Genesis GV70 Wheel Repair Review - Curb Rash Fix

Driving your Genesis GV70 should be a pleasure, but encountering curbs can quickly lead to unsightly damage on your alloy wheels. This review details the process of repairing and refinishing a GV70's wheels that suffered from curb rash, including a color change to a sophisticated gloss black. ## Understanding GV70 Wheel Damage and Repair Needs When a Genesis GV70 owner noticed significant scratches on the edge of their 19-inch factory silver wheels from contact with a curb, they sought professional wheel repair. The damage primarily affected the wheel's rim and the area near the tire sidewall. After a thorough inspection, it was confirmed that the tire itself was structurally sound, meaning a wheel restoration was the appropriate solution rather than a full replacement. This is a common scenario for many drivers, where minor impacts can mar the appearance of otherwise pristine wheels. ## The Powder Coating Process for Wheel Restoration Beyond simply fixing the scratches, the owner opted to enhance the GV70's aesthetic by changing the wheel color from silver to a premium gloss black. This transformation involves several key stages: 1. **Surface Preparation:** The process begins with meticulous sanding to remove all existing contaminants, old paint, and imperfections from the wheel surface. Any scratches or gouges are carefully smoothed out. This pre-treatment is crucial for the longevity and finish quality of the new coating. 2. **Powder Coating Application:** Instead of traditional liquid paint, powder coating uses electrostatically charged dry powder, which is then sprayed onto the wheel. The wheel is subsequently heated in a high-temperature oven (around 200°C or 392°F). This method creates a durable, thick, and resilient finish that is highly resistant to chipping from road debris, brake dust, and general wear. For this GV70, a base coat of black was applied, followed by a layer of gloss black to achieve a deep, rich color. 3. **Clear Coat and Curing:** To add extra shine and protection, a clear coat is applied over the gloss black finish. This final layer further shields the wheel from environmental damage and maintains its lustrous appearance over time. ## Reassembly and Wheel Balancing Once the painting and coating processes are complete, the wheels are carefully prepared for reinstallation. The tires are remounted onto the refinished wheels with protective taping to prevent any accidental damage during the process. Following this, a critical step is wheel balancing. Using advanced equipment like a Hofmann 3D wheel balancer, technicians ensure the wheel and tire assembly is perfectly balanced, eliminating any vibrations at high speeds. This not only enhances driving comfort but also contributes to the longevity of the tires and suspension components. Finally, the balanced wheel and tire assemblies are mounted back onto the Genesis GV70, torqued to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench. The result is a set of wheels that look brand new, with a custom finish that elevates the vehicle's overall appearance. **Cost and Time Considerations:** The cost for this type of wheel repair and powder coating can vary based on the extent of the damage, the size of the wheels, and the specific finishing process. In Korea, for a service like this on a Genesis GV70, costs can range from approximately 300,000 to 600,000 KRW (roughly $220-$440 USD, depending on exchange rates). The entire process, from initial inspection to final mounting, typically takes about one to two days.