wheels, costing you a lot of money in the long run. 

What causes scuffed alloys?

Scuffed alloys are normally caused by some form of impact between your wheels and another obstacle, however they can also be caused by other road conditions and factors:

• Kerb Rash - Although often regarded as a separate issue, your wheel(s) scraping against a kerb, usually whilst parking, can lead to scuffs.

• Road debris - Loose debris such as rocks, dirt, or anything else which you may find on a road surface, can jump up and hit your alloys, leaving marks and small scratches. This is a higher risk when driving at high speeds.

• Road conditions - Poorly maintained roads that have potholes can jolt your wheels, leading to scuffs. Driving fast over speedbumps can also have an impact. 

• Brake dust - Densely impacted brake dust can accumulate and slightly corrode your wheels, making them more susceptible to small scuffs and scrapes. Brake dust alone shouldn’t cause any problems, but it might cause minor issues to get worse. Read our dedicated blog on cleaning alloy wheels.

• Improper cleaning - Using chemicals which are too harsh, or brushes with thick, rough bristles, can wear down the alloys, leading to scuffs. 

Now you know what’s caused your problem, hopefully you’ll be able to look out for the dangers in future and avoid damage. But how should you go about fixing scuffed alloys?

Are scratched alloys dangerous?

Scratched alloys most likely won’t be a massive safety issue in the short term. But if left unfixed, there are some serious complications which can arise. Here are a few problems that alloys scratches can lead to:

Reduced handling - The impact which causes wheel damage can cause alignment issues which impacts handling. Equally, if wheel damage is bad enough to reduce the structural integrity of your wheels in any way, this is also going to reduce the handling. 

Wheel failure - Scratches and scuffs can develop into cracks over time. This can lead to bigger structural concerns such as buckled alloys, particularly if the wheel is jolted by a pothole or speed bump. If this occurs whilst driving, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation. 

Tyre wear/blowout - Tyre wear is a common side effect of alloy scuffs and scratches. Scratches which disrupt the balance of the wheel, or lead to vibrations whilst driving, cause the tyre to wear down quicker than you’d expect. In extreme cases, where an excess amount of pressure is being exerted onto a wheel or tyre as a result of alloy damage, your tyre could even blowout. 

Reduced fuel efficiency - Whilst not really a safety concern, nobody wants to spend more money on fuel. Scratched wheels might mean that your car’s engine is working overtime to account for reduced efficiency, using up much more fuel. 

Professional scuffed alloy repair

Professional scuffed alloy repair is the answer to all of your problems. Why risk doing a repair job yourself when it can lead to bigger issues, and might not leave your wheels shiny and pristine. Instead, choose Alloy Wheel Repair Services, and we’ll have your wheels as good as new, in no time!