Refurb alloys or not??

[themightymolecule]

Hi everyone, I’m new to PH but a long time lurker! I picked up a MK7 GTI at the weekend and somehow managed to scuff the outer edge of the wheel. It has/had immaculate diamond cut alloys I’m annoyed with myself for doing this and not even sure when it happened.

I’ve been in contact with a local alloy refurb company and have been quoted £105 to repair the damage. But they said it can only be repaired 2-3 times in total. I’m concerned that if I don’t repair it then it will eventually lead to corrosion etc.

I park on a tight city street with cars parked along one side and a curb on the other side... I’m fine not curbing the wheel closest to the parking spot, but I’m very aware of the opposite curb because as the front swings out it’s almost impossible to keep my angle while reversing and avoid that curb. Basically, I’m worried that I’ll have it repaired only to end up doing the same thing again.

My previous car was an old Polo shed that I didn’t worry about in the slightest. So, I guess I’m either asking for some advice on brushing up my parallel parking skills OR wondering if it’s worth repairing every minor chip in an alloy? Current thinking is to wait a few weeks until I get comfortable parking the car on this street, then get it repaired. Thanks in advance

[belleair302]

I would wait. Enjoy driving more than worrying about your alloys and it may be worth if funds allow at a second set of aftermarket wheels as spares if necessary

[thmightymolecule]

Thanks, good idea about the second set of wheels in the future. I spoke to VW this morning about getting CarPlay enabled and also asked them about the wheels. They suggested holding off and, at a later date, replacing the Bridgestone tyres with something that offers a bit of protection.

Investigating further, it looks like this wasn’t actually caused by street parking as I first thought but by a pothole on the road to Cley beach. In some ways that’s a relief.

Great advice to enjoy driving and stop worrying )

[archie456]

Put some lacquer over the scuffed bit to seal the surface and stop corrosion getting in under the paint.

[rev-erend]

If it really is diamond cut, you may find most companies cannot do they .. sure they can do them in silver as an option though.

LEPSONS and others can do them but the price is much higher. £175 a wheel or something like that..

[thmightymolecule]

I got a local quote for £105 to refurb - they said it was diamond cut. Any idea what kind of lacquer to use on the wheel to seal it? I also came across some videos where people have sanded the wheel down by hand but not sure about the results.