Can scuffed alloys cause more damage?

Bexx · 5 Oct 2017 at 23:52

Long story short I just got a brand new car, it's bloody lovely! I had it for a total of I think just over 3 days when I drove into a kerb and scratched right around the outside of one of the alloys. I don't think it's done any damage to the actual wheel that I can see, and no tyre pressure warning has come on.

It's a lease car so in 2 years I give it back, so I'm guessing I pay now and get it replaced or I pay in 2 years when they come and inspect it.

My question at the moment is could this damage affect anything else? Could it rust where it's scratched and something like the wheel falls off when I'm driving!

Uther · 5 Oct 2017 at 23:58

Personally I'd get it fixed just because it would annoy the hell out of me on a brand new car I was keeping for two years!

Bexx · 6 Oct 2017 at 00:09

Uther said:
Personally I'd get it fixed just because it would annoy the hell out of me on a brand new car I was keeping for two years!

Believe me I'm heartbroken!

It's a toss up on how much will this cost now, and is that more or less than it would cost when they take it back.

But I'm scared of asking the guy at the dealership I got it from incase he puts it on my file or something. But I don't think I'd still get charged as long as it was replaced by the dealership with a branded part.

silverblack · 6 Oct 2017 at 00:16

I would just get it repaired should be less than £100.
I used these guys they did a good job https://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/alloy-wheel-refurbishment/processes/powder-coating/

Bexx · 6 Oct 2017 at 00:18

silverblack said:
I would just get it repaired should be less than £100.
I used these guys they did a good job https://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/alloy-wheel-refurbishment/processes/powder-coating/

Surprisingly there is a store local to me, which never happens. But I would need to get any replacement/repairs done by a Kia garage

PardonTheWait · 6 Oct 2017 at 01:13

Bexx said:
Surprisingly there is a store local to me, which never happens. But I would need to get any replacement/repairs done by a Kia garage

They won't even know you've had it done if you get a decent job done, honestly. If it looks good they'll be none the wiser.

Kiethton · 6 Oct 2017 at 08:54

I'm on the opposite side of the fence. I would personally leave it, even giving it back as is (unless it really bothers you/would ruin your enjoyment of the car).

If leased through the normal channels it'll likely be collected by BCA, the will charge you for the damage of over a certain size but the charge of £36 (from memory) is a lot less than it'll cost you to fix it, that and I know I'd likely do it again over the next 18 months anyway.

grudas · 6 Oct 2017 at 08:59

Bexx said:
Surprisingly there is a store local to me, which never happens. But I would need to get any replacement/repairs done by a Kia garage

depends on the alloy really, if it's a diamond cut or special colour it'll be harder to match.

honestly, I'd leave it. I can pretty much guarantee that you'll prang another alloy in the lease period so just pay up when you hand it in.

Teknobry · 6 Oct 2017 at 09:46

i'm in the leave it and see what happens camp as well.
As others have said, you'll end up doing it again anyway.

GravyMonster · 6 Oct 2017 at 09:54

I'd get it fixed. If it was a shed of an old Mondeo or something, then I could understand reticence to pay. But on a brand new car £100 to get it fixed is a a no-brainer.

May also be worth looking in to getting wheel insurance, just in case you have another argument with a curb while you own the car

Finglonga · 6 Oct 2017 at 10:18

If the wheels are lacquered then the corrosion will spread under it over time. No loss of strength but will look terrible.

Glanza · 6 Oct 2017 at 10:24

Are the alloys bog standard or have a finish on them?

Diagro · 6 Oct 2017 at 21:12

How did you hit a curb???

TallPaul1878 · 6 Oct 2017 at 21:14

Swap it with someone else's in the middle of the night

Haze · 6 Oct 2017 at 22:21

If you are going to trade it back in, it would be quite stupid to repair it now encase you curb it again

johnny6 · 7 Oct 2017 at 07:12

Just the fact that it is a brand new car would annoy me enough to get it repaired.

However providing it is done to a good standard, any good leasing company will be happy with a repair rather than a completely new wheel. To be honest they probably won't even know it was ever damaged if it is repaired correctly.

xldeane · 7 Oct 2017 at 07:42

Leave it until you have buggered all four alloys then get them all skimmed and sprayed together...

TallPaul1878 · 7 Oct 2017 at 08:08

Diagro said:
How did you hit a curb???

By driving like a woman obviously.

Leaving 2 car lengths at a give way line and not being able to see around the corner.

Driving with face as close to windscreen as possible.

Checking makeup in mirror.

Rolling right up to the car in front in heavy traffic and not letting anyone out at a junction who wants to turn the opposite direction EVER because reasons.

Jokester · 7 Oct 2017 at 08:19

It's unlikely they'll get a perfect match if they only do the one wheel, you really need to do two on the same side.

As someone mentioned before, you're usually cheaper just to leave it.

Bexx · 7 Oct 2017 at 12:18

Actually I was driving home around 9pm, minimal street lighting and very heavy rain. It was the first time I'd been anywhere further than a mile away in a car I'd hardly driven. I tried my best to stay away from the road markings but saw I was too close and I think I just steered in the other direction to try and correct but whacked the kerb. No excuse really but I tried my best with the conditions.

But anyway I'm as torn as what you guys are saying, part of me says repair/replace the other half says wait. I've just given my other car back without a mark on it which makes me think 'what if I don't do it again' but I know it's possible since I've just done it but I'm going to get more used to the car over time and .... I just can't decide!