How to Fix Curb Rash Without Replacing Your Wheels

April 15, 2025

Few things are more frustrating than pulling away from a curb and realizing you just scuffed your wheel. Curb rash is one of the most common types of wheel damage—and it happens to everyone. Tight parking spots, sharp turns, and unexpected curbs make it almost inevitable.

The good news? You don’t have to replace your wheels to fix it. In fact, most curb rash can be professionally repaired and refinished for a fraction of the cost of replacement—and even better, it can be done right in your driveway.

At Salt City Wheels, we specialize in mobile wheel repair across Salt Lake City, Utah County, and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know about fixing curb rash the smart (and affordable) way.

What Is Curb Rash, Exactly?

Curb rash refers to the scrapes, scratches, gouges, or scuffs that appear when your wheel comes into contact with a curb or other hard surface. Most often, the damage is cosmetic—it affects the surface finish, not the structure of the wheel.

Common signs of curb rash include:

  • Scratches or gouges along the wheel edge
  • Paint chips or flaking
  • Rough, uneven textures on the rim
  • Faded or damaged clear coat

While it’s not usually a safety concern, curb rash takes away from the look of your car and can impact resale value—especially if left untreated.

Why You Don’t Need to Replace the Wheel

When you take your car to a dealership or traditional shop, they may recommend replacing the wheel altogether. But unless the wheel is cracked or bent, replacement isn’t necessary. Cosmetic damage can be repaired with the right tools, materials, and expertise. At Salt City Wheels, we use a full refinishing process that not only repairs the damage but restores the entire face of the wheel to a like-new finish.

This is not a quick patch job—it’s a professional restoration, and it costs significantly less than replacing a wheel (often hundreds of dollars saved).

The Salt City Wheels Repair Process

Here’s how we fix curb rash—100% mobile, with no need for a shop visit:

1. Inspection & Prep

We assess the damage and thoroughly clean the wheel surface to remove dirt, brake dust, and loose paint. This gives us a clean base to work with.

2. Sanding & Smoothing

We sand down the damaged area, smooth rough spots, and feather the edges so the repair blends seamlessly into the rest of the wheel.

3. Filling & Refinishing

For deeper gouges, we apply a durable filler that’s sanded flush to match the original contour. Then, we repaint the entire wheel face—not just the damage—so it looks factory-fresh.

4. Clear Coat Protection

We seal the finish with a high-quality clear coat, which protects the paint and adds depth and shine (or that perfect satin/matte look, if you prefer).

5. Same-Day Turnaround

Most repairs take just a few hours, and you don’t have to leave your driveway. You carry on with your day—we restore your wheels on-site.

Why Mobile Curb Rash Repair Makes Sense

  • Faster than a shop visit
  • Cheaper than replacement
  • More convenient than losing your car for days
  • Professional results using factory-grade materials
  • Better resale value when your wheels look like new again

We serve areas across Salt Lake County, Utah County (from Lehi to Provo), Davis County, and more—bringing the shop straight to your curb.

Ready to Fix Your Wheels?

Curb rash may be common—but it doesn’t have to stay on your car. With Salt City Wheels, you can get professional curb rash repair that’s fast, affordable, and delivered right to your home or office.

Request a free estimate today and let us show you why Utah drivers trust Salt City Wheels to keep their wheels looking sharp.

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Bryan Karsten

Bryan, owner and repair technician, has over 12 years of experience. Bryan, alongside his technicians and crew, puts this expertise into giving you the best possible outcome.

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