While sidewall damage is a major safety headache, curb rash on the rim is usually more of a cosmetic woe. Curb rash happens when the wheel grazes against a curb, leaving behind visible abrasions and scratches.
Rim damage often occurs during parking maneuvers or when making tight turns, especially in those narrow, constricted streets. Miscalculating the gap between the tire and the curb can lead to an unfortunate scrape, causing the rim to lose its pristine finish.
Even though curb rash doesn’t pose an immediate life-threatening danger like sidewall cuts, it can still spell trouble down the line. Deep scratches can undermine the strength of the wheel and might even stop the tire from sealing properly, resulting in those pesky slow leaks.
If the damage is just skin-deep, a professional can usually work their magic and fix it. But if the rim is bent or has deep gouges, you’ll probably need to swap it out to ensure your driving stays safe.
