Rim damage from curb

[Cauf E. Bean]

Cauf E. Bean,
I also use convex mirrors. I install them on all my cars and have done so since my 1964 Chevy Impala SS . The ones I installed on my Stang are actually frameless. In the attached picture, it appears there is a frame, but it is just the edge of the mirror. As you can see, there is plenty of usable space for normal viewing, and if mounted as I have, the blind spot indicator is not an issue. If you haven't used them before, you can't imagine how useful they can be. It really gives you a great view, including the lane next to you. I will say you have to train yourself; in my case, I look at the convex mirror first and then the normal view. But then again, I trained myself 61 years ago. If parallel parking is a concern, I set my #2 driver profile to lower my mirrors, and the convex mirrors help with that as well. Glenn

That looks like a better fit than the ones I ended up buying, but zooming into your photo, I still can't see the wheels and their proximity to the curb. Might just be bad camera angle, but the ones I installed offer only a tiny sliver of wheel visibility, and the convexity of the mirror makes judging distances a little difficult (not impossible, but far from convenient). I still think there has to be an electronic solution to this problem in the aftermarket world.

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[glenng6]

That looks like a better fit than the ones I ended up buying, but zooming into your photo, I still can't see the wheels and their proximity to the curb. Might just be bad camera angle, but the ones I installed offer only a tiny sliver of wheel visibility, and the convexity of the mirror makes judging distances a little difficult (not impossible, but far from convenient). I still think there has to be an electronic solution to this problem in the aftermarket world.

Well, I certainly didn't intend to include the wheels when I took the pic. As far as assisting in parking, I use the #3 profile for driver seat/mirror position to accomplish that. After I set the #1 profile, I adjust the mirrors down so I can see the curbs and set that mirror position for profile #3. Works like a charm. Not my idea, and I can't remember who first posted the idea. Another great idea is setting the favorite button to track exhaust. So I start up in quiet mode, and when away from home, switch to my normal drive mode, which is custom, sport, sport, and sport. Then I switch to track mode using the favorite button. If I want to turn off track mode, I just touch the favorite button, and it switches to the last used exhaust setting, which in my case is normally sport. Again, this tip is also not my idea but well worth mentioning again. Glenn

 

[Cipis]

Depends on how bad the scuff/scrape is. I had a minor one on one of the Sparcos on my RS, and used a wide tipped black Sharpie twice a year to keep it covered up. Two coats.

Bravo! This is exactly what I have in mind. Take sharpie and once in year or so touch up. I think it is going to work just fine. I scratched mine yesterday…

 

[Cipis]

Well, I realize mistakes happen. But I'm of the opinion that a competent driver shouldn't need sensors to keep from curbing their rims. At a certain point drivers need to take some basic responsibility and not expect the cars nannies to do every little thing for you.

That being said, an overhead 360 camera is a nice feature when parking in tight spaces. But those were mostly invented for soccer moms driving SUVs.

I would add that is is not just about drivers experience, but what location you are driving in. For example, in US I can imagine the large space and areas free of jammed traffic, wide open, easy to park anywhere. Here in Prague in Czech Republic, try not to scratch a wheel. Impossible, there are trams and angry drivers behind you while trying to fit in the only spot in the street after driving around block 5 times. There is no time to readjust to park perfectly. Eaither make it fast on first time or just go away from town, there is nobody going to give you easy life just by slowing down. Once you stop for parking, the heat is coming within seconds. Cannot avoid it, to crowded, too small space, no parking spots. Therefore rims are guaranteed to be scratched. Haven’t seen undamaged rims in this town ever.

Scaped mine a couple of weeks ago. Called the local Wheel Doctor and in less than an hour and $100, can't tell where it was damaged. See before and after.

that is baaaad

 

[glenng6]

I need silver but will give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion! Glenn

Wiley,
I just checked the marker touchup on my rim yesterday (touched up in July 25) and it still looks good. I don't even need to do it again! Glenn

 

[Cipis]

Bravo! This is exactly what I have in mind. Take sharpie and once in year or so touch up. I think it is going to work just fine. I scratched mine yesterday…

Permanent marker made its job surprisingly well done! Fixed!

 

[jboogie1289]

One of the many, many policies and plans pitched in the finance office before you close the deal is tire/wheel insurance. If you didn't buy this plan, you can contact your dealer and ask who they would use to recondition the rim. Contact the vendor directly and see what they charge, or do a Google search for alloy wheel restoration and see what is in your area.

I put these convex mirrors on all my cars. Pull up past where you want to park and back up carefully using the convex mirror and/or backup cameras. If you expect to rough up your rims again, try this and see if it reduces how often you meet the curb. Saved my life more than once in emergency highway lane changes too - eliminates the blind spot. I stick them on both mirrors.

On another Post here, someone recommended adding a Profile Setting where your side mirrors are facing the ground aimed at the rear wheels and this would potentially solve this issue. I’ve done it and it works pretty well. Not that I ever get that close to the curb when parking but really wanted to try it out.

 

[glenng6]

On another Post here, someone recommended adding a Profile Setting where your side mirrors are facing the ground aimed at the rear wheels and this would potentially solve this issue. I’ve done it and it works pretty well. Not that I ever get that close to the curb when parking but really wanted to try it out.

You don't have to get close and using this setting on button #3 makes sure you don't. Push button #3 to park and button #1 when you are done! Easy, peasy! Glenn

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