srb1194

So I recently had a new set of tires installed. After the installation I've noticed some scuffs on the clear coat. It's not through the clear coat but it won't polish out. It's worth mentioning that I furnish a socket for lug removal to minimize damage in that area. Hopefully the attached pictures will show the damage. I'm curious what others would do. Admittedly I'm extremely picky about my vehicle but am I over the edge here?

Thanks

rangerrick

I just went through the same thing yesterday. (20" 2018 OEM Sport wheels 1400 miles) The tire shop removed and then replaced my tires for a sensor issue. When I got home I did an inspection and sure enough they scuffed all four wheels 360* around the rim, deep enough to feel with a fingernail. The paint is also chipped where they went in with the lug socket. I immediately returned to the shop and brought it to the attention of the manager. He offered to have them professionally refinished, convinced me they will look like factory OEM. Its unfortunate, but they are taking responsibility and are going to make it right.

cosmok

Air-cooled

It sure looks like it is through the clear coat to me and into the metal. If not you can remove with rubbing compound followed by polish.

srb1194

Mileage is 35K. I keep it spotless but have to admit that's a fairly fresh coat of Duplicolor Silver that I applied about 5K ago.

srb1194

I tried Meguiars Scratch Remover and it didn't phase it at all. I really hate to burn a bridge at the tire shop. They do great work otherwise. I drove 20 miles to buy from them because they offer load force balancing.

Air-cooled

Must be into the metal. You could politely ask the shop to have them professionally refinished. If they say no, you've learned something about them.

moparado

If i had a dollar for every nick, curb rash, scratch or rock ding on my vehicle's wheels i'd be a millionaire.
So many out here on gravel country roads, at some point i quit worrying about them.

As mentioned try rubbing compound. If that don't work to your satisfaction, then its either new wheels, get the tire shop to replace or consider it adding character to your truck and go on with your life..

Or as a last resort if the scratches are deep into the metal, you might try removing all the paint from the wheel, smooth out the scratches with fine grit wet sandpaper, then rubbing compound and then finally re-paint.
But that would be a PITA as you'd probably have to repaint the other 3 wheels.
.

srb1194

Painting isn't an option. All they have on them is clear coat. You would think if a customer brings his own lug socket that it would be a red flag to the technicians. Go figure.

Spectragod

The clear that's on them is rather thick, it is a urethane based clear as well, wet sand with 2000 grit on a sanding sponge and polish.
Ignore all the above if the wheels are PVD coated, the clear is polish-able, just not as much material.