Scratches or dents can make your vehicle’s rims look shabby, even in many cases appearing worse than they really are. Sometimes, a little care is enough to make them look their best; and if the damage is minor, you can repair the tires yourself. However, you need to know that, for a better finish, it is best to go to a professional workshop.
If you want to do it yourself, we will explain what you should do. In this way, even if you have parking scratches, accumulated dirt or other problems, it will not be necessary to change the set of tires. In fact, although in some cases it will be necessary, in others you can follow our instructions.
Instructions to repair the tires of your car
If you want to know how to repair the rims of your car because they have been damaged by some circumstance, there are a series of instructions that you must follow, which we can divide into different sections:
Tire Damage Inspection
First of all, it is essential to do a thorough analysis of the tires on your car. This will allow us to know the existence of visible damage to them, such as cracks, scratches, corrosion or dents.
Also, it is important to check the tire for any bulges or damage to the sidewall, shoulder and bead. Once the different defects present in the tires have been evaluated, the decision will have to be made to repair the tire or change it. If they are superficial damage, it will be better to opt for the first option, especially if the damage is slight.
Rim Preparation
- The first thing to do in this phase is to remove the wheel from the vehicle. it is not essential to separate the rim from the tire; and you should not lose the balance weights either.
- Then use a rim cleaner and a microfiber cloth. With them you will proceed to clean the edges and all the dirt that is not especially adhered to the surface. The most complicated dirt and nooks and crannies will make you have to use a stiff bristle brush or a scourer.
- In the event that there is excess dust on the brake pads, it will be necessary to use an iron decontaminant. Likewise, the use of solvents can also be resorted to. It is recommended that when using these products, you use gloves and a mask for safety.
Tire damage repair
To know how to repair the tires of your car you must follow these steps:
- First of all, you will have to cover the rim with adhesive tape to prevent the rim from being affected by dirt or subsequent paint. Fix in the place where the scratches and other damages are found.
- Next you will have to start with the sanding, using the method from more to less, opting first for a coarse sandpaper and then progressing to a fine one. Rub over the damage until it feels even with the rest of the surface. You must clean the dust from the sandpaper using a dry cloth.
- In many cases, scratches and dents will not go away with sanding, which will require the use of a specific filler polyester putty. This should be applied to the affected area and spread with a spatula.
- Once this operation is finished and when it is completely dry, it is sanded again with dry 400 grit paper. This will achieve a smooth surface, causing the highest areas of excess putty to be removed. You will rub back and forth, until the surface can feel more even.
Primer and paint on the rim
- Now it’s time to spray prime the rim so the paint sets properly and looks more natural.
- Then you will have to carefully spray it at a distance of about 15-20 centimeters away, with sweeping movements. A single coat of primer may be enough.
- You will then need to let the wheel dry for 30-60 minutes, depending on the manufacturer.
- Once the above is done, it is time to paint with a spray or gun. It should be applied about 10-12 inches away, applying it in a similar way to primer, spraying the paint in a sweeping motion. After the first layer has dried, for which it will be necessary to wait 30-60 minutes, another layer will be applied. It may be necessary to apply the third.
- To finish, you will have to apply spray lacquer to seal the paint job. The lacquer will take between 8 and 24 hours to dry.
What do you need to repair the tires of your car?
- rim cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Scotch tape
- sandpaper
- Towel
- Filler polyester putty
- Stiff bristle brush or scourer.
- iron decontaminant
- primer
- Paint
- spray lacquer
