Wheel and Rim Protectors

New alloy wheels can look great, but the rims are vulnerable to potential damage from a number of possible sources. One of the problems comes from the fact that modern alloy wheels have a larger diameter than they used to have. A larger wheel has more area that can potentially be damaged, and damage from rubbing against kerbs is a reality of life, if you are not careful. Some might even say that kerb damage to alloy wheels is inevitable, sooner or later, and there is probably some truth in that.

A damaged, scuffed alloy wheel with bits missing where the rims have made rough contact with a kerb, look extremely unsightly and downright ugly, in fact. That is why alloy rims need to be protected. It's a very easy process to add wheel and rim protectors to new alloy wheels, and it is definitely something that everyone should do. If you don't feel up to doing it yourself, get your local garage to do it. It's a quick, simply job that won't cost much.

Rim protectors for alloy wheels are often made from a flexible polymer that has the look and feel of hard rubber, or they can be made from a more rigid and harder-wearing plastic like nylon, like the excellent Alloygator wheel/rim protectors. They can be fitted to the wheel rim with a high bond application tape, or designed to fit over the back of the wheel rim and be held firmly in place by the pressure of the tyre.

Wheel and rim protectors are available in a variety of colours to either match your car's body paint, or to complement or contrast it. Choosing a silver coloured rim protector, for example, would closely match the existing colour of the alloy wheel to make the rim protector almost invisible. Choosing a coloured protector can have the effect of making the wheels look larger, giving your car a more sleek and sporty look. Different manufacturers offer different colour sets, but most of them have their protectors available in most of the popular colours.

Choosing the right colours

There are various colours to choose from when it comes to wheel and rim protectors. Some people opt for the same colour as their vehicle, whilst others choose something that provides a striking visual contrast. Silver protectors can offer a sense of invisibility, whilst coloured protectors can make your car look sportier and your wheels larger. You shouldn’t struggle to find rim protectors in most colours.

Fitting your protectors

Some rim protectors are easier to fit than others. Fitting the Alloygator range of protector involves first cleaning the wheel, especially near the rim. Then you need to jack up the wheel and release the tyre pressure to zero. With the tyre pressure released, it will be easy to insert the protector behind the wheel rim. Small metal guards that are supplied with the kit need to be glued and fitted in the appropriate places along the length of the protector. Then, using a mallet, the protector is gently knocked into place and secured.

If you are fitting Alloygator protectors, you will need to clean the wheel and jack it up before releasing the tyre pressure to zero, which makes it easier to insert the protector. The kit comes with small metal guards, which must be fitted and glued before you secure the protector with a mallet. In the unlikely event that the process results in poor wheel balance, your local garage can resolve this for you. Adding wheel and rim protectors to your car won’t normally affect your insurance cover, though it's always best to inform your insurer before you go ahead. Do so in writing so disputes can be avoided further down the line.

If you need assistance

Adding rim protectors to your car is a relatively easy process, but you can always ask for professional assistance if you don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself. Rim protectors are manufactured with a hard rubber-like flexible polymer and can also be produced from durable plastics including nylon. They can either be fitted in place via high bond application tape or the pressure of the tyre itself.

Fitting wheel and rim protectors to your car should not affect the wheel balance, but if it does, you should go along your local garage to have your wheel properly balanced. It should not affect your car insurance either, but it is a good idea to tell your car insurance company in writing that you have fitted them. This should help to keep you clear in the event of any dispute.

How wheel alignment can help after adding rim protectors

We use industry-leading Hunter equipment when carrying out wheel alignment, with high-quality digital imaging being used to measure positioning and orientation. Our computer is able to calculate your alignment measurements perfectly. Even the smallest misalignments can cause substantial problems and can be dangerous. If your vehicle appears to be pulling to the side, your front wheels may no longer be aligned to the rear thrust line. We can use our equipment to ensure your wheels are aligned and are able to re-align all four wheels as opposed to simply the ones at the front, returning them to manufacturer standards. Our wheel alignment services result in improved fuel handling and fuel mileage, safer driving and longer-lasting tyres.

Final Words

At Wheel Power Alignment we can come to your assistance if you need wheel alignment services after fitting wheel and rim protectors. Rim protectors are designed to protect your alloy wheels from damage and keep them looking great for longer. Alloy wheels can become damaged for a wide range of reasons, with their larger diameters often resulting in kerbing. Damaged alloy wheels can be very unsightly and can vastly compromise the general appearance of your vehicle. There are many reputable rim protection manufacturers on the market, including Rimblades and Alloygator, one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry, with protectors being available for wheels from a variety of brands, including Lenso, Hawke, Cades, Dotz Turning Wheels, Rimstock, Calibre, OZ and Dezent.

Getting in touch

To find out more about our wheel alignment services, complete the contact us form on our site or call on 020 86 999591.