Rim protectors, Yes or no?

[jetskidia]

Has anyone got any experience, good or bad, with alloy wheel rim protectors?

[JagYouAre]

Do you mean like alloy gators? I’ve not used them but in my opinion they look awful.

You could look at getting tyres with a decent lip, some stick out more than others and give a bit of extra protection to the wheels.

[kambites]

I've never used them personally, but they have a pretty terrible reputation for destroying wheels.

[Saleen836]

kambites said:

I've never used them personally, but they have a pretty terrible reputation for destroying wheels.

Along with bodywork if they come loose...

[Furbo]

jetskidia said:

Has anyone got any experience, good or bad, with alloy wheel rim protectors?

Yes. They look gash when they are new, worse when they have been kerbed a few times. I had them put on a Range Rover that had kerbed diamond cut alloys. They looked absolutely awful and IIRC one of the tyres didn't seal properly. It is a memory I try to expunge from my mind.

[Pica-Pica]

I would concur they look awful, embarrassingly awful. Also, rim protectors moulded into tyres do not work either - any kerbing will squash or tear off the rim protectors. Only real solution is an adequate sidewall height.

[jetskidia]

So far, it doesn’t seem that there are many supporters for them?

[jetskidia]

So far, it doesn’t seem that there are many supporters for them?

[POIDH]

Nah, they are awful things.
Just learn to take care around kerbs and you will be fine.

[John D.]

Hell no.

[Furbo]

POIDH said:

Nah, they are awful things.
Just learn to take care around kerbs and you will be fine.

That is very difficult TBF. I have one car in which touching a kerb with a tyre = rim damage. Standard car, not silly rims.

[juice]

The only ones I've seen that look decent are the ones on my BBS CHRs. They are sacrificial as you would expect, but not cheap to replace at 100 quid a pop !

[framerateuk]

I'd suggest buying a tyre with a decent rim protector instead, they'll protect your rim from a touch, but obviously not a big hit.

If you've had a bit hit I imgine even the gators would cause problems, without even looking at how it's effected the tracking/alignment of the wheel.

[aterribleusername]

Having seen them flailing on cars going down the Motorway destroying inner arch liners and wings in multiple occasions I would never fit them regardless if the fact they look crap and scream "I can't drive or park my car!". Get tyres with built-in rim protectors would be my preferred option if they are an option when I change tyres. With the cost of a wheel refurb not being massive anyway it's a high risk that they will damage your car more than if you just kerbed a rim anyway.

[Decky_Q]

Had them come off on the motorway flailing the wing and marring the paint before I could get stopped and pull them off, they left a black stain on the rim where they were that didnt come off even with alcohol.

Get tyres with built in rim protection if you need it.

[E-bmw]

Another vote for "steer clear".

[jetskidia]

Thanks all for your replies

[Quantum State]

Handy if you have to do time ...