Your Guide to Alloy Rim Protectors
- Alloy rim protectors are strips of rubber or plastic that are fitted to the edge of alloy wheel rims
- They protect the wheel from knocks or kerb scrapes and customise the vehicle’s appearance
- Certain alloy rim protectors can be fitted self-adhesively, others require professional fitting
Ask any car owner out driving (or parking) and they’ll likely mention the pain point of bumping the kerb. Some will want to avoid their tyres becoming misaligned, for others it’s wanting to avoid scuffing their alloys; not only does it look unsightly, but it can lower the resale value of the car. That’s where the increasingly popular alloy rim protectors come in. But exactly what are alloy rim protectors, what are their benefits, and how do you get them fitted to your vehicle? Read on to find out.
What are alloy rim protectors?
Alloy rim protectors are strips of rubber or plastic that are fitted to the edge of alloy wheel rims. By design, they either cover the edge of the rim, or protrude slightly – both designs protect the wheel from knocks or kerb scrapes. Rim protectors are available in bright colours to complement the colour of the vehicle, along with more standard classic colours, such as black and silver.
What are the benefits of alloy rim protectors?
Alloy rim protectors are not a one-trick-pony. The benefits include:
- Protection of the wheel against kerb damage by taking the brunt of the impact instead of the wheel. This keeps wheels looking their best. It is worth noting that while rim protectors are highly effective against knocks and scapes, they are not designed to protect against high-impact damage.
- Thanks to the protection offered, motorists can save money on wheel repair or maintenance costs.
- Customisation of your vehicle, giving it a more personal touch that can complement the paintwork or any other custom features. This is down to the range of colour options you have to choose from, and can be used to add some vibrancy or personality to your vehicle.
How do you fit alloy rim protectors?
Depending on the brand, there are two main ways that alloy rim protectors are applied to wheels. Some are self-adhesive and simply stick over the wheel edge, while others will slot neatly between the alloy itself and the tyre.
It is possible for you to fit the self-adhesive type yourself by following these rough steps (though you should check any instructions that come with the product):
- Clean your wheel before your start. Dirt and grime not only spoils the final look, but it can also affect the adhesive ability of the protectors. Make sure the wheel dries thoroughly.
- Next, apply a primer around the total circumference of the wheel and leave to dry.
- Take your protector and slowly peel off the backing tape, firmly sticking it to the wheel as you go. Cut off any overlap. If you want to glue the two ends together, you can do.
- Leave it for around three days before attempting to drive – or you may find the protectors start to peel off, which is unsafe.
The other type of alloy rim protector slots between the wheel and tyre – this often needs a professional to fit properly. This can add slightly to the overall cost but you can expect a level of experience and professional tool set that you may not have.
Mr Tyre provides a huge range of tyres including run flats, performance tyres or cheaper options. We operate over 35 branches across Central England, so you can be sure of a dependable service and high-quality products wherever you are in the region. Discover more about our auto services by getting in touch with our experts today.
