EV Owners: Why Your Big Wheels Are Curb-Rash Magnets

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After

Electric vehicles have changed a lot about driving, and wheels are part of that. Many EVs come with big, eye-catching wheels as standard, and they're some of the most common rims we repair. Here's why EV owners see so much curb rash, and why those wheels are worth fixing.

Big wheels, thin sidewalls

Many EVs, especially SUVs and performance models, come with large-diameter wheels and low-profile tires. A low-profile tire has a short sidewall, so there's less rubber sticking out past the rim. On a car with taller tires, the tire often touches the curb first. On a car with low-profile tires, the rim is usually the first thing to hit.

Heavy cars, specific wheels

EVs carry heavy battery packs, so their wheels have to be rated for more load than a typical car of the same size. Automakers design and test factory EV wheels for that weight, and many EV wheels are also shaped to help with aerodynamics and range. That's a big reason to keep your factory wheels rather than swapping them for something generic. (More on that in OEM vs. aftermarket rims.)

Why EV wheels are worth repairing

• Replacements can be expensive: large, model-specific wheels often cost a lot more to replace than a typical wheel.
• They're designed for your car: load rating, fit and design were all chosen for your specific vehicle.
• Repair keeps the look: we colour-match the original finish, including two-tone and machine-finish designs, and seal it with clear coat.

How to avoid curb rash on an EV

• Use your cameras: many EVs have surround-view or side cameras. Switch to the side view when parallel parking or pulling up to a curb.
• Tilt your mirror: many cars can tilt the passenger mirror down when you reverse, so you can see the curb.
• Watch charging spots: charging stations often have curbs, bollards and parking blocks close to where you pull in. Take it slow.
• Take turns wider: tight drive-thrus and parking garage ramps are classic curb-rash spots.

Already scraped?

It happens to everyone. Rim repair is from $85 per rim, and we come to your home, workplace or wherever your EV is parked, anywhere from Niagara to Barrie. Text a photo to 416-800-1757 and we'll provide you with a quote, or read more about curb rash and how it's fixed.