Curb Rash Repair Cost: Everything You Need To Know
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Curb rash is one of the most frustrating things to deal with, especially if you love your car. The damage can leave your vehicle looking worse and even accelerate the deterioration process. If you experience curb rash, you might want to get it repaired. What does the curb rash repair cost? What can you expect to pay at a local auto repair shop?
If you’re interested in learning more about the curb rash repair cost, you’ve come to the best place. Read on to learn more about the average price point, how it shifts by vehicle, and if you’re better off replacing the wheels instead. There’s quite a bit to cover, so let’s get started.
What is the Average Curb Rash Repair Cost?
There is minor damage and major damage when it comes to curb rash. According to howmuchisit.org, minor damage on steel and aluminum costs $50-$100 to repair. Chrome can be $200-$500 to be replaced. Plastic needs to be replaced.
For more extensive damage, it’ll cost more. You can anticipate a minimum of a $50 increase for pricier issues. Many repair people will advise skipping the curb rash repair cost and getting them replaced instead.
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What Makes Up the Curb Rash Repair Cost?
When you take your vehicle into the shop for a curb rash repair, you’ll receive a bill at the end of the visit. It can be tricky to figure out what goes into this price. As with most repairs, two components make up most of the curb rash repair cost.
The main components of the curb rash repair cost include:
- Parts: You will need to pay for pieces required to perform the fix.
- Labor: You will need to pay the repair person who completes the process for you.
You might also see taxes and fees, depending on the location.
We talked about the average curb rash repair cost above, but we didn’t dive into how it can vary by vehicle. Let’s talk about another item that can influence the curb rash repair cost - the type of vehicle you drive.
Does Curb Rash Repair Cost Differ By Vehicle?
The cost of curb rash repairs differs depending on the material your wheels are made of. The main components used on a hubcap include steel, aluminum, and chrome. Some are plastic. A car with steel will cost less to repair than a car with chrome and the same damage on the surface.
For many vehicles with more expensive material, it often makes more sense to replace the vehicle wheel surface rather than paying to get it repaired. However, this process can be pricey.
If you don’t want to pay the curb rash repair cost and you can’t afford a replacement, you might wonder if it’s possible to complete the repair yourself. Let’s discuss this possibility next.
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Can You DIY a Curb Rash Repair?
Not everyone can afford to pay someone to repair their curb rash for them. Is it possible to complete this repair yourself, or is it necessary to visit someone who has more experience than you?
According to detaildiy.com, here’s how you can fix minor curb rash by yourself:
- Taking the tire off the car, then the rubber tire off the rim
- Cleaning and prepping the metal with a rag
- Sanding down the surface and applying filler putty
- Cleaning again
- Painting over the fill with a finish
This process might vary with other materials, but most tires will work with these steps.
You can DIY curb rash repair if the tire has experienced moderate cosmetic changes. However, serious damage should be looked at by a professional in the business.
Is It Better to Replace the Wheels Instead?
It can be a little pricey to replace the wheels, but sometimes it’s necessary. How do you know when it’s more affordable to replace the metal and when you should perform a repair or ignore the curb rash altogether?
If your tires haven’t experienced more than a few scratches, you’re not dealing with anything serious. You can fix the appearance yourself or pay someone to do it for you. However, damage beyond that warrants a complete replacement. Gouges, chunks, and deep cracks can be impossible to replace and are not worth fixing.
What are forms of severe damage you should be on the hunt for after a curb rash? Let’s talk about the worst harm a vehicle can experience with this form of trouble.
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How Do You Know How Bad the Damage Is?
Some forms of curb rash are scratches and dents that cause issues with the external appearance of the wheel. Although these might impact the look of your vehicle, they don’t do much more than that. What are some examples of curb rash that require a visit to a repair location if they happen?
According to autocosmetics.org, a few examples of severe curb rash include:
- Deep gouges
- Dents
- Bends in the material
- Alignment shifts
- Cracks in the surface
- Gouges out of the metal
These can impact the structural integrity of your vehicle and cause worse damage than cosmetic issues.
If you note any of these severe forms of damage, it’s best to get repairs completed sooner rather than later. It will make it safer to drive on the road and save you plenty of trouble later down the line. Don’t ignore gouges and dents on your wheels.
Conclusion
We hope this information was helpful! When it comes to a curb rash repair cost, there’s much to know. We discussed the average price of this service, what factors might impact the bill you receive at the end of the process, and if you can perform a curb rash repair yourself. There’s a lot to consider before bringing your vehicle into the shop.
Now that you know more about curb rash repair costs, you can prepare yourself for an anticipated price point with your vehicle. Sometimes, it’s better to ignore curb rash rather than spending a fortune on cosmetic fixes.
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