As of: March 10, 2024, 1:00 p.m
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
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A rim is quickly damaged.
This not only looks unsightly – it can also pose a safety risk.
But be careful: repairs are only permitted to a very limited extent.
It usually happens when parking or leaving a parking space: the rim scrapes along the curb.
The resulting more than unpleasant noise regularly makes car owners cringe - especially if expensive alloy wheels have been fitted.
The sight of scratches and blemishes on the wheel is anything but pleasant to look at - in some cases, a damaged rim even becomes a safety risk.
A tire blowout while driving at full speed is something no one wants to experience.
However, if you want to have your rim repaired, you have to be careful: there are strict rules.
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Damaged rims: Only cosmetic treatment is permitted
Important: Only the cosmetic preparation of wheels is permitted.
According to
ADAC,
only optical defects such as minor scratches, scrapes or corrosion may be repaired.
According to the automobile club, the damage must not be deeper than one millimeter and no more than 50 millimeters from the edge of the rim.
And: Such processing may only be carried out by a specialist company.
Also note: A rim may only be reconditioned once, as the
Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA
) also points out.
A careful driving style can save a lot of money - just like taking proper care of your car tires.
Light alloy rims usually look stylish - but a few scratches can happen quickly.
If you want to repair your rims, there are a few things you have to consider.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
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Rims may only be reconditioned once
If a rim has been cosmetically refurbished, the company must mark it accordingly with an embossing stamp.
This must be clearly traceable to the relevant service provider using an identification number, according to the
EUWA's safety and maintenance instructions for the use of wheels in tire workshops.
According to
ADAC,
the costs for refinishing rims vary greatly: Smaller problems can be repaired for less than 100 euros - larger blemishes, possibly with additional painting, can cost up to 300 euros.
Caution: If there is major damage, the rim must be replaced
If a rim is seriously damaged, it must be replaced.
Because a “real” repair is not allowed.
“The repair of damaged wheels or rims by heat, welding, plastic deformation, addition or removal of material is strictly prohibited,” writes the
EUWA.
In order to avoid high costs for replacement or reconditioning, drivers should make sure not to choose the most sensitive ones when purchasing the rims.