Wheels take a beating at conveyor car washes. Curb rash from a guide rail is one of the most common complaints about express tunnels, especially from owners of cars with large, low-profile wheels.
How wheels get damaged
- Guide rails and conveyor tracks. If you enter at an angle, the rail can scrape the face of the wheel.
- Low-profile tires leave the rim lip exposed.
- Wheel blasters and brushes can scuff delicate finishes or catch aftermarket wheels.
- Attendants driving your car and clipping a curb.
- Wide aftermarket wheels that don't fit the track.
How to avoid it
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Line up slowly and straight | Most scrapes happen on entry |
| Follow attendant hand signals | They see the track alignment |
| Fold mirrors, retract antennas | Reduces other damage |
| Consider touchless or hand wash for expensive wheels | No guide rails |
| Photograph wheels before entering | Proves condition |
What fresh curb rash looks like
- Bright, shiny metal in the scrape
- Fine metal shavings or rubber marks
- Matching marks on the guide rail at the entrance
If it happens
- Check all four wheels before leaving.
- Photograph the damage, and the guide rail, if you can do it safely.
- Report it and fill out the incident report.
- Ask them to save the entrance camera footage.
- Get a written estimate from a wheel repair shop.
See what to do if a car wash damages your car.
Types of wheel damage
| Damage | What it looks like | Typical cause |
|---|---|---|
| Curb rash | Scrapes on the outer lip | Guide rails, curbs |
| Finish scuffing | Dull or hazy patches | Wheel brushes on delicate finishes |
| Chipped powder coat | Flakes on spokes | Impact, rails |
| Bent lip | Visible deformation, vibration | Hard impact (rare at washes) |
Wheel repair options
- Cosmetic refinishing for curb rash and scuffs
- Powder coating for full color restoration
- Straightening for bends, by a wheel specialist
- Replacement for cracked or badly bent wheels
Ask for the repair method and price in writing.
Low-profile tire owners
If your sidewall is thin, the rim lip sits close to the guide rail. Consider washes without guide rails, such as in-bay touchless automatics, self-serve bays or hand washing.