GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

So I'm probably asking a question that any car owner should know, but I'm a new first-time car owner... and I love my Vibe... but I think I hurt it.I curb checked pretty hard here in the city and I couldn't back up so I kinda plowed through it. The result is some bend in the tire cover. The inside part looks fine and the tire hasn't lost any air... but I definitely scuffed up the rubber. Photos below.A few questions.1. Do I need to get this looked at? 1.a. If so, what sort of a place do I go to? A tire place or the dealer?2. Can I get a new cover thingy to match the others? 2.a. Where would I get this? The dealership?3. Should I be driving it to and from work today? (Approx. 4 miles each way)?4. If I do need to get it fixed, any idea what kind of cost I'm looking at?I live in a city and parallel park on the street, so my tires get banged up pretty regularly. I'm not looking for my tires to always be perfect, mostly just looking to not mess up the car.

From the photos, it appears you damaged only the cover and not the wheel. If, when driving it, it doesn't pull to either side, your wheel and alignment is okay. Covers can be gotten at the dealer.

Checked that this morning - no pulling while I drive.

I agree with Houston it looks like that cover prevented any damage.

you can get another hubcap from the dealer -- but you'll pay ALOT less if you can find 1 used.http://washingtondc.craigslist....html

Your right mirror is adjustable from inside the car,thats what I do when backing up along side a curb. I drove the 85 into work last night & just adjusted the mirror down so I could see the curb.

Gotta watch those curbs! Give them plenty of room. You were lucky not to pinch and break the tire sidewall. That would require a new tire, as there is no fix for that little problem. Good to hear that your alignment is ok. Keep an eye on tread wear and air pressure on that tire for a while, just in case.Don't go to a dealer for a Hub Cap. Way too much $$$$$... unless you know someone in the industry that will slip you one for minimum cash. Best to go look for one at a parts recycler (local junk yard, they were once called!) Should be able to find one, easily enough.

Given my parallel parking skillz... I think I need the extra wheel protection.This incident however was not while parking - I did it while taking a tight turn onto a crowded street.

PS Could I maybe just hammer my hubcap back into place a little? Is that a dumb idea?

Quote, originally posted by DCViber »PS Could I maybe just hammer my hubcap back into place a little? Is that a dumb idea?Isn't it plastic?

Quote, originally posted by VforVIBE »Isn't it plastic?A rubber mallet (hammer) can be used to try to tap it back gently...DCViber, as for the hubcap, try taking it off and post pictures of the rim itself; we could tell a little better if there is damage to the steel rim. That may be the only true way to see if it is actually damaged. It does not looked damaged from those pictures , but never know.

Keep paying attention to the handling - I hit a curb on an icy day hard enough to bend the steel wheel. After replacing the wheel, I had a very difficult time determining if the car was also out of alignment. Sometimes it would seem to drift, other times not. I finally took it in to get it checked and found the hit had shoved my entire front subframe back about 2" on one side.

You guys are such a great resource. I like to worry a lot about my car... but being able to get some answers and insights here really calms me down. Will try to post a picture without the hubcap, but am working all weekend and might not be able to for a few days. I need an oil change soon, maybe they can check out the tire area.

If you have a propane torch available you can try removing the hubcap & CAREFULLY heat it from the back to soften it to straighten it out. Run it under cold water to cool it off after your done straightening it out.If you never used a torch before I dont recommend it.....you might melt your hubcap LOL !

from the photo it looks as if the hubcap is just caught on the lip where the wheel weights would be placed. pry it out from that lip and the hub cap should pop back to being flat

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Never used a torch before... but come on - that sounds so fun!

Just dont burn the house down....lol

(removed) KeithVibe! You were right! My hubcap popped right back into place! I don't need a new one and it looks normal again! Thanks so much!