What are alloy wheel rim protectors?

Alloy wheels make a great addition to your car and are available on most new models. But many modern alloy wheels are very large in diameter, making the rims vulnerable to damage. They can easily pick up scratches and scrapes from road kerbs, spoiling their appearance.

That’s why drivers are looking for ways to shield their alloys. And many people are trying alloy wheel rim protectors, which claim to guard the edges of your alloys and prevent scuffs damaging the metal.

But what are they, and do they work? We’ve got all the information you need to know.

They are a strip of flexible, tough plastic or rubber material that fit around the edge of the alloy wheel rims. Some alloy wheel protectors are self-adhesive and stick over the edge of the wheel, while others are slotted between the wheel and the Tyre.

Alloy wheel rim protectors are designed to protect the edges or rims of your alloy wheels. Some types do this by covering the edges, while others provide a slight protrusion that bears the brunt of any kerb contact. The idea is that if you do scrape the kerb, the protector is the only thing that gets scratched.

Rim protectors come in a range of colors. Black can make the tire look larger while silver makes the alloy wheel look wider. They are also available in a selection of bright colors to provide a ring of color around the wheel.

Should I use them on my car?

Alloy wheel rim protectors claim to help maintain the appearance of your alloys and prevent unsightly damage. Anecdotes and reviews suggest they do offer protection from light scratches and scrapes along the kerb.

However, some drivers have reported problems with alloy rim protectors, especially the adhesive types. People have complained of the strips coming off while driving. It seems the glue’s effectiveness depends on things like the alloy wheel finish. And alloy rim protectors are not designed to absorb a serious kerbing – they only offer light protection.

Which rim protectors should I get?

There are two main kinds of alloy wheel rim protectors. Alloygators are made of a tough nylon and slot between the alloy wheel and the tire. They are more expensive to buy, and usually need to be professionally fitted, which adds even more to the cost. But they are more durable than other types and don’t depend on adhesive to stay put.

The second type is self-adhesive rim protectors, which stick over the edge of the alloys. These are cheaper and can be fitted at home, but are made of rubber and will not withstand as much damage.

Rim protectors are not advised for use on diamond cut alloy wheels or wheels with lacquer or paint finishes on. If you’re not sure what kind of alloys you have, ask a local garage or fitting specialist for advice. get in touch for more information directly from the supplier 00971 54 3066345

Fitting alloy wheel rim protectors

How to fit the rim protector depends on the type you want. Products that slot between the wheel and the tire, like Alloygators, should be professionally fitted. This is because the process is complicated and the tire must be deflated for the fitting to take place.

If you do want to try it at home, you’ll need to glue little metal guards to the protector at intervals and knock it into place with a rubber mallet. Read the fitting guide on Alloygator’s website here.